COUNT DOWN TO CLASS.

Wanna have the best week ever and be primed to head back to school feeling cute, fashionable, rested, tanned, smart and (gasp!) excited to step foot on campus? We show you how.

It's the end of summer, and you want to milk what's left of your freedom? We're on your side. If you don't take advantage of the time you have now, you'll kick yourself by the third day of chem. Follow this seven-days-to-class schedule, and we promise an awesome last week of freedom that will leave you seriously ready to face the big day.

Day One Meg a Movie Monday

WHAT YOU'LL NEED $15 (for tickets, snacks) * your favorite outfit * your BFFs * courage to call some boys * a ride to the multiplex

WHAT YOU'LL DO You're going to the movies, but this Mega Movie Monday is one for the record books. Once school starts, there will be no catching a flick at noon because, duh, you'll have class. That's why hitting the theaters mid-day on a Monday is so utterly satisfying.

The second reason this entertainment excursion will righteously rule is because you'll get dolled up with your girls and then--here's the really adventurous part--call your summer crush. Guys don't always dig chitchat so cut straight to the chase and let him know you're catching a movie with a bunch of friends. Ask him to see what his buddies are up to. Play it like you really don't care if he and his crew show. This is not a group date or anything nerve-wracking, but why not add a bit of boy to the mix? Set up a time and meeting place then ask (say "please") a parent for a ride.

Finally, wash and condition that hair and blow it out straight. Throw on a cute shorts and tank outfit, and apply some lip gloss. You are superfine and ready to roll. And so what if the boys don't make it? It's the excitement of inviting those dawgs that makes it fun. If they flake, so what? You've got your buds!

Day Two Totally Tushie Tuesday

WHAT YOU'LL NEED comfortable pajamas * yummy snacks * a working TV remote control * a notepad and pencil

WHAT YOU'LL DO There are a zillion-kabillion reasons why summer is so excellent, but the most genius part of the warm-weather break is sleeping in. Next week, the alarm clock buzzer is gonna hurt. NOW is the time to enjoy those precious morning snooze hours. Enter Totally Tushie Tuesday.

First, grab the notebook and pen. Write a nice note saying that you mustn't be disturbed before noon. Let the fam know that your Countdown Schedule requires a do-nothing day. Tape a reminder note to your door Monday night before hitting the sack.

Wake up whenever you darn well feel like it! Note: You are not allowed to brush your hair or adjust your bed-head ponytail! This is your day to be worry-free, sloth about the house, be a lazy girl-slug. In fact, DO NOT look in a mirror, make your bed or open the curtains. Roll out of bed, grab your pillow. Make a bowl of cereal, turn on the TV and set yourself up on the couch. Watch as much tube as you want. When that gets boring, grab some nutritionally worthless munchies (soda, chips, frozen pizza rolls, name your poison) and pop in a DVD. Remember, you're about to be crazed with a school schedule, so stock up on doing nothin' but sitting on your tushie on a Tuesday!

Day Three What to Wear Wednesday

WHAT YOU'LL NEED cute baskets or shopping bags

* your stereo and CDs * hammer and tiny nails

* little white tree lights

WHAT YOU'LL DO Creating a closet that looks like a window display is super easy and can even make it look like you have more clothes than you do. If you organize your closet, your wardrobe is truly a "wardrobe" and not a clumpy closet stuffed with shirts, pants and furniture from your old Barbie Dream House.

To get started, flip on the radio, open your closet and remove everything. Sort through the wreckage and remove everything you never wear, can't stand, itches, is just too darned tight, looks dorky or is out of date.

If you have little sibs or cousins who might want any of it, now is the time to put the hand in "hand-me-downs." Give those dud duds away. Otherwise, put all the stuff nicely in a bag and have someone donate it to a cool charity.

Now it's time to "categorize." First, store any winter stuff you won't need for a while in the attic with moth balls to keep the moths away. Then put all the tops you like in one place, long sleeves with long sleeves, short with short, etc. Buy some fresh new hangers, and hang all your skirts and pants. Put the skirts together in one part of your closet and all the pants together next to them. Within each section, put colors together for a quick color-code. For example, put all the white tees together in the short-sleeve section, all the jeans together in the pants section--you get the idea.

For shoes, any ol' shoe rack works. If you don't have one, pair your shoes and line them on the floor of your closet, putting your frequent-flyer kicks in the front row.

The top shelf is perfect for miscellaneous stuff. Take all your tights (check 'em first for runs and holes) and put them in a lined basket. Baskets also work great for socks, purses, hats, winter gear like scarves and gloves, whatever.

Take your strand of little white holiday lights and, using super tiny nails and a hammer, secure the lights along the inner perimeter of your closet. Run the extra length of the cord (you may need an extension cord) down the side and secure along the ground to the nearest outlet, keeping the cord as hidden as possible (exposed cords look junky). Plug in lights to dig the incandescent glow on your newly organized wardrobe. And see? You haven't spent a dime, but you've done major revamping and had a free Wednesday!

