High School Students & Parents

Starting early can set the stage for success in the college application process. Here’s a checklist of tasks to focus on during your freshman year of high school. By starting these steps in Grade 9, you’ll be well-prepared to make informed decisions as you progress through high school.

1. Build a Strong Academic Foundation

•   Focus on achieving good grades in all subjects.
•   Take challenging courses (e.g., honors or advanced classes, if available).
•   Develop strong study habits and time management skills.
•   Seek help from teachers or tutors if struggling with any subjects.

2. Explore Interests and Passions

• Join school clubs, sports teams, or organizations that interest you.
• Volunteer or participate in community service activities.

• Start exploring hobbies and extracurricular activities that align with your strengths and interests.

3. Begin Career Exploration

• Research different careers and fields that interest you.
• Talk to professionals or family members about their jobs and experiences.

4. Keep a Record of Accomplishments

• Start a folder or digital document to track:
• Awards and honors.
• Extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
• Volunteer hours and community service involvement.
• Any work or internship experience.

5. Develop Key Skills

• Work on soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Practice writing and public speaking.
• Learn basic computer and technology skills.

6. Build Relationships

• Get to know your teachers—they may later write recommendation letters.
• Form friendships and network with peers who share similar goals.
• Connect with your school counselor and discuss your long-term goals.

7. Plan for Standardized Testing

• Understand the role of tests like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT.
• Consider taking practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format.

8. Read and Expand Knowledge

• Read books, articles, and blogs to improve vocabulary and comprehension.

• Stay informed about current events and topics that interest you.

9. Learn About Colleges and Universities

• Research different types of colleges (e.g., community colleges, state universities, private colleges).
• Start learning about factors like location, size, majors, and campus life.
• Attend local college fairs or virtual sessions, if available.

10. Set Goals and Stay Organized

• Write down academic and personal goals for high school.
• Use a planner or app to track assignments, deadlines, and activities.
• Stay proactive and reassess goals regularly.

11. Make Summer Plans

• Consider summer activities like camps, internships, or online courses related to your interests.
• Volunteer for causes you care about.
• Start reading books on college planning or self-improvement.

Sophomore year is a great time to build on your efforts from freshman year and take more focused steps toward preparing for college. By completing these steps, you’ll be well on your way to making informed decisions about your future and setting yourself up for success in Grade 11 and beyond.

1. Focus on Academics

• Maintain or improve your GPA by working hard in all your classes.
• Enroll in challenging courses (e.g., honors, Advanced Placement (AP)).
• Develop strong relationships with teachers—they may later write recommendation letters.
• Seek academic help or tutoring for any subjects you find challenging.

2. Explore Career Interests

• Research potential career fields and related college majors.
• Shadow professionals or talk to mentors about their careers.
• Take career interest surveys or aptitude tests if available.

3. Stay Involved in Extracurricular Activities

• Continue participating in clubs, sports, or community service.
• Take on leadership roles in organizations or activities.
• Deepen your involvement in activities that align with your interests and passions.

4. Keep a Record of Accomplishments

• Update your folder or digital document to track:
• Awards and honors.
• Leadership roles and participation in activities.
• Volunteer hours and community service.
• Work experience or internships.

5. Research Colleges

• Start building a list of colleges you might want to attend.
• Research factors like location, size, programs offered, and cost.
• Explore college websites and take virtual tours if in-person visits aren’t feasible.
• Attend local college fairs or webinars to gather more information.

6. Plan for Standardized Tests

• Consider taking the PSAT (optional) to start preparing for the SAT or ACT.
• Consider using prep books, online resources, or attending prep classes.

7. Build Skills for College Success

• Improve time management, note-taking, and study skills.
• Work on critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Practice writing essays and personal statements.

8. Volunteer and Gain Experience

• Continue volunteering in activities that matter to you.
• Look for summer opportunities such as internships, part-time jobs, or academic programs.
• Seek out experiences that build skills and align with your interests.

9. Build Relationships with Counselors and Mentors

• Meet with your school counselor to discuss your academic progress and college plans.
• Seek advice from teachers, coaches, or other mentors.

10. Explore Summer Opportunities

• Enroll in summer programs or camps at colleges to explore academic interests.
• Take online courses or workshops to strengthen your skills.
• Use the summer to work on personal projects, volunteer, or prepare for standardized tests.

Junior year is a critical time in the college planning process. It’s when you’ll take significant steps toward finalizing your goals and preparing for applications. By staying organized and proactive during junior year, you’ll set yourself up for a successful college application process in senior year.

1. Strengthen Academic Performance

• Maintain or improve your GPA in challenging courses (e.g., AP or dual-enrollment classes).
• Seek academic help for challenging subjects to ensure your grades reflect your potential.
• Build relationships with teachers who might write your letters of recommendation.

