Enroll in an enrichment program.

There are tons of programs out there for every field and interest, but the problem often lies in finding and/or paying for them. Ask your school counselor about local programs, and check local college and universities’ websites for sports camps or academic courses. Maybe even take an MOOC (massive open online course) for free!

Apply for an internship.

The best way to decide if you’ll like a future career is to jump right in and take it for a test drive now! The experience you’ll gain, not to mention the contacts and resume content, is invaluable. If you can’t find any openings, try contacting local companies where you would be interested in working and ask if they would let you shadow one of their employees on the job.

Volunteer in your field of study.

Volunteering is especially important if you want to work in the social services industry, but can it also be valuable to almost any type of career. Interested in marketing? Volunteer to help create a newsletter for your local SPCA group. Law enforcement? Try the neighborhood watch. The key is to be creative, but not too creative. Make sure the organizations you volunteer with are still relevant to your future college major or field of study.

Tour your prospective colleges.

This is a no-brainer. If you’re interested in attending a bunch of different schools, take some time to visit as many as you can and try to narrow down your list. Talk with any students or teachers that are still on campus, and see what the surrounding town is like. Make sure to come back in the fall when school is in session before you make your final decision, though.

Create something unique.

We’ll call this one “independent study.” Maybe your family is going on a vacation this summer? Film a documentary or write about your experiences in a blog or journal. Try starting a small business like selling crafts on Etsy.com, or create a lesson plan for the high school English class you hope to teach one day. The key is to take your passion and make something tangible that you can show to the college admissions office so that they are impressed and remember you. Take photographs of anything that can’t attach to a college application, either online or in print.

Whatever you do, make sure to put your summer break to good use. It’s the last good chance you’ll get to help you get into your dream college, so come up with a plan soon!

1. Create a Budget

Determine how much you have to spend for the year and divvy it out to yourself monthly. If you have trouble controlling your spending, allocate your money weekly to ensure you have some left at the end of the month. Budget for things like eating out at restaurants, and if you want to stretch your budget further, learn how to cook. Ramen noodles are easy to make and are a staple of college life.

2. Pay Cash and Avoid Debt

As a rule of thumb, if you do not have the cash for an item, you probably can’t afford it. Using credit is a dangerous habit to break, and saving cash for a purchase gives you time to decide if you really need it or just want it. Remember, once you get on the interest-rate “hamster wheel,” it is hard to get off. As a freshman, you will be a target of the credit card companies who will promise a hat or t-shirt in exchange for signing up for your first credit card—don’t fall for it! In the long run, it will be far cheaper to buy the item outright if you really want it.

3. Log Each Expenditure

Keep track of all your purchases, no matter the size, to see where your money is going. Many people are shocked to learn how much they spend on coffee, lunch, etc. Your own personal finances may surprise you, too, but once you have that information, you can make adjustments moving forward.

4. Buy or Rent Used Textbooks

Many inexpensive textbooks can be found online (Amazon, eBay, etc.) and on campus. In most cases, you will use the book for a couple of months and then no longer need it. Keep in mind that used textbooks seldom yield anywhere near their original value when it comes time to sell them back. Additionally, renting textbooks can save students 50 percent or more.

5. Earn Income and Save Money

Find a summer job—or work part-time throughout the year—and put money away each pay period. Put your money to work for you through the “magic” of compound interest—and do it sooner rather than later. Waiting just 10 years to begin saving could cost you thousands by retirement.

6. Get Involved

Time to take advantage of the numerous activities available on college campuses, as well as the discounts and perks that neighborhood businesses typically extend to college students. When you do go out, be sure to check if there are discounts available through your student ID. A word of caution: Use coupons only for things you actually need. Coupons can trick us into buying things we don’t need by making us believe we’re “getting a deal.” In other words, you don’t need to buy something just because you have a coupon!

7. Protect Your Identity

Identity theft is an unfortunate but prevalent college concern. Always keep valuables and personal items locked away or on your person to avoid becoming a victim. It’s also wise to limit the amount of info you post online. Protecting identity will save you countless hours, phone calls, and letters to undo what could have been prevented with a little due diligence.

According to the College Board, 11th graders in 2012 scored, on average, 48 in Critical Reading, 47 in Writing Skills, and 49 in Mathematics. Tenth graders placed slightly lower with 43 in Critical Reading, 42 in Writing Skills and 44 in Mathematics. These are based on a scale of 20-80.

