The count-down to college begins the moment a student enters high school. Here are a few ways to plan ahead:

•  Get Involved - Students should find something that they really like doing and then dive into it. Maybe they're drawn to sports, student council, music, art, etc. By becoming involved, students develop skills and colleges like students who will add something to their campus.

•  Get Organized and Learn How to Manage Time - One of the most crucial skills for students to master is the art of organization. Find and use a good student planner. The ones that have pocket folders, dividers and a planning calendar are best. Students should use one calendar to plan all their school and personal activities thus avoiding scheduling conflicts and missed appointments. Color-coding also helps - highlight test dates in yellow, study time in blue and recreational activities in green.

Another skill that must be mastered is that of time management. How time is used is just as important as how much time is being used. Students should make a schedule or a "to do" list putting things that are most important at the top.

Find the right time. Students work more efficiently if they figure out when they do their best work. For example, if their brain handles math better in the afternoon, they shouldn't wait to do it until late at night. Don't procrastinate - just do it. Students that work ahead find themselves much better off.

•  Take Challenging Courses - Colleges look at grades, but they also look at the courses taken. Students should be taking the most challenging courses that they can handle. Getting a "B" in an "honors" class can look better to a college than an "A" in a regular class. Plus, if a student pursues advanced classes, such as AP courses, they may be able to earn college credit.

•  Get Help - Having trouble in class? Many schools have peer tutors, students in upper grades who will help fellow students (for free). Students should talk to their teacher or school guidance counselor about available tutoring resources.

•  Read - Students should read at least 30 minutes every day, beyond study and homework. They should read what interests them - magazines, novels, whatever. People who read more - know more. And when taking the PSAT, ACT, or SAT test, knowing more will really pay off.

The classes a student takes have a huge impact on their chances of getting into college. A student's choice of classes, and their performance in them, reveal whether they are academically prepared, intellectually curious, and up to the challenge of taking progressively harder courses. All these criteria are important to college admissions committees.

As students plan their high school classes, they should focus on meeting the high school graduation requirements as well as college admission requirements. But they also want to take courses that will stimulate their interests and challenge them academically. Students should review their 4-year plan with their guidance counselor so they can be sure they are taking the courses required for graduation as well as for college admissions.

College bound students should take:

•  Algebra I and Geometry: Algebra and geometry form the foundation for the advanced math and science courses colleges want students to take and give students the skills they need to succeed on college entrance exams, in college math classes, and in their future career. If a student does well in math - consider taking these courses at an "honors" level.

•  English, Science, History and Geography: Together with math, these courses make up a student's core classes - the basic academic classes a student should take every year in high school. Students will have many options within these subjects but again should always take the most challenging level they can.

•  Foreign Language: Most colleges require students to study a foreign language for at least two years and many prefer three or four years of one language. Taking a foreign language shows colleges that the student is serious and willing to take the basic courses plus more. It also shows future employers that they are prepared to compete in a global economy.

•  The Arts: Many colleges see participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens a student's understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

When reviewing a student's application, admissions officers are considering the student's ability to handle college-level courses. One way this is done is by reviewing a student's transcript. Admissions officers not only look at a student's grades but also their choice of courses. It is important for students to challenge themselves with "Honors" and "Advanced Placement" (AP) classes. Taking challenging courses is a strong indication that the student is ready for college-level classes - even if it means getting a "B" instead of an "A".

Colleges look first for the core curriculum, but they also look to see electives over and above such as art, music, journalism, or computer programming which can create a richer experience. Students should follow their passion and their strengths in pursing electives.

Some schools offer elective courses in journalism or band that correspond with extra-curricular activities and reduce the student's after-school time commitment.

A student who excels in foreign languages could boost their grade point average and class standing by enrolling in a fourth year of Spanish or French.

Warning: Students should not stock up on light courses during their senior year - colleges look for a student's ability to maintain four years of academic course work.

Colleges are seeking well-rounded students. A well-rounded college class includes both accomplished musicians and talented athletes - along with yearbook editors, chess players, student-body leaders, artists, volunteers, computer enthusiasts, and a host of other interesting people.

The freshman and sophomore years of high school are a good time for students to figure out their interests and abilities, and then get involved with activities that use those talents. Students will naturally want to spend more time on things that interest them.

By their junior year, students should know what they enjoy most and begin contributing more time to those activities that interest them most. Colleges want students who demonstrate long-term involvement and commitment to a few activities. That also means taking on more responsibility and leadership roles in their area of interest.

