Helping our kids get into a good college can seem like an overwhelming task, so Independent College Consultant, Marie Morris, stopped by to help simplify the process.

 Fall to-do list:

Seniors

• Finish essay and/or insight resume and any other short answer questions.  Get the writing parts of the application done now.
• Identify which academic teachers to ask for recommendations and ask them NOW.
• Register for ACT, SAT or subject tests -- if necessary -- one last time.
• Create an activities resume, listed in order of importance (not chronologically).
• Start filling out college admissions applications.  Check the supplements and get that writing done.
• Search for scholarships.
• Make a master list of deadlines on the calendar -- including scholarship, housing and financial aid deadlines.
• Make sure your transcript and records are correct and up-to-date.
• Make the last of the college visits and request interviews.

Juniors

• Register for the PSAT in October.  This is the year it counts for National Merit Scholar.
• Get off to a good start for the school year.  Many Juniors have more difficult classes (AP/IB)and it is easy to fall behind.
• Check high school college center for visits from colleges.
• Attend the College Fair.
• Target a few schools to visit this fall.
• Have the college "money talk" between parents and children.
• Search for scholarships.
• Consider joining a new club or taking a leadership position.