College Preparation Checklist
EVERY YEAR
Continue to save for college.
Take challengingclasses in core academic subjects.
Stay involved in school or community-based extracurricular activities that interest you or enable you to explore career interests. Consider working or volunteering. Remember - it's quality (not quantity) that counts.
Talk to people in a variety of professions to determine what they like and dislike about their jobs and what kind of education is needed for each kind of job.
FRESHMAN - 9TH GRADE
Take challenging core classes.
Develop good study habits now to start building a strong GPA.
Start planning for college and thinking about your career interests.
SOPHOMORE - 10TH GRADE
Start your college search beginning with you - Make lists of your abilities, preferences, and personal qualities. List things you may want to study and do in college.
Continue to take challenging core classes.
In October, take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) to practice for the SAT. Practice now to familiarize yourself with the test and become comfortable with the types of questions that are commonly asked. When your Score Report arrives go to www.collegeboard.com/psatextra for explanations of the answers to all PSAT questions.
If you haven't participated in any extracurricular activities yet, get involved now!
JUNIOR - 11TH GRADE
Continue to challenge yourself academically.
Continue researching colleges that interest you.
Prepare for the SAT with The Official SAT Online Course at collegeboard.com/satonlinecourseschool
Investigate financial aid, including scholarships. Understand the different types and sources of aid.
For more information about scholarships and federal student aid opportunities visit, www.studentaid.ed.gov, or www.fastweb.com
In October, take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). You must take the test in 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Program. When your Score Report arrives go to www.collegeboard.com/psatextra for explanations of the answers to all PSAT questions.
In the spring, register for and take exams for college admission. Many colleges accept the SAT Reasoning Test (www.collegeboard.com) and/or ACT (www.act.org). Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.
SENIOR - 12TH GRADE
Summer Before 12th GRADE
Narrow down the list of colleges you are interested in applying to between 5 and 10. If you can, visit the schools that interest you or take a virtual tour at www.ecampustours.com.
Contact colleges to request information and applications for admissions. Ask about financial aid, admission requirements and deadlines.
Make a master calendar and note:
Test dates, fees, and deadlines
College application due dates
Required financial aid applications and their deadlines
Recommendations, transcripts and other required materials
Your high school's deadlines for transcript and recommendation requests
All Year
Keep taking classes that challenge you
Work hard all year; second semester grades can affect scholarship eligibility and admission decisions.
Stay involved and seek leadership roles in your activities.
Use www.fastweb.com to search for and apply for scholarships.
Fall
Students planning to participate in college athletics at a Division I or II college should register with the NCAA Clearinghouse after completing the 11th grade. The registration form is available online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
Meet with your school counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate
If you haven't done so already, register for and take college admission exams such as the SAT (www.collegeboard.com) or ACT (www.act.org). Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require. To prepare, take The Official SAT Online Course at www.collegeboard.com/satonlinecourseschool.
Apply to colleges you have chosen. Prepare your applications carefully. Follow the instructions and pay close attention to deadlines.
At least two weeks before your application deadlines, ask your school counselor and teachers to submit required documents (e.g. transcript, letters of recommendation…) to the colleges to which you're applying. Give each person your resume (or Senior Brag Sheet), a stamped, addressed envelope, and required forms.
Write application essays and ask teachers, parents, and friends to read first drafts.
To prepare to apply for federal student aid, be sure to get a PIN at www.pin.gov so that you can complete your application and access your information online. One of your parents must also get a PIN.
Most early action or early decision application deadlines are in October or November. Keep copies of everything you send to colleges. Follow up with colleges to make sure they have received all application materials.
Winter
Most (not all) regular applications are due between January 1st and February 15th. Keep copies of everything you send to colleges. Follow up with colleges to make sure they have received all application materials.
Attend financial aid events in your area.
Encourage your parent(s) to complete income tax form early.
As soon after January 1st as possible, complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), along with any other financial aid applications your school(s) of choice may require. You can complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or on paper, but completing the application online is faster and easier. You should submit your FAFSA by the priority financial aid deadline of the school(s) to which you are applying, usually by early February.
Men 18 or older must register for the selective service to receive federal financial aid. You can register online at www.sss.gov.
If you have questions about the federal student aid programs or need assistance with the application process, call 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
After you submit the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within one to four weeks. Quickly make any necessary corrections and submit them to the FAFSA processor.
Complete scholarship applications.
Spring
Visit colleges that have invited you to enroll.
Review your college acceptances and compare financial aid packages.
When you decide which school you want to attend, notify that school of your commitment and submit any required financial deposit. Many schools require notification and deposit by May 1st.
In May, ask you high school to send a final transcript to the college you choose to attend.
REMEMBER: Register for all tests in advance and be sure to give yourself time to prepare appropriately!
