High school is a period where students get to explore interests and build their academic record for college. This is a very crucial time period and waiting until a few months before graduation to figure things out can be quite stressful and demotivating.

Not sure where to start? The checklist below is a guide of what should be done throughout each phase of high school. The plan laid out should help you succeed as you begin to prepare for college. Talk to the school counselor as they great resource to help in the process of preparing for college.

College addmissions officers are looking for a well rounded student. These officers are not only looking at hard factors such as GPA, but also soft factors such as things that show who you are as a person e.g. recommendation letters and outside school engagments. Make sure to get involved in extra-curricular activities as well as volunteerism to help give a better holistic idea of who you are.

 

9th Grade

      • Maintain a high GPA. The transcript for 9th-11th grade is what students submit with university applications.
      • Consider joining Student Council or the Yearbook Club. Getting involved in extra-curricular activities (inside or outside of school) helps you find your interests and learn life-long skills. It also looks great on your college application.
      • Take PSAT 8/9 in October.
      • Once PSAT results are out, register on Khan Academy for personalized practice plan based on your PSAT results.
      • PSAT high school scores can exempt students from TSIA2 (test needed to begin dual credit).
      • Explore possible careers based on interests.
      • Minimum 25 hours of volunteer services (both school or outside organizations).
      • Consider enrolling in a summer enrichment programs or camp.
      • Complete any 9th grade deficit credits before 10th grade.

10th Grade

      • Take PSAT in October.PSAT/NMSQT scores can exempt you from TSIA2 (test needed to begin dual credit).
      • Continue working on Khan Academy or other SAT prep institutes for SAT practice. The upcoming year will be the year studnets are eligible for the National Merit Scholasrship upon taking PSAT/NMSQT.
      • Minimum of another 25 hours of volunteer services (both school or outside organizations).
      • Complete any 10th grade deficit credits before 11th grade.
      • Students may begin dual credit courses in the summer after 10th grade.
      • Begin exploring career options by exploring and researching careers.
      • Start seacrching for colleges that have programs with your intended career.

11th Grade

      • Take PSAT/NMSQT in October to enter for a chance at the National Merit Scholarship.
      • Continue working on Khan Academy or other SAT prep institutes for SAT practice.
      • SAT will be taken in the spring.
      • Once SAT scores have been released, determine if you need another attempt at the test. If so, register to take it again in the summer. Try to have this complete before senior year.
      • Begin exploring scholarship opportunities. Scholarships have different deadlines; some begining in the summer before senior year and others as late as spring senior year.
      • Begin looking into the colleges you consider attending. Research their deadlines for application submission as well as any scholarships they may have to offer and how to apply for them.
      • Minimum of another 25 hours of volunteer services (both school or outside organizations).
      • Take SAT in the Spring.
      • Minimum of another 25 hours of volunteer services (both school or outside organizations).
      • Complete any 11th grade deficit credits before 12th grade.

12th Grade

      • Apply to Colleges. Remember to verify each college's submission deadline.
      • Complete the FAFSA. Application release date is October 1st.
      • Apply for scholarships.
      • Minimum of another 25 hours of volunteer services (both school or outside organizations).Your hundred hours should be completed by this time.
      • Make a decision about which college you'd like to attend. When making a choice consider things like tuition costs, scholarship offers, your out of pocket cost, lodging, to name a few.