• Freshman year, encourage your teen to get involved in clubs, volunteer work or sports. Colleges want to see activities, and they prefer unusual ones. Begin a plan for obtaining financial aid.

• Sophomore year, she should be checking out college brochures and websites. She should take the practice PSAT exam. Continue planning for financial aid.

• Junior year, she should take the PSAT test. Then she should take an SAT study course. Sign up at least six weeks in advance for the spring SAT. Talk to a counselor about the SAT II. Know all courses your teen will need to apply to colleges of her choice.

• Senior year, begin applications. Know every deadline for applying to schools and for financial aid. Meeting these is crucial.

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