PLANNING AHEAD

Your college journey begins in High School and sometimes sooner

Middle / Junior High School Students

Have you considered what adulting after high school looks like for you? College, trade school, work force, etc.
Is there something you're passionate about that can expand into a career?
Read often to improve learning and critical thinking skills
Start building good study habits. Assess what distractions make you lose track of time
Use a planner to allocate time for homework/projects and ensure timely submission
Join school clubs, sports, or programs beyond traditional school activities
Explore careers. Dream of the possibilities...
Participate in the annual Take Your Child to Work Day in April
Ask family members or neighbors about their careers and what their work day entails
PSAT 8/9 is available and is an early baseline for reading, writing, and math skills

GPA matters from day one!
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 during fall semester about taking the PSAT 10 in the spring
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

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/NMSQT and/or Pre-ACT in the fall. This is the official year to qualify for National Merit Scholarships
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'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 often 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 at Chapter 2