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Webster T. Trenchard, the director of college guidance at The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Conn., advised rising seniors for their September Checklist.

1. Use 'Your Inner Godilocks' to Plan Your Class Schedule

Though junior year is the most important for college application process, the senior fall is the single most important term. It is risky to have transcripts that say "I've worked hard enough already and have earned a break."

2. Scrutinize Your Academic Progress

Be sure to be in early and frequent communication with your teacher, guidance or college counselor, and your parents. Make a thoughtful, informed decision about whether a particular course is a good fit.

3. Make an Academic Action Plan

Map out the dates that are important to you, like SAT or ACT test dates and college application deadlines.

Also, if you have a big audition, performance or game, be sure to put those dates on your calendar.

4. Lop Off the Low-Hanging Fruit

Take care of establishing a Common App account, asking for teacher recommendations, or to sign up for the SAT or ACT, if you haven't already done so.

5. Keep Your Parents Informed

You don't want every conversation with your parents to be about college, yet it is reasonable that they would want to check in and see how you are doing.

See more in the NYT blog:http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/04/counselors-calendar-september-seniors/?_r=0