Florida's Bright Futures Academic Scholar's Award and the CCPS Laureate Program require that students document a minimum of seventy-five (75) hours of community service. Many local scholarships and other awards also require community service.

Community service refers to service that a person performs for the benefit of his or her local community. Examples of community service projects include (but are not limited to): beach or park clean-up, volunteering for a Habitat for Humanity project, tutoring for free or helping out at a local library.

CCPS lists the following criteria for documenting volunteer/community service hours:

•  Students must obtain prior approval from their school counselor to ensure that the community service site meets the criteria and that the student will receive community service hours for volunteering.

•  Volunteer services to a local non-profit community agency that meets the following guidelines:

•  Obtain documentation of service hours from the site supervisor, on agency letterhead, of student hours, dates of service and service activities.

•  The service hours will be placed on the student's transcript after an evaluation is completed by the school guidance counselor.

Students should check with the guidance department at their high school, most have a list of community service opportunities available in the area. They can also contact the Parks & Recreation Department, the local library, animal shelters, and non-profits that work with children and/or the elderly.

Some agencies have age requirements and/or orientation programs for their volunteers so students should call in advance for details.

Participating in the Advanced Placement Program in high school demonstrates a student's maturity and readiness for college. It also shows their willingness to push themselves to the limit and emphasizes their commitment to academic excellence.

The AP Program gives a student the opportunity to take college-level courses while they're still in high school. Each AP course has a corresponding AP Exam that schools administer in May. Taking an AP Exam allows students to experience a college-level exam now, while they are still in high school. Their work will be evaluated by unbiased college and university professors and AP teachers using college-level standards. Students risk nothing by taking the exam as they control which colleges (if any) receive their AP Exam grade.

Most colleges and universities in the U.S. grant students credit, placement, or both for qualifying AP Exam grades (not AP course grades), providing them with more study options in college. For example, a student could move into upper-level courses in their field of interest, pursue a double major or a B.A./M.A. program, or gain time to study or travel abroad.

Students should speak with their guidance counselor or teachers about AP Program offerings and their eligibility.

Like choosing a college, deciding on a summer program depends on a student's interests, talents and in some cases their financial resources. A musician may want to hone their skills at a music-oriented program. An athlete might jump at the chance to attend a sports camp. One popular summer experience is living and learning on a college campus. Some programs even offer students the opportunity to earn college credit.

The first step in selecting a summer program is finding out what's available. Students can visit their high school guidance office, bookstore, or public library to find information on summer programs. But be aware, college admission officers are looking to see what makes the student the person he or she is. That means choosing summer activities based on the student's interests, not on what one thinks might impress a college admissions officer.

The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test or PSAT is often considered the practice test for the SAT. The PSAT measures a student's academic abilities as compared to students throughout the nation.

While a student's PSAT scores will not affect their admissions into college, the score from their junior year PSAT will be used to determine if they qualify for a National Merit Scholarship and scholarships from the National Hispanic Scholarship Program. Scores are also used to identify applicants for appointment to military academies.

Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure a student's knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge.

Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Used in combination with other background information (high school record, scores from other tests like the SAT Reasoning Test, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable measure of a student's academic achievement and are a good predictor of future performance.

Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take. Before deciding which tests to take, students should make a list of the colleges they are considering. Then find out whether the colleges in which they are interested in attending require scores for admission and, if so, how many tests and in which subjects. Students may then want to plan and adjust their high school course schedule accordingly.

Many colleges that don't require Subject Test scores will still review them since they can give a fuller picture of a student's academic background.

The Quest College Admissions program recommends that students who have completed an AP course check to see if there is a corresponding Subject Test offered. If so, the Subject Test should be taken as soon as possible while the material is still fresh in the student's mind.

Note: Up to three Subject Tests may be taken on one test date.

The Quest College Admissions Program recommends that students take each test once to see which test is better for the student. All but two colleges in the U.S. accept either test for admissions so there is no need to worry about one test being preferred over the other.

The ACT measures selected skills and acquired knowledge obtained in high school and is designed to predict the likelihood of student success in college freshman courses. The test content covers subject-area knowledge in reading, math, English and science. ACT scores range from 1 to 36.

The SAT is a multiple-choice test that measures verbal, math, and writing reasoning abilities. The test is designed to measure aptitude for success in college freshmen courses, and the scores are intended to be used with the secondary school record and other information about the student in assessing readiness for college-level work. SAT scores range from 200-800.

The Quest College Admissions Program recommends that students take each test once in the spring of their junior year.

The best ways for students to prepare for the ACT or SAT is to study hard and read as much as possible. The testing companies themselves agree, "The best preparation is to take challenging courses in high school," says Kristin Crouse from ACT. "That prepares students best for college, and that's what the ACT measures."