2. Take Standardized Tests

• Register for and take the SAT or ACT in the spring.
• Consider taking both tests to see which you perform better on.
• Use prep resources like practice tests, online courses, or tutoring to improve your scores.
• Explore test-optional schools if standardized testing isn’t your strength.

3. Research Colleges

• Finalize a list of colleges to research further (create a mix of reach, match, and safety schools).
• Look into factors like academics, location, size, campus life, and financial aid options.
• Attend college fairs, open houses, and virtual tours.
• Visit campuses, if possible, to get a feel for the environment.

4. Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Talk to your family about college costs and financial aid options.
• Use tools like the FAFSA Forecaster to estimate financial aid eligibility.
• Start researching scholarships and keep a list of application deadlines.

5. Meet with Your School Counselor

• Schedule regular meetings to discuss academic progress and college plans.
•  Review your transcript and ensure you’re on track to meet graduation requirements.
• Ask about resources or programs available to help with college planning.

6. Build Your Extracurricular Profile

• Take leadership roles in clubs, sports, or other activities.
• Focus on activities that align with your interests and passions.
• Volunteer or pursue internships in areas related to potential career goals.

7. Keep a Record of Accomplishments

• Update your resume or accomplishments list to include:
• Awards, honors, and recognitions.
• Leadership roles and extracurricular activities.
• Volunteer work and job experience.

8. Plan for College Essays

• Start brainstorming topics for your personal statement.
• Read example college essays to get a sense of what works.
• Write down ideas and begin drafting over the summer.

9. Ask for Letters of Recommendation

• Identify teachers who know you well and could write strong recommendations.
• Plan to ask them early in senior year, but start building relationships now.

10. Explore Career and Major Options

• Research potential college majors that align with your interests and career goals.
• Shadow professionals or seek internships to learn more about specific fields.
• Take elective courses or extracurriculars that relate to potential majors.

11. Plan for Summer

• Use the summer to strengthen your college application by:
• Taking college courses, attending camps, or enrolling in enrichment programs.
• Volunteering or interning in areas of interest.
• Preparing for standardized tests, if needed.
• Visiting additional colleges and finalizing your list.

12. Organize and Stay Focused

• Use a planner or app to track deadlines for tests, applications, and scholarships.
• Stay proactive and make time for self-care to manage stress.

Senior year is the final stretch of your college planning journey. It’s time to focus on completing applications, securing financial aid, and preparing for your transition to college. By following this checklist, you’ll stay organized and confident throughout the college application process and beyond.

1. Finalize Your College List

• Narrow down your list to include a mix of safety, match, and reach schools.

   

• Double-check application deadlines (early decision, early action, regular decision).
• Research the specific requirements for each school (essays, test scores, recommendations).

2. Complete College Applications

• Create accounts for the Common App, or individual college portals as needed.
• Write and finalize your personal statement and supplemental essays.
• Review and proofread applications carefully before submission.
• Submit applications before deadlines and confirm their receipt.

3. Take (or Retake) Standardized Tests

• Retake the SAT or ACT if you’re aiming to improve your scores.
• Ensure that your test scores are sent to the colleges on your list.
• If applying test-optional, check any requirements for alternative materials.

4. Request Letters of Recommendation

• Confirm with teachers, counselors, or mentors that they are writing your recommendations.
• Provide them with any necessary information (resume, achievements, deadlines).
• Follow up politely to ensure they submit letters on time.

5. Apply for Financial Aid

• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as it opens (usually October 1).
• Complete the CSS Profile if required by your colleges.
• Research and apply for local and national scholarships.
• Review financial aid offers carefully once they arrive.

6. Stay on Top of Deadlines

• Use a planner or app to track application, scholarship, and financial aid deadlines.
• Submit materials well before due dates to avoid last-minute stress.

7. Continue Academic Excellence

• Maintain strong grades and keep challenging yourself with your course load.

   

• Be aware that colleges may request your midyear and final transcripts.

8. Plan College Visits (if possible)

• Attend college open houses or accepted student events to compare options.
• Visit campuses of schools where you’ve applied to get a better sense of the environment.

9. Review Admission Offers

• Compare acceptance letters, financial aid packages, and scholarship offers.
• Use tools or spreadsheets to weigh your options based on cost, location, and fit.

10. Decide and Commit to a College

• Make your final decision.
• Notify other colleges that you won’t be attending.
• Pay your enrollment deposit and complete required paperwork.

11. Prepare for College Life

• Apply for housing, if applicable.
• Sign up for orientation programs.
• Research major requirements and course registration processes.
• Begin budgeting and planning for college expenses.

12. Celebrate and Stay Focused

• Celebrate your hard work and achievements!
• Keep up with senior year responsibilities (e.g., classes, activities, commitments).
• Ensure all graduation requirements are met.