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Courses Offering and Upcoming Schedule
College Countdown
Checklist
Grade 9: Fall
Chat with your guidance counselor about what you can do
to get the most out of high school.
Get involved with some extracurricular activities. Colleges love
well-rounded students.
Grade 9: Spring
Meet with your guidance counselor to sketch out your
schedule for the rest of high school.
Grade 10: Fall
Get used to standardized tests by taking the PLAN (a
preliminary version of the ACT), the PSAT (preliminary SAT), or, if you
think you're ready, the ¡°real thing¡± - the ACT or SAT.
Check out some options by going to a college fair.
Grade 10: Spring
If you haven't done it already, discuss your college
plans with your guidance counselor.
Take another look at your long-term class schedule. Make sure you're
meeting college entrance requirements for math, science, foreign
language, etc.
Look into Advanced Placement courses that could earn you college credit.
Grade 11: Summer
Add to your resume and your savings account with a
part-time job
Grade 11: Fall
Take the PSAT. High scores can qualify you for a National
Merit Scholarship.
Start a file for mail from colleges that interest you.
Grade 11: Winter
Register for the spring ACT and/or SAT. Decide which
schools you want to send your scores to.
Grade 11: Spring
Take the ACT and/or SAT.
When you receive your ACT or SAT scores, meet with your guidance
counselor to see which schools and scholarships you may qualify for.
Double-check your senior year course schedule to make sure you're not
leaving anything out.
Visit the colleges you're most interested in.
Look into pre-college programs for the summer, where you can earn
college credit and get an inside look at life on campus.
Grade 12: Summer
Get up-to-date catalogs from your top 10 schools
Look for specific information on financial aid that will help make your
decision.
Put together a list of courses taken, awards received both in and out of
school. This list will help when you fill out applications.
Write down answers to questions like ¡°What are my strengths and
weaknesses as a student¡± and ¡°What do I hope to get out of college?¡±
These answers will help you fill out application questions and prepare
you for admissions interviews.
Grade 12: Fall
Narrow your list of college choices to no more than five,
and apply to each of these schools.
Ask selected adults to fill out any recommendation forms required by
your chosen schools.
Write drafts of your application essays. Ask your parents, teachers, and
guidance counselor to edit them.
If you're unhappy with your earlier scores, retake the ACT and/or SAT.
Keep asking your guidance counselor about scholarships, and apply for
the ones you're eligible for.
If possible, schedule longer visits at your top two or three schools.
Grade 12: Winter
Complete and send in your remaining college applications.
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon
after January 1 as possible.
Continue to apply for scholarships.
Grade 12: Spring
The acceptance letters have arrived and you've chosen
your school. As a courtesy, contact those schools you've decided not to
attend. This allows them to cross you off their list and pursue other
candidates.
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