College-Career Planning
9th Grade Year
- Speak with your counselor about the right courses to take.
- Create a four-year high school plan. Think about what you’d like to accomplish in the next four years.
- Practice and develop your study skills (goal setting, note taking, asking for help, time management, etc.)
- Get involved outside of the classroom (clubs, sports, volunteering)
- Track your involvement in a Google Document for future reference.
- Remember that colleges would rather see real involvement in one activity instead of a loose connection to several.
- Explore careers by taking the O*Net Interest Profiler.
- Further explore those careers to determine what degree is needed on the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
- Talk to your family about your interests.
- If you’re interested in playing sports in college, research the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility requirements. The NCAA requires completion of certain core courses. You can register for a free Profile Page account at eligibilitycenter.org
- Explore College options through College Board’s BIG FUTURE.
- You can also begin to visit colleges by setting up tours through their admissions offices.
10th Grade Year
Take rigorous courses and aim to do your best.
Check into the prerequisites for advanced-level junior and senior year courses.
Learn about standardized tests, like the SAT & ACT.
Some colleges require these college entrance exams for either general admissions, program admission, or merit based aid.
Take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) for practice.
This is recommended for those students who are advanced in Math.
Stay involved outside of the classroom doing things that spark joy.
Attend college and career fairs.
11th Grade
Fall:
Narrow down your college and university research to places that fit your personal, academic and financial need.
Take rigorous courses available to you such as honors, AP, or dual enrollment courses.
Study for standardized tests (SAT & ACT).
Winter/Spring:
Meet with your school counselor to discuss your college options.
Complete a personal “brag” sheet to give teachers when you ask for recommendation letters.
Sign up and take the SAT or ACT (fee waivers are available for eligible students).
Attend student and family college and financial aid events.
For NCAA Division I or II schools, ensure your sports participation information is correct in your Eligibility Center account. Take unofficial and official visits to NCAA schools you’re interested in attending. Request an official transcript from your school counselor at the end of the school year to be uploaded to the High School Portal.
Plan how you’ll spend your summer (classes, volunteering, internship, etc.).
Summer:
Visit colleges in-person (or virtually!). Some colleges track demonstrated interest.
If you plan to take the SAT/ACT again, study over the summer and take it again in the fall.
Note admissions and financial aid deadlines.
Draft your personal statement and get feedback.
Research college supplements and begin working on completing them.
Ask teachers for letters of recommendation.
Research and apply for scholarships.
12th Grade
Fall:
Fill out college applications.
Submit Early Action and/or Early Decision applications (typically due Nov 1-15).
Fill out financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile, State applications, and school specific applications).
Continue to research and apply for scholarships.
Winter & Spring:
Complete and submit regular decision applications.
Check your email for communications from colleges.
Review your acceptance letters and compare financial aid offers.
Attend admitted student events.
By May 1, decide on which college to attend and submit your deposit.
For NCAA recruits, ensure your sports participation information is correct and request your final amateurism certification beginning April 1 (fall enrollees) in your Eligibility Center account. Request your final transcript to be uploaded to the High School Portal.
Keep your grades up and celebrate your hard work.