Day Four Thoroughly Prepared Thursday

WHAT YOU'LL NEED your new class schedule * your mom, her car and her cash * your new school supplies

WHAT YOU'LL DO The earlier you go shopping for school supplies, the better. Stores hike up prices just so they can announce "sales," but it's a scam. Hit the office supply store and get the basics--a binder, some notebooks and a couple of your favorite pens. Chances are you'll be back when you get your teacher's list, but the idea is to go into class your first day with the essentials.

Now for the run-through. Grab your schedule, call your girlfriends and head to school. If it's far, make plans beforehand for a ride with a parent or older sis. Take turns exploring the halls to find your new classes. If the school made some cool improvements over the summer, like a new pep rally area or more lunch tables, you'll be the first to see what's up. Now, the first day will be about finding friends, not finding the bathroom closest to homeroom.

Once you've got campus wired, head home to analyze your work space. Is there somewhere you can spread out your books and really focus on your homework? Create a space of your own that's pretty, personal and has everything you need--pens, paper, a picture of your cat, your PC. Make sure it's not too cluttered with knick-knacks, and keep things organized in their own cute little holders (put pens in coffee mugs, etc.). Label your folders, fill them up with paper and label the tab markers. The night before school starts, just pack your backpack with your ready-to-go supplies--thanks to your Thorough Thursday!

Day Five Free Day Friday

WHAT YOU'LL NEED your swimsuit * your shades

* a good read * a cozy towel * your Discman

* sunscreen with SPF 15 * your bike * a pool or sprinkler

* about five bucks

WHAT YOU'LL DO After breakfast (we suggest a sugary cereal since you'll need brainpower fuel-food like oatmeal, eggs, toast and fruit for school), put on your teeny tankini, slather on some sunscreen, grab your shades, Discman, book and extralarge towel, and plant your bod by the pool (or sprinkler) with your funniest girlfriends. Restless in the sun? Hop in and get wet. You'll get a last day of summer glow, a bonafide workout, and all the time you need to daydream about the new cute transfer in homeroom.

When laying out gets old, slip on your sundress and flops. Grab your bike and head to Baskin-Robbins or the water park. You and your girls need to figure out how you'll spend your Friday night. One day soon at school, when you're stressed and dealing, think back to your free-for-all Friday!

Day Six: Sleepover Saturday

WHAT YOU'LL NEED permission to have a sleepover * snacks * rented vids * your cute pajamas * sleeping bag

WHAT YOU'LL DO Consider day six your last big HURRAH before you have to buckle down and be school-serious. Throwing a party is a no brainer must-do, and having the girls over to chow and watch movies is the ultimate way to say "sayonara" to summer.

Ask mom if it's cool to have a sleepover. If she says it's a no-go, see whose mom will host your harem of friends. Plan a potluck, and figure out who will bring what so the food fixin' is divided up. Decide which movies you want to rent, and split that cost too. Then, pick a time for everyone to meet. Once you and the girls are together, set your bags up in a circle with a big bowl of popcorn in the center like a Marsha Brady sleepover.

Once everyone is set up, get your party going by giving each other makeovers. First, practice on each other (hair knots like Gwen Stefani's are no easy feat). Then, have a little dinner and pop in a movie. Whip out last year's yearbook, and take bets on which guys will come back looking better than last year. Yearbooks have also been known to inspire quite the interesting game of Truth or Dare, so you've got that party option, too. Stay up late because you'll be hittin' the hay early tomorrow, and tonight is the do-what-you-want Saturday!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED every single beauty supply in your bathroom * shorts, tee, sneakers * water bottle

WHAT YOU'LL DO All right, it's the final countdown. Your mission: Pamper yourself to the max so you'll be the girl who makes people stop and stare.

Your day of beauty starts with picking up from your sleepover and saying goodbye to the girls. Put on your shorts, tee and sneakers, and do a quick clean-up from the party. Then, stretch. Stretch your legs, arms, back. Roll your wrists, neck, ankles, waist. Drink some water. Go for a run around a few blocks, or ride your bike for 30 minutes. Afterward, stretch a little more. Drink some water. Hit the shower.

Wash your hair twice to get it squeaky clean. Squeeze excess water, apply conditioner (more than usual), pile hair on top of your head and put on a shower cap. Then, wash your bod with a super soapy washcloth or loofah--a good way to exfoliate (rub off the dead skin cells) so your skin looks smooth and toned. Shave your legs (if your mom lets you), and pumice the soles of your feet really well, too. Rinse hair and step out. Sip some water.

Spritz in some detangler, then comb out your hair and let it dry naturally. Apply a mask (one of mom's should be OK for your skin, too). While you're in the mask, file your nails--but don't polish them yet. Remove the mask, and moisturize from forehead to feet. Paint your toenails, and then paint your fingernails. Relax in front of the TV while they dry. Have a swig of water.

When your nails dry, pick out a first-day outfit, pack your backpack and set your alarm. All that water you downed hydrates your skin, making your cheeks rosy and eyes bright--bonus! Now you're ready for school with great skin, perfect nails, a light tan, and ready to study at your new desk. Off the record, aren't you still glad it's Sunday?