Read! Read! Read! This is the #1 method for improving your reading, writing and critical thinking skills.
During High School
9th Grade
Enroll in challenging classes that will satisfy college requirements. Challenging coursework will prepare you to succeed in college.
Introduce yourself and get to know your career or college counselor.
Continue your involvement in community service activities.
Become involved in school organizations.
Get organized! (Keep a folder on all college materials you have received at college fairs, campus visits, etc.)
10th Grade
Visit with your counselor and make sure that you are enrolling in college prep courses.
Run for office (President, Vice President, Secretary, etc.) in a school or extra-curricular activity in which you are involved (church, student council, band, etc.).
Surf’s up! Get online and check out cool careers on websites such as careers.org.
Double check! Make sure that you are taking the necessary courses for admission to the colleges in which you are interested.
Register early to take your Pre SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). See your guidance counselor – you might qualify for a free waiver.
11th Grade
Continue taking college prep classes and keep up the good grades. You’ll be glad you did.
Start with YOU! Visit assessment.com and take the MAPP test. Make lists of your abilities, social/cultural preferences and personal qualities. List things you may want to study and do in college.
Attend day and evening college fairs. Introduce yourself to the recruiter and ask questions. If you attend an evening fair, take your parents.
Consider people to ask for letters of recommendation (teachers, counselors, employers, church leaders, etc.) Be sure that these same people know who you are, know what your dreams and goals are.
Spring to it! Register to take the SAT and/or ACT during the spring semester. This is the perfect first time to take it!
12th Grade
Beware of Senioritis! Keep your grades up. College and universities will look at all of your senior year grades.
Register and retake the SAT and/or ACT and any other exams required for admission to the colleges/universities for which you are applying.
Contact colleges to request information about admission and financial aid requirements and deadlines (early decision, early action, rolling admission, etc.)
Prepare your applications carefully. Follow the instructions and pay close attention to deadlines. It’s your responsibility to submit all necessary documents (letters of recommendation, official transcripts, etc.) by the designated deadline date.
Recommendation Letters. Make sure the person writing the letter on your behalf truly knows you well. Be courteous and give them a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with the requirements. Provide them with at least one month notice as a courtesy. Be sure to send them a hand-written “thank you” note for their time and help.
After High School
Fall
When contacting colleges, request financial aid information and the priority deadlines. Mark your calendar so that you don’t miss out on the free money.
To apply for financial aid you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some colleges may require an institutional application to be completed. You can file the FAFSA after Jan 1st.
Obtain the contact information of the Financial Aid Counselor you will be meeting with in the future.
Spring
Talk to your parents about completing their income tax return as soon as possible. The current-year tax information is required when completing the FAFSA. You can estimate information, but it may cause delays in the processing of your financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for more information.
Submit your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov after January 1. Make sure you check with the financial aid office to find out the priority deadline and apply on time.