Reading is another great way to prepare. Choose books, magazines, and newspapers that will strengthen reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Take a practice test. Look carefully at the questions that were wrong. Read the explanations of the right answers. Don't just study the answers themselves - look at the reasoning behind each answer. If certain types of questions or certain topics are more problematic than others, get some help from a teacher in those areas. For example, a math teacher can recommend a good book to review the basics of geometry or algebra.

The night before the test - get a good night's rest. The morning of the test - don't skip breakfast. It's harder to concentrate on an empty stomach. Plan to arrive at the testing center early. Bring a snack to munch during the break.

Ideally, students have been thinking about college from the moment they entered high school by taking challenging courses, becoming involved in school related activities and accumulating community service hours. At the start of their junior year of high school, students should begin to really focus on the type of college that is "right" for them.

Different types of colleges suit different types of people.

Other considerations:

Students should ask themselves:

On the average, students submit six applications:

•  Two "reach" schools - admissions requirements are higher than the student's G.P.A. or test scores; however, on any given day the student could be exactly the applicant the school is looking for.

•  Two "ideal" schools - the student's G.P.A. and test scores fit into the mid-range of the school's requirements.

•  Two "safety" schools - the student's G.P.A. and test scores are at the top of the requirements for that school.

While every college is different, some factors consistently rank as important or very important:

•  Advance Placement (AP) and/or Honors Courses.

•  Standardized Test Scores.

•  Overall High School Grades.

•  Class Rank.

•  Letters of Recommendation.

•  Admissions Essay.

•  Extracurricular Activities.

•  Special Talent.

Most colleges give very specific instructions about who they want to write a student's recommendations. Usually it is a junior or senior teacher in an academic subject like English, math, science, history or foreign language. Some schools will even specify particular subjects so first check the requirements of each school for which a recommendation is needed.

Once students have determined which teachers to ask, they should pick the one who knows them best and schedule a time to meet. Students should prepare a packet with a cover letter explaining which schools they will be applying to and the application deadlines, the school's letter of recommendation forms, stamped and addressed envelopes, and a resume of their activities (both in school and out of school). From the teachers, colleges are looking for the student's academic talents and accomplishments within their classroom - specific examples of the student's achievements, rather than just vague praise.

Make sure to give the recommendation writers plenty of time - at least one month before letters are due. Students should also waive their right to read the letter of recommendation. Schools feel the writer will give a more accurate indication of a student's strengths and weaknesses if they know that the student won't be seeing it.

At many competitive colleges, the college admissions essay is a very important part of the application process. The college admissions essay gives the admissions committee a chance to know the applicant a little better and get insight that may not be available elsewhere on the application.

Choosing a topic says something about the student. The college regards the choice of topic as a way to evaluate a student's preferences, values, mental processes, creativity, sense of humor, and depth of knowledge. A student's writing will reflect their power of persuasion, organizational abilities, style, and mastery of standard written English.

A great application essay will present a vivid, personal, and compelling view of the student to the admissions staff. It will round out the rest of their application.

Here are a few do's and don'ts:

•  Follow instructions. Colleges have carefully selected their essays and word limit. Failure to follow directions may raise all sorts of red flags.

•  Colleges are not looking for individuals who have done a little bit of everything. Schools are looking for people with a passion to impact others and organizations. It is more meaningful for candidates to have two or three activities that they have invested their time into than to have a list of ten activities with superficial involvement.

•  Don't tell them about how wonderful their college is, the evils of terrorism, or the personal commitment involved in being a doctor - they've read it. Bring something new to the table.

•  Admissions officers are interested in a student's focus, perceptions, and opinions. Students should write about their observations, reactions, opinions, perceptions, and reflections - how something made them look at life differently, or how they applied an experience to other areas of their life.

•  Don't include information that can be found elsewhere in the application.

•  Don't use fifty words when five will do.

•  Avoid clichés, slang, and contractions.

•  Proofread - typos and spelling or grammatical errors can be interpreted as carelessness or just bad writing. Don't rely on a computer's spell check.

A college interview can be stressful but it can also be an opportunity for the student to show that they are more than just test scores and grades. It's a conversation, not a test - there is no pass or fail. It is a chance to talk positively about their interests, to show their personality, and to boost their chance of admission. Students should be excited about what they've done and where they are going. Asking questions shows that they're interested in the college. Students should always have a question in mind about the college or their major field to show that they have a deep interest in attending the school. It is also a good time to explain any hitch in their transcript or discuss any personal circumstances that affected their studies.

