Star signs.

Leo 7/23-8/22

AUGUST You're ultra-pumped to prep for school. While you're shopping for supplies, hit the mall for a mini-makeover. Recycle your look. Coot clothes + a different 'do = a spankin' new you.

SEPTEMBER Once you get your back-to-school bearings, plot out a plan for a personal goal. Strategize your time wisely, Lioness. The months ahead are gonna get cah-razy busy.

SCHOOLCAST This year will be about mastering the art--or is it a science?--of balance. You have your own agenda, but school and tam demands require attention. Work it out, grrrl friend.

Libra 9/23-10/23

AUGUST Wrapping up a summer gig? Perhaps a part-time job, babysitting stint or theater workshop is soon to be curtains. Make a lasting impression to guarantee next summer's success.

SEPTEMBER Whatever your thing was over the summer, it's paying off now. Whether it's a fat last paycheck or some shiny new skills you're that much closer to excellent.

SCHOOLCAST Your restlessness affects your note-taking skills. Your energy is of the creative variety, so sign up for something artsy.

Scorpio 10/24-11/22

AUGUST While scooping up school supplies, throw a canvas or sketchbook in the cart for an art project. End summer with a splash of creativity!

SEPTEMBER Are you in a school daze? Take a time-out to pamper your pretty self, Scorp. Get a peril, turn up the tunes, eat apple pie a la mode. Do it with buds.

SCHOOLCAST Your brain is abso-tively one big-n-beautiful idea bubble. Let the bursting begin. Classmates, teachers and especially the parents are bound to be impressed when you keep getting B's or better.

Sagittarius 11/23-12/21

AUGUST Your family is testing you? Pass with flying colors by keeping knee-jerk reactions in check, Easier said than done if you're heading out for another road trip. Three words: Bring a friend.

SEPTEMBER Even with the hectic hoo-ha of back-to-school, you are able to create a magnitude of solitude for yourself. Use the quiet time to carve out some mental clarity. See?

SCHOOLCAST Dividing energy between academia and me-time can be a toughie. You have no prob, however, handling multiple homework assignments. And Lola sees you excelling in a sport or dance.

Virgo 8/23-9/22

AUGUST You're burstin' with energy, birthday girl! Now that you're a year older, approach the 'rents about updated privileges. Use the three C's tactic: calm, cool-headed communication.

SEPTEMBER Getting off on the right foot is a precursor of report cards to come. Get organized. Keep it that way, and you should skate through the year like Kimmie Meissner on ice.

SCHOOLCAST Hey, bright mind, you'll excel in class as always so exert your effort into making the grade on a personal level. Lola suggests reading for pleasure and keeping a journal.

Capricorn 12/22-1/20

AUGUST Before you start algebra II, figure out 'the math of your personal finances. Don't have a savings account? Open one. Need more allowance? Negotiate with the 'rents. Be persistent but patient.

SEPTEMBER Back-to-school brings boys galore! Lola smells a crush, Cappy. Time to study his every groovy move.

SCHOOLCAST The year has its plusses (field trips!) and minuses (mounds of homework). But it all adds up to sweet success--as in stellar report cards--if you make the most of every opp.

Aquarius 1/21-2/18

AUGUST Conflicts with a friend or family member? Address the issue head-on. Just be sure to keep your voice down and the NC turned up. Don't want things to get too heated.

SEPTEMBER Don't let summer's end put a stop to your personal soul-searching trek. The adventure has just begun. Allow your school-related experiences to give you a fresh new perspective.

SCHOOLCAST The pressure-management skills you learned last year are put to the test this year. Now, master structure and responsibility.

Pisces 2/19-3/20

AUGUST It's your lucky month, Miss Mermaid! Don't know what it is, but something sunshine-y is sure to happen to you before summer's over.

SEPTEMBER You're looking forward to clocking in community service credit hours. Sure, school requires it. But you'd volunteer even if you didn't have to. Cool, huh?

SCHOOLCAST The new school year is likely to blow a flurry of new friends your way. Hard to believe but, in the life-is-big scheme of things, you'll learn more from buds than you will from boring board-certified teachers. Still, pay attention in class. Your report card is counting on it.

Aries 3/21-4/19

AUGUST No lazy days of summer for you. You've likely spent the sweaty season devoted to a super-project. Perhaps you volunteered, tended to an herb garden or penned poetry. Don't stop now. Parlay your interests into Phase 2 for fall.

SEPTEMBER Summer was all about swimming, badminton and Rollerblading. Keep up the athletics by trying out for field hockey, taking nature hikes and pushing your limits in phys ed.

SCHOOLCAST This is your year to play it smooth on the social scene. You crack outta that shy-bee shell, not with a big bang but with sophisticated subtlety. Kids will be totally attracted to your confident cool.

Taurus 4/20-5/20

AUGUST Your summer is about to heat up with a hyped-up activity spike. Plan on plenty of pool parties, barbecue bashes and maybe even a beach vacay before you go back to crackin' the books.

SEPTEMBER Bull, you're a big ball of stress at the start of the school year. Instead of getting worked up, work out. Take up weightlifting, drop and do crunches, or even walk to school.

SCHOOLCAST Pick your electives wisely--take classes that will challenge you. You've never so much as turned a screw? Metal shop is for you! Not exactly art smart?. Sign up for sculpting class. Hate the very thought of escargot?. Take French.

Gemini 5/21-6/21

AUGUST Break open a box of Bics, and crack the marble composition book. Here's your assignment: Write down a goal you have for the year, and outline a plan for how you can achieve it.

SEPTEMBER Now that you're in a certain grade, you want more age-appropriate privileges. As long as you demonstrate maturity, your parents might go for giving you a little more freedom,

SCHOOLCAST The secret to your success is balancing social time with school stuff. Know when to separate work and play. But also be aware of when it's OK to combine the two--like when you and the gang get together for group study sessions.

Cancer 6/22-7/22

AUGUST Savor your last sweet weeks of summer. Swing on a hammock. Sip smoothies. Swim. Stay up late. Sleep in,

SEPTEMBER School might seem way overwhelming at first, but get a grip. Here's how: 1) Write down class assignments and due dates. 2) Tackle one task at a time in order of priority. 3) Set aside at least an hourlong slot for homework every day, and be sure to hang a Do Not Disturb sign.

SCHOOLCAST This is the year you become more clear about a career. You get a few new clues as to what you want to do when you're all grown up--and it's something entirely unexpected. How exciting is that?.