Just because you're at the beginning of the college process doesn't mean you don't have a lot to do. Whether you're preparing for the PSATs or starting to think about majors, it's smart to get a jumpstart on the competition. To stay at the head of the class, just click on the current month you're in. We'll tell you exactly what you should be doing, and where to get the info you need.

January
Plan to visit the colleges you're interested in. Call the Admissions Office to arrange a tour and a visit with the Financial Aid Office, too. Go when school is in session so you can get a feel for the campus and social life. For information on the city nearest the campus, including hotels and attractions, visit Bestplaces.net first. Find out how much it costs to live in the city by visiting our Cost of Living Calculator.

Going for an early decision? If your school requires the SAT, you have to take it early. Like NOW! See your Guidance Counselor to register.

Work with your parents and start reviewing their financial resources and financial aid opportunities. Look for FREE money (otherwise known as scholarships) at ScholarSearch, Chela's online scholarship finder.

Evaluate your finances. You'll need money for tuition, books, room and board, and some fun stuff, too! Start with our In-School Budget Calculator to figure out how much you'll need for college. Then click on Paying4School to find out more about the affordable federal and consumer loans Chela offers to help get you through school.

February
Register for the SAT or the ACT (American College Testing) if you plan to take them in your junior year or early in your senior year. Register right online at collegeboard.com or Act.org now.

Stop by your school's Guidance Office to page through college brochures and catalogs. Or check out My College Picks

March
Visit colleges you're interested in and narrow down your choices. Print out our list of questions you can ask each college:

School Name: __________________________

Date of Visit: ___________________________

Questions:

• What are your academic goals? How strong is the program you may major in?
• Are there professors in the department who specialize in your area of interest?
• How big are the classes? Will you be able to interact with your professors?
• What is the Faculty/Student ratio? How many classes are taught by Teaching Assistants?
• What extracurricular activities are offered? How strong is the athletics program?
• Does the school offer intramural sports?
• What kinds of programs and services does the school provide, including personal and career counseling, internship and co-op programs, student employment help, alumni connections and more.
• Do most students live on campus or commute?
• What is the housing market or campus housing like?
• Is the campus in the inner city, countryside or somewhere in between?
• What is the community around the college like?
• How safe is the college campus and the surrounding community?
• What kind of weather does the school have throughout the year?
• How far is the college from home?
• What scholarship opportunities are available?
• How much does it cost to attend?

If possible, schedule visits during the school year so you can talk with students and attend a class or two. Summer or weekend visits may be less informative. Talk to your guidance counselor about arranging these visits.

Go to Bestplaces.net for more information on the school's city or town, including places to stay, eat and visit.

An Admissions Representative from your college may be visiting your school! Ask your Guidance Counselor to arrange a meeting. We've attached a College Interview Checklist with questions you should be prepared to answer. Just print out this checklist and review it before your meeting.

College Interview Checklist

School Name: __________________________

Admissions Rep: _______________________

Date of Visit: ___________________________

• Why do you want to go to this school?
• What are you considering as a major? Why?
• What is your greatest accomplishment?
• Is there a course or project of which you're particularly proud?
• What do you see yourself doing in the future? Five years from now?
• Of the books you've read this year, which was your favorite and why?
• How would you describe yourself to a stranger?
• What extracurricular activities are important to you?
• What is your worst fault?
• If you could interview someone dead or alive, who would it be and what would your first question be? Why?
• Who are your heroes and why?
• Be prepared to ask at least 3 questions.

Interview Tips:

• Do your homework.
• Know something about the school.
• Arrive early.
• Ask questions.
• Dress conservatively.
• Be appropriately enthusiastic and confident.
• Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to learn more about the school.
• Send a thank you note.

April
Ask about college prep programs available during the summer.

Take the SAT or ACT.

May
Distinguish yourself through your achievements. Involvement in sports, community activities, the arts and clubs demonstrates commitment and responsibility to the community.

Attend college nights and career fairs in your area.

Summer (June-August)
Show your colleges what a hard worker you are! Find a summer job related to your major or career interest. Try the classifieds in your local paper. Or consider starting your own business – anything from tutoring to dog walking.

Interested in volunteering? Look for non-profit organizations in your area, including Hospice, local hospitals and summer camps. Visit web sites such as youthventure.org, actnow.com, govolunteer.com, redcross.org for local and national volunteer opportunities.

Take classes and participate in activities that will make you more desirable to colleges, including baseball, soccer, tennis, or a summer band or orchestra.

Toward the end of summer, create a short list of schools you'd like to attend. Still looking for schools? Go to College Finder, Chela's online college search site.

Consider the costs of the schools you are interested in and the financial aid they offer.

Use our In-School Budget Calculator and our Expected Family Contribution Calculator to help you figure out your total cost of attendance.

Decide which colleges you'd like to apply to. Pick at least one 'safety' school which is sure to accept you. But don't be afraid to add long shots, too.

Request admission and financial aid packages from each of the colleges you are interested in.

September
Sign up for the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test). Stop by your local library or go online for SAT/ACT study guides and software loaded with information, tips and practice tests.

Are you making the grades for college? Colleges want students who excel in challenging, college prep classes. Talk to your Guidance Counselor about taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses that can help you earn college credits.

October
Take charge of your future! Check your school's Guidance Office for upcoming college fairs and college nights. Ask for college catalogs. Sign up for campus tours with your school or visit on your own.

Take the PSAT as a warm-up to the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Try an online prep test for free at collegeboard.com.

Discuss college majors with your Guidance Counselor and the career choices they offer.

Click on MyChela's My College Counselor to get detailed information on majors and careers. Take an aptitude test if you're not sure what you want to do. Be sure you're taking courses now that will be required for your major.

Put together a list of colleges you would like to attend. Most people apply to 3-10 schools. Check out our My College Picks to search for colleges and universities that match your specific goals and values.

November
Keep your eye on the prize by getting good grades. We know it's hard work, but you'll have more colleges to choose from. Chela offers you assistance with your homework, papers and research through My Encyclopedia and our online Dictionary/Thesaurus.

Visit colleges online through Chela's college search web site. Compare what each school has to offer and decide what features you like best. Click on our My College Picks to initiate a detailed college search.

December
Planning to apply for early admission? Your school of choice may require the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), and now's the time to register with the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Go to collegeboard.com to register right online.

Find out whether your prospective colleges accept the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT). Then see your Guidance Counselor to sign up for the tests you need. What's the rush, you ask? If you don't like your score, you can retake the test and improve your score. Go to collegeboard.com for upcoming SAT and ACT registration deadlines and test dates.

Take a practice test or prep course for the SAT or ACT. Pick up study guides or computer software loaded with information, tips and practice tests from your local library.