As a prospective college student, there are many things you can do to plan and prepare for attending Western Nevada College or any college or university. This site has been designed specifically with you in mind, and contains tips to help you for this next stage in your lives; resources and links for your information and use in planning for college; and information about the college and college events.

Freshman Students

• Talk to a counselor who will recommend classes that help you build skills in English, math and critical thinking.
• Strengthen your vocabulary by increasing the amount of reading you do.
• Study hard and get good grades.
• Browse college Web sites to get an idea of what high school courses are required for college admission.
• Keep a portfolio of your academic achievements and your extracurricular activities.
• Start thinking about what interests you.
• Go to the career center at your high school to explore career possibilities.
• Start saving money for college.

Sophomore Students

• Meet with your counselor regarding appropriate college preparatory classes to take.
• Take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT)
• Prepare for the high school math and reading sections of the Proficiency Exam.
• Sign up for extracurricular activities that interest you.
• Keep your academic and extracurricular portfolio current.
• Keep studying!
• Keep reading!
• Volunteer in your community-this service is a great way to identify or expand your interests and it strengthens your admission profile and opportunity for scholarships.
• Continue researching colleges and think about what is important to you-large or small classes, type of environment (cities, small town), sports and extracurricular offerings, on-campus housing, distance from home.
• Visit local college campuses with your parents and take visitor tours during the summer after 10th grade.
• Talk with your career counselor about a variety of jobs/careers.
• To get a head start on college; consider applying to WNC for dual credit or fast track classes your junior and senior years.

Junior Students

• All the tasks you did as a sphomore PLUS:
• Sign up to take the ACT or SAT tests.
• Consider taking advanced placement or dual-credit courses at the local college (your high school counselor has the information on dual credit for high school students)..
• Attend college fairs and recruitment events. Ask your high school counselor about WNC events.
• Participate in WNC's Bridge to Success Program at your high school
• Attend WNC's college day at the Carson or Fallon campus
• Continue to research college Web sites and explore how your career interests match programs offered.
• Start narrowing your choices of colleges to which to apply. Consider applying to no more than six colleges.
• Use the Senior Timeline to start tracking deadlines for submitting applications at each school in which you are interested in applying.
• Continue to explore Web sites for scholarships and other financial assistance opportunities.
• If you're working part-time, plan to set aside some college funds each payday.

Senior Student

• Review the Steps to Success
• If planning to attend Western Nevada College, sign-up for "Bridge to Success" program through your high school counselor to:
• Fill out the online application for admission
• Check your admission status on Web-Reg one working day after submitting your application.
• Complete the FAFSA after January 1. It is best to submit it electronically
• Take the ACCUPLACER placement tests (or bring your ACT or SAT scores to counseling office).
• Meet with a WNC counselor at your high school
• Register for classes! Use Web-Reg to enroll in selected classes.
• Attend an orientation. They are designed to provide information, class scheduling opportunities and academic advisement for all new student planning to attend the college. Counselors and faculty members will be available to discuss individual concerns, as well as various college disciplines and requirements.Schedule an appointment with a counselor - receive more extensive degree and course information and advice on majors and long-term educational planning.
• Pay your fees - check the calendar for dates and when fees are due.