JAIME

COLLEGE PREP CHECKLIST – DON’T FORGET ABOUT THESE!

college prep

• Ready to start? Let’s begin at your freshman year. During 9th grade, you should:

• Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss possible career choices.

• Try to take academically challenging courses – this is the perfect way to prepare for college’s rigorous and challenging schedule.

•  Talk to professionals that work in the fields you’re interested in.

• Start a log of all your accomplishments and accolades; continue this until your senior year.

• For sophomores, it’s all about keeping the momentum going:

• Start looking into grants and scholarships; next year at this time, you’ll be eligible for actual college money!

•  Take practice tests for the SAT, PSAT and other college-level entry exams.

• Follow up with your guidance counselor and look at additional career choices.

• Sign up for AP (advanced placement) courses, if you haven’t already done so.

• For many high school students, their college checklist is busiest during their junior year. Here are some things you can do:

• Fill out the Common Application; this single app allows you to apply to hundreds of colleges, both private and public.

• Sign up for the PSAT. If you’re following this college checklist, you’ve already completed a few practice rounds.

• Take a few informal visits to colleges.

• Go to as many college fairs as you can, especially ones sponsored by your high school. 

• Register for the ACT and SAT tests.

• Talk to your parents or guardians about how you’ll pay for college.

• One more year to go! Seniors should focus on the following tasks:

• Narrow down college choices to less than five.

• Visit all the colleges on your wish list.

• Contact college admission representatives to make sure your application isn’t missing any information. 

• Ask as many questions as you can – your guidance counselor, parents, mentors, etc.

• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

• Apply for as many scholarships (especially local grants) as possible. 

• Ensure your high school graduation requirements are on track.

• Firm up your financial aid; find out how much grant & scholarship money you’re getting, what types of loans you need, etc.