PLANNING AHEAD
Your college journey begins in High School
IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY | 9TH & 10TH GRADE
Focus on your grades. Colleges will consider grades for all 4 years not just your senior year.
Review graduation requirements. Track your progress throughout your H.S. years. Majority of districts require 1-2 years of a foreign language. But, 4 years will put you above average when applying to highly competitive universities.
Take Honors or A.P. course(s). Enroll in dual credit or jump start courses to earn college credit while in high school
Get involved. Start building your resumé: extracurricular activities, clubs, volunteering, summer job, etc.
Speak to your high school counselor about taking a PSAT exam
Brainstorm to determine career interests. There are aptitude tests to help (careertest, ASVAB questionnaire, 123test, etc.)
Take a college tour. There are organizations that visit several schools over spring and summer breaks. Self-guided tours are available in person and virtually; visit college websites for more information
YOU'RE PAST THE 50% MARK | 11TH GRADE
Don't lose site of the importance of your grades.
Review your transcript. Reach out to teachers to explore opportunities to boost your grade. Can you pull that C up to a B- or the B+ to an A?
Enroll in a SAT or ACT Prep class if available. Check with your high school college counselor on prep classes offered outside of school or weekends
Take the PSAT and/or Pre-ACT
Don't forget! Volunteering or a part-time job will boost your resume
Register and attend local College Fairs
Make a list of colleges you're interested in. Review college websites for application requirements, early action dates, tuition/housing costs, application fees​, etc.
Start writing your college essay/personal statement. Plan for 400-600 words. You will revise and edit later to tailor to each college's requirements
Work on any items not yet completed on the 9th & 10th grade task list
Talk to your family about your wishes, financial aid/paying for college, location, career interests, etc.
If you've already built a strong resumé, Apply! Still have work to do? No worries, most do but be prepared in 12th grade
YOU HAVE ARRIVED | 12TH GRADE
You're in your final stretch. Grades! Grades! Grades! Keep up the good work both semesters
Setting up an email dedicated for college is highly recommended. Be sure to check it regularly
Talk with your college counselor
Set calendar reminders with important deadlines
Take the SAT and/or ACT. If taken previously, consider testing again for a higher score
Reach out to counselors, teachers, coaches, etc. to request letters of recommendation. Be sure to include a response date
Finish all items from the 11th grade task list
Apply for financial aid. FAFSA opens Oct. 1st and you may list up to 10 schools
Apply! Submit applications by early action deadline whenever possible
Do not miss deadlines and respond to emails requesting additional information
Apply for scholarships. Be sure to check with the college and state specific scholarships. Parent's employers are also overlooked for scholarship opportunities
Schedule campus visits
Make a decision. Most schools require a decision by May 1st
Take photos in your cap & gown... You're almost on Chapter 2