A student should not:

•  Be late.

•  Memorize speeches - it is important to sound natural.

•  Ask questions covered by the college catalog.

•  Chew gum.

•  Wear lots of cologne or perfume.

•  Swear or use too much slang.

•  Be arrogant - there's a fine line between being confident and boasting.

•  Lie - it will come back to haunt them.

•  Respond with only yes or no answers.

•  Tell the school it's their safety school.

•  Be rude to the receptionist or any other staff they may encounter.

•  Bring a parent to the interview.

•  Refuse an interview - this is usually noted.

Finally, remember to thank the person (and remember his or her name). Mail the interviewer a thank-you note. This not only is polite, it shows the student's interest in the school and will be noted in their file.

A student should only apply for an early decision if they are very, very sure of the college they want to attend and they have taken all the required tests before the fall of their senior year.

Early decision plans allow students to apply early (usually no later than mid-November) and get an admissions decision from the college well in advance of the usual notification date. But there is a catch. Early decision plans are binding, meaning that if a student applies as an early decision candidate, they agree to attend the college if they are accepted and offered an adequate financial aid package. Although students can apply to only one college for early decision, they may apply to other colleges through the regular admissions process. If, however, they are accepted by their first-choice college early, they must withdraw all other applications. Usually, colleges insist on a non-refundable deposit well before May 1.

Students should not apply for early decision if they plan to weigh offers and financial aid packages from several colleges later in the spring or if it is to their advantage to have more of their senior year work to show a college (students who anticipate excellent grades at the end of the semester).

If a student receives a wait-list notice, they need to decide whether they really want to attend the school before they agree to remain on the list. If they are eventually accepted, they often get only a few days to decide. Also, investigate any conditions which may be attached to being wait-listed - priority housing or financial aid options.

Here are a few things students can do to improve their chance of being accepted.

•  Get a better sense of your chances of admission. Colleges sometimes rank waiting lists. The higher a student ranks on the list the better their chances of being accepted. Contact the admissions office to find out if it ranks wait-listed students or if it has a priority list. Most admissions officers are willing to tell students their status.

•  Write a letter to the admissions office. Being wait-listed means the school has already determined that the student has the academic credentials; so non-academic factors are more likely to sway admissions officials.

•  Study hard. Wait-listed students may be re-evaluated based on third- and fourth-quarter grades.

•  Request another (or first) interview. An interview gives the student a personal contact - someone who can check on the status of their application.  

Colleges don't decide who will be admitted off the wait-list until the May 1st decision deadline has passed. Prepare to attend another school by filling out the paperwork and sending in a deposit. If you're accepted off the waiting-list, you will forfeit your deposit at the first school and be required to submit a deposit to the second.

The Bright Futures Scholarship Program is the umbrella program for all state-funded scholarships based on academic achievement in high school.

To meet the general eligibility requirements for any of the scholarships, a student must:

•  Apply for a Bright Futures Scholarship by submitting a completed Florida Financial Aid Application during their last year in high school.

•  Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, as determined by their post-secondary institution.

•  Earn a Florida standard high school diploma or its equivalent.

•  Be accepted by and enrolled in an eligible Florida pubic or independent post-secondary education institution.

•  Be enrolled for at least six semester credit hours or the equivalent.

•  Not have been found guilty of, or pled no contest to, a felony charge.

•  Begin using the award within three years of their high school graduation* or after four years of active Military Service.

* Graduation from a Florida high school is a requirement of the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. However, if the student is home educated, a GED recipient, early admissions student, or an out-of-state student due to their parent's military or public service assignment, the student may still be able to qualify for a Bright Futures Scholarship. Contact their office to find out more at (888) 827-2004.

A student may receive funding for only one award. The highest award earned by the student will be selected.

The three Florida Bright Futures Scholarships are:

•  Florida Academic Scholars Award,

•  Florida Medallion Scholars Award,

•  Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award

There are many different definitions of financial aid, but generally, financial aid is monies made available by the federal government, state governments, colleges, universities, corporations, and private foundations to help families pay for educational costs. While most aid is based upon financial need, an increasing number of colleges and universities are awarding scholarships on the basis of academic performance as well. These scholarships are known as "merit" aid.

Grants and scholarships are the most popular form of assistance, as they do not have to be repaid. Low-interest loans are another common form of assistance used by many students attending college.

Students should apply for aid, even if they don't think they will qualify. There are many factors affecting eligibility for financial aid and a student who didn't qualify one year might become eligible during the next year when a brother or sister enrolls in college or there is a change in family financial circumstances.