So, what should you do if you’re nowhere near these averages? Fortunately, colleges don’t see your PSAT scores and won’t take them into account when you start applying. Instead, look at your scores as an opportunity to identify your weakest areas and create a strategy to strengthen them. For example, take practice tests, hire a tutor, enroll in a study course at your high school, register for online programs, or read books about test prep.

Many students gain points between the practice test and the real thing—more if they’ve invested in outside test preparation. Don’t let one disappointing score discourage you from your college goals.

Meet your future professors…

1. The Tweed. What better way to kick off our list than with the granddaddy of all professor stereotypes? This tenure-track prof is bespectacled, impossibly well spoken, and nowhere near OK with you eating Fritos in his class.

He drives: A vintage two-seater convertible, perfect for countryside jaunts.
He wears: Tweed blazers with reinforced elbows. (Obviously.)
His motto: “When I was at Princeton…”

2. The Activist. Whether she’s railing against corporate greed outside the student union or throwing the blinders off white privilege in a 100-level race and gender course, The Activist never gets too comfy. And neither should you. Expect some prickly moments… and a few revelations.

She drives: A heavily stickered rally van.
She wears: Comfortable footwear/shirts bearing the “no” symbol.
Her motto: “Open your eyes, people!”

3. The Hippie. Opposite The Tweed in many ways (though hardly a nemesis, as both are highly intellectual thinkers), The Hippie is all about freedom and positive energy, man. For bonus points, ask what it was like hiking the Pacific Crest Trail or where you can find the best local honey.

He drives: Birkenstocks and a bicycle.
He wears: Jeans/early Phish tour tees.
His motto: “This’ll blow your mind…”

4. The Adjunct. The Adjunct has a lot going on. He’s studying for his master’s, working full time, and his wife just had twins. Be patient if he seems a little frazzled. Maybe suggest that instead of chapter readings, your class could watch that new documentary that’s sort of related to economic theory? Your reward will be a fervent, appreciative smile…and maybe an A.

He drives: An increasingly crowded hatchback.
He wears: Slightly rumpled business casual.
His motto: “Is this ECON 305?”

5. The Coach. Something of a higher-ed anomaly, The Coach would much rather be down at the track working on her PR than here teaching you the basics of human nutrition. Alas, there are bills to pay. The upshot? She will almost always be game for holding class outside and/or shooting basketball to demonstrate effective caloric expenditure.

She drives: Something Jeep-ish.
She wears: Breathable things with wicking qualities.
Her motto: Anything Coach K once said.

6. The World’s Most Interesting Man. This professor has read more, traveled more, and generally lived more in the last year than most people do in a lifetime. Don’t bother trying to relate—just sit back and enjoy a semester’s worth of the most envy-inducing stories you’ve ever heard.

He drives: Trains, planes, camels, buses, cars, rickshaws, you name it.
He wears: Stuff that travels well.
His motto: “That reminds me of the time I…”

7. The Writer. This professional wordsmith wrote all three of the required texts for his course. (Good luck selling them back, by the way, since he’ll undoubtedly pen updated versions by next term.) He composes scores of scholarly articles and thought-provoking op-eds, so he’ll naturally expect the utmost quality in student term papers. Hang in there, though—it could result in one heck of a recommendation letter down the road.

He drives: A used Honda Accord (still waiting for those royalties to kick in…)
He wears: Cable-knit sweaters/a beard.
His motto: “Bonus points for anyone who writes a favorable (logical, profanity-free, and grammatically correct) Amazon review!”

8. The Double Life. Who knew the same person teaching exchange-traded derivatives also moonlights at the local underground punk hangout or smoky blues bar? His voice may be hoarse from late-night belting, but his lectures are entertaining since he’s used to working the crowd. Catch his show with some friends to garner some gratitude—just don’t use it as an excuse for why you didn’t make it to class the next morning.

He drives: A re-purposed mail truck big enough to haul his gear.
He wears: Black jeans/V-neck T-shirts.
His motto: “Is this thing on?”

That’s one way to look at things, but in an effort to mentally prepare for college life—since, let’s face it, the rules likely won’t change soon—consider some of the reasons that attendance policies actually make for a better college experience.

1. It’s good practice for the workforce.

We agree that it’s horrendously unfair to those of us who are natural “night owls,” but in reality the vast majority of society operates on a 9-ish-to-5-ish schedule. One day you might be lucky enough to set your own hours, but you’ll probably have to put in at least a few “standard” workdays to get there. May as well start practicing now.

