Establish four-year high school degree plan.
Take challenging classes in English, mathematics, science, social studies, a foreign language, government, economics, technology, and the arts.
Get to know your high school counselor and other resources available in your school.
Talk to adults in a variety of professions to determine what they like and dislike about their jobs and what kind of education is needed for each kind of job.
Begin your resume. Be sure to include all honors, awards, extra-curricular activities, leadership positions, work activities, community service, and interesting or unique opportunities. This resume will help you to complete your college applications more thoroughly.
Save for college.
10th Grade College Preparation Checklist
Become involved in school or community-based extracurricular activities before or after school that interest you and/or enable you to explore career interests.
Take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). You must register early. If you have difficulty paying the registration fee, see your high school counselor about getting a fee waiver.
Take advantage of opportunities to visit colleges and talk to students.
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Take challenging classes in English, mathematics, science, social studies, a foreign language, government, economics, technology, and the arts.
Update your resume.
Save for college.
11th Grade College Preparation Checklist
Register for and take the SAT, ACT, or any other exams required for admission to the colleges you might want to attend. If you have difficulty paying the registration fee, see your high school counselor about getting a fee waiver.
Meet with your high school counselor to discuss colleges and their admissions requirements.
Decide which colleges most interest you. Research schools online taking into consideration: majors offered, location, size, student life, residential requirements, costs/financial aid, and deadlines.
Talk to college representatives at college fairs.
Consider people to ask for recommendations - teachers, counselors, employers, etc.
Investigate the availability of scholarships provided by organizations such as corporations, labor unions, professional association, religious organizations, and credit unions.
Consult with your high school counselor on early college credit options such as AP or Dual Credit with the local community college.
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Colleges look closely at junior level grades-be sure and work hard to maintain a good grade point average.
Stay involved with school or community-based extracurricular activities.
Take challenging classes in English, mathematics, science, social studies, a foreign language, government, economics, technology, and the arts.
Update your resume.
Save for college.
Summer
Schedule campus visits for the summer or the upcoming fall semester for schools you are interested in attending. Investigate college preview days or open houses.
12th Grade College Preparation Checklist
Fall
Register for and take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT), SAT Subject Tests, or any other exams required for admission to the colleges to which you are applying.
Prepare your application carefully. Follow the instructions and PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES! Be sure to ask your counselor and teachers at least two weeks before your application deadlines to submit the necessary documents to colleges (your transcript, letters of recommendation, etc).
Check with your prospective college or university about college admissions interviews-usually they are optional, but recommended.
Research college preview days and open houses.
Spring
Apply for Financial Aid; make sure taxes are completed on time. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Apply for on-campus housing if necessary.
Search and apply for local scholarships.
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Take challenging classes in English, mathematics, science, social studies, a foreign language, government, economics, technology, and the arts.
Update your resume.
Save for college.
