Middle School   Begin taking more challenging courses in math, science, communications and start thinking about which courses in high school will help prepare you for a health career.   Begin exploring health careers… talk to people you know who work in the health profession; the library and internet are good resources.   Make a connection with the Area Health Education Center in your region   Develop GOOD study skills   Start saving for college. Check out different ways to save such as opening a savings account in a bank, investing in a mutual fund or buying a US Savings Bond Freshman Year   Enroll in the classes that are designed to prepare you for college   Set up appointments with your high school counselor, talk about classes and careers and profession that interest you   Do some volunteer work   Continue to explore health careers   Connect with the Area Health Education Center in your region to find out about summer career camps   Keep saving for college Sophomore Year   Continue to take classes designed to prepare you for college- English, math, science, history, foreign languages, and economics   Job shadow health professional in career areas you are interested in   Volunteer at local hospitals, nursing homes, clinics….   Make appointments with your high school guidance counselor to discuss career and educational plans   Talk to college representatives when they visit your region   Attend health career camps   Continue to save for college Junior Year   Keep taking those challenging courses   Learn about the admission requirements for colleges that interest you.   Visit college campuses you are considering   Attend meetings concerning financial aid or college admissions held in your area   Think about people who might write you a recommendation; start with teachers, counselors, and employers   Research financial aid, scholarships, grants and fellowships to help pay for college Senior Year   Write to colleges you are considering to request application forms, catalogs, and financial aid information. (July and August)   Maintain or improve academic grades   Check with your counselor to determine which test are required and the deadlines for applying to colleges   Set up calendar for taking tests (SAT, ACT) and completing college applications   Make sure to fulfill application requirements. See your counselor when you have questions.   Ask your counselor to look over your application form and discuss the next steps in applying to college.   Keep a record of acceptances, rejections and financial aid awards   Reply promptly to colleges to notify them of your decision.   Before the end of the school year, see your counselor to request that a final transcript be sent to the college of your choice. Things to Save:   Admission tickets to tests and correction forms   All test score reports   Transcripts of high school grades   Copies of financial aid forms   College Scholarship Services acknowledgement form.   Copies of all correspondence sent or received from school, including applications and acceptance