2. There’s some wiggle room.

If you’re really, really not into early mornings—or, conversely, night classes—there’s no law saying you have to take either (although some students relish the availability of required courses and prime parking at unpopular hours). With a little planning, you can create a schedule that works around your individual sleeping, work, and exercise habits.

3. You’re not actually paying anyone’s salary.

The idea that tuition dollars directly buffer teachers’ salaries is a popular one, but in the complex world of university finances, it turns out it’s simply untrue. According to the Center for College Affordability, much of the tuition you pay is used to support “non-instructional spending.” Keep that in mind the first time you’re tempted to argue with a professor who’s giving you the stink-eye for showing up 10 minutes late.

4. Community matters.

If we’re being honest, most people would have to admit that the college experience is a lot more enjoyable when you’re doing it alongside friends and colleagues whom you’ve come to admire—instead of a bunch of random strangers. It’s legitimately exciting to engage with people from all different walks of life, and it beats crib notes any day.

5. You’re supposed to enjoy it.

Think about it: What would be the point of attending college if everyone put forth only the bare minimum and showed up for only as many classes as it takes to earn a degree? Could you consider it an accomplishment? Would you really come out of the experience any different or better?

6. It’s respectful.

Believe it or not, most professors put a lot of time and painstaking effort into planning their course material, and they’re excited to share it with you. Moreover, it shows respect for your classmates when you make a commitment to being present for the classes you’ve mutually signed up for.

This is sometimes referred to as the college “gap,” and it can be significant. Check out these five options that can help your family shrink the gap without sacrificing your current lifestyle or larger financial goals:

1. Consolidate debt and streamline your family budget.

For many families, sending one or more child to college will be their most expensive commitment, often costing more than their first home. Cash flow is king during the college years, so free up as much as possible by setting realistic goals and sticking to a workable budget.

2. Manage your mortgage.

Even though it’s one of the largest and most common financial obligations, many families do not factor mortgage into their college budgeting process. Perform a mortgage analysis, and be prepared to change your plans if necessary. If the original plan was to pay off your home quickly by taking out a 15-year mortgage, for example, double-check that that goal will still be attainable when faced with annually rising college costs, and be willing to adjust if necessary to ensure you do not negatively impact your retirement and other long term financial future goals.

3. Review your college(s) of choice.

Choosing the right school as it relates to “need met” could determine what you will pay out of pocket—and should therefore be part of the decision-making process. For example, if a school’s COA is $25K, and your EFC is $15K, your gap will be $10K. Choose a school that meets as much of your need as possible, thus reducing the gap. Furthermore, of the need that is being met, you want as much as possible in the form of gift aid (“free” money) versus loans. The more gift aid you receive, the lower your out-of-pocket expenses, relative to the gap, will be.

4. Consider private scholarships.

Private scholarships are another great way to shrink the gap. Since many online and community awards have varying deadlines, it’s important to scour scholarship databases like fastweb.com and finaid.org frequently for opportunities. This is the time to leverage as many qualifications as possible—SAT/ACT test scores, GPA, résumé, school activities and/or community involvement—to maximize your search.

5. Last resort: explore all loan options.

If you ultimately find that borrowing will be necessary, educate yourself on the pros and cons—of federal programs such as Perkins, Stafford, PLUS loans as well as private lenders—to get the best rate, terms, and benefits possible. In general, federal loans have fixed rates while private loan rates can vary. Private loans can be an attractive option for credit-worthy borrowers, and some now even offer fixed rate opportunities. Be sure to ask a lot of questions and read the fine print before signing on for any new debt.

1. Your best friend/boyfriend/girlfriend goes there.

If you and your significant other or best friend are attending the same college because you both value the programs offered and campus atmosphere, then great! But don’t choose a school just to be near someone. Even the tightest relationships can end suddenly, and you don’t want to be left wondering why you are there in the first place. Plus, college is a great place for exploration. Don’t limit yourself from creating new relationships with people you would have never known otherwise.

2. They win football championships.

Sure, if you’ve earned a football scholarship, this probably matters to you. But for everyone else, getting to the Rose Bowl will not be noted on your diploma, so make sure there are lots of other reasons to choose a school than just the strength of their sports teams.

3. It’s the only school that accepted you.

So your first-choice school rejected you. That doesn’t mean you have to accept an offer from your backup choice. Take some time to build your résumé and discover yourself. You can always reapply to your preferred schools in the spring. Attending a college that you’re unsure about will only increase the odds that you’ll want to drop out, so save yourself the tuition bills and just wait until you can get in where you want to go.