To apply for student financial aid from the federal government, including the Pell Grant, Perkins Loan, Stafford Loan and work-study, students need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There is no charge for submitting this form.

The FAFSA is the financial aid application made available by the United States federal government and used by most colleges and universities to determine student eligibility for federal aid. Many colleges and universities also use the FAFSA to determine how much financial aid a student will receive from their own institution. Some state governments also use the FAFSA to determine who will get financial aid from the state.

Some private colleges and universities will require one or more supplemental forms to obtain information not included on the FAFSA. They may have their own forms or they may request the student to complete the College Board's CSS PROFILE form.

There are several differences between the CSS PROFILE and the FAFSA. To learn more about each form or to complete them online visit:

www.fafsa.ed.gov

www.profileonline.collegeboard.com

•  The high school guidance counselor may have information about scholarships. Students should check with their guidance counselor on a regular basis for lists of local scholarships (and those that have been awarded to students in the past).

•  Family members may be affiliated with groups that offer scholarships. Employers, community groups, unions, local businesses, civic groups, alumni organizations, veterans' groups and churches are examples of such groups.

•  The Local Chamber of Commerce may have a list of businesses and civic organizations awarding scholarships to area residents. Businesses, Elks, Jaycees, Kiwanis, Lions, and Rotary Clubs often offer substantial scholarships for students in their communities.

•  Community Organizations such as the YMCA and NAACP often have private scholarship information.

Few students can afford to pay for college without some form of education financing. Two-thirds (65.7%) of 4-year undergraduate students graduate with some debt. Student loans are usually classified as "good" debt. Like a mortgage or a business loan, borrowing for education can be a smart investment in your future. However, too often students and their parents are taking a good thing way too far.

Even if you graduate with the average level of debt, about $18,000, you may be jeopardizing your finances. Four years of loans can last a lifetime. The less borrowing you have to do, the better:

Once you've decided the maximum you can afford to borrow over four years, don't take out more than 15 to 20% of that amount for the first year. College costs tend to rise over the typical student's undergraduate career and lenders estimate you'll need as much as two-thirds of the money to pay for the last two years.

As an example, the maximum borrowing limits for subsidized Stafford student loans are: $2,625 for the first year, the second year maximum is $3,500 while the third and fourth year top out at $5,500.

Some alternatives:

Not automatically.

Students must apply each year to ensure that they are considered for financial aid from all sources. That means completing another FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or, if applicable, CSS PROFILE.

Students should also review their scholarships. If renewable, many have requirements that must be met for continued funding.

Yes, but there are circumstances where it takes a student longer than four years to earn a degree. It may take more than four years if a student takes on a double major, if they take a semester off, or if they take a light course load.

Although most colleges will have a student's grades through the first semester of their senior year when they make their acceptance decisions, they are still very interested in a student's academic performance in the second half of their senior year as well. They want to know if the student has the discipline and maturity needed to maintain or even improve their grades throughout their senior year.

Most college acceptance letters stipulate at least one condition: that the student continues to do well in high school until they graduate. A college can withdraw their acceptance offer if a student's performance dips too far below its standards.

It all depends on the situation, how the time off was spent, and how much maturity and life experience the student gained.

Students should still go through the application process in high school, pick a school and, if accepted, request a deferred admission.

Specific policies on deferments vary from college to college. For instance, some colleges want a student's request for deferment along with their application; others want the student to wait until they've actually been accepted. Most have a deadline for submitting a deferral request. Students should be sure to check with the undergraduate admissions office for their chosen school's specific policies.

Generally, the deferral request is made in writing to the admissions office - explaining, in a sincere and mature way, why time off is needed before starting college. Some colleges define good reasons as work, travel, or special opportunities for language or cultural study at a secondary school level (college-level courses don't count). Others accept community service as a valid reason.

If the college grants a deferment, the student will likely have between one semester and two years at their disposal, depending on the school. In some cases, students may be required to hold their spot with a deposit (an enrollment fee to defer admission for one year and enter the following year's freshman class).

Students should also find out what they need to do to attend school once they're ready. Some colleges want students to tell them, in writing, when they intend to enroll. Others may send a letter to the student informing them it is time to either attend or forfeit their spot. If time runs out before the student gets back to the school, or a deferment is denied, the student will have to reapply - with no guarantee of acceptance. However, that won't happen if the student knows what is expected and meets the deadlines.

Note: A college student on deferred admission is still a college student. That status can gain students access to internships, adventures, and loads of interesting structured programs. If students use the time away wisely, they will be welcomed additions on just about any college campus.