4. The school’s colors match your eyes.

…Or any other one deciding factor. Your college will be your home for the next four years (or longer!), so you want to pick a place that has more to offer you besides that awesome cafeteria, hilarious mascot, or beautiful landscaping.

5. You feel like you have to go there.

Forget the prestigious name, low price tag, family legacy, or any other reason you might feel compelled to choose one college over another. If it doesn’t fit your personality and career goals, it’s not the place for you. Your college years will help define your adult years and beyond. Don’t let pressure from outside sources make that decision for you.

1) Get ‘er done:

Whether your passion is cooking, building, or painting, accomplish something that you’ve been meaning to do. Make brunch for your family, build a garden, take an art class… whatever you do, take this time to do or make something you can be proud of!

2) Be a tourist:

Since you don’t have to apply quite yet, this is the best time to schedule a campus visit. Take a guided tour, ask questions, and get a real feel for the place you might consider spending four years. That way, when it comes time to get those applications ready, you’ll be confident in your choices.

3) Spring clean:

Why not give your room a makeover? Use the warmer weather as an excuse to toss out old junk and reorganize. Make an area that you love for studying, donate clothes that you don’t wear anymore, or visit our Pinterest board for some cool ideas to spruce up your dorm room.

3) Get moving:

No time like spring break to shake off the winter blues and get outside! Even if it’s just tossing around a Frisbee, make a point to get out with family and friends to enjoy some fresh air and exercise.

5) Lend a hand:

Helping out your community has so many benefits. Not only will it help you build a strong résumé and impress colleges, but you’ll also make some friends and learn new skills.

So, what are your plans for Spring Break?

Many of these terms mean precisely what you might guess, but it’s still a good idea to become familiar with them in the context of your prospective schools’ policies, and take the application approach that works best for you and your family.

Regular Decision

Just like it sounds, this is the normal process by which students apply and are accepted to college. In most cases, schools publish their deadlines; students apply and receive a decision no later than April 1 of their senior year.

Early Decision (ED)

In this binding arrangement, students can apply early (usually by November 1 or November 15) and receive admissions decisions by December 15. In return, they agree that if accepted they will withdraw all other applications and attend that school.

Early Action (EA)

A cross between regular and early decision, these students can apply and receive a decision early, but they are under no obligation to attend that school can wait until May 1 (the normal deadline) to make their choice.

Single-Choice Early Action

Commonly offered by Ivy League schools, this is an admissions option wherein colleges do not allow candidates to apply to other schools during the early-action period—only after an EA decision has been announced can the applicant apply elsewhere.

Rolling Admissions

This simply means that candidates can apply anytime within a large window—normally at least six months—and schools simply end the admissions period once they’ve filled all open spots.

A few tips for applying early…

1. It’s usually advisable to apply ED only when the college in question is your number-one first choice and you’re 100% sure you want to forsake all other offers. (Be sure you fully understand all the associated costs, too!)
2. A general rule is that a student applying ED will receive less financial aid than he or she would under regular decision because, simply put, the college already has your commitment and doesn’t usually feel the need to offer incentives or discounts.
3. EA/ED isn’t for everyone, especially those who aren’t sure about making a firm commitment. In some cases, students benefit from waiting, tweaking their applications, reading the fine print, and making an informed decision when they’re ready.

And a lot of students are using the Common App: This year, 750,000 applicants submitted 3 million online applications.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you use the Common App:

1. Begin by creating an account at www.commonapp.org.
2. You can add a teacher or counselor to the list of school officials in the “schools forms” section, which will trigger an e-mail to them with information on how to complete recommendations.
3. Check if the colleges you’re interested in have any supplements by clicking on “search for colleges” and adding them to your list. Many schools ask you to write additional essays or respond to a few simple questions to get a better picture of you. You can always delete colleges you’re no longer interested in later, but it’s a good idea to read through the requirements now so you can manage your time when deadlines get closer.
4. You don’t have to complete your application all at once. Just save your work as you go. Colleges won’t see what you’ve completed until you submit your forms, so feel free to write down ideas and tentative responses—you can always change them at another time.
5. Pay attention to character limits, especially on the supplemental essays. You’ll need to make your point intelligently, but concisely.
6. Even if you’re undecided about a major right now, go ahead and pick three subjects you might like to explore in college in the “future plans” section. Putting “undecided” might make you sound as if you aren’t interested in anything.
7. You can send different versions of the same application to various schools by using the “copy” feature at the top of the online application and making small changes.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed on your first visit to the Common App site, but if you get started soon and work on it in stages, you’ll be closer to that acceptance letter in no time.