Checklist for College Planning
| When to Begin | What to Do | How to do it |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman and Sophomore years |
Learn about college requirements and continue exploring careers. Which high school courses satisfy college requirements? Have you taken ACT’s tenth grade test, PLAN? Are you involved in extracurricular activities? |
Create a four-year high school curriculum plan. Review your PLAN test results. Try job shadowing. Get involved at school and in your community. |
| September - March of Junior year | Think about your reasons for going to college. What are your goals? What learning opportunities’ are most important? Do your college plans include career plans? |
Talk with your parents, counselors, teachers, and friends. Investigate possible career options and degree level required. |
| March - August of Junior year | List colleges you are considering and collect information. Have you included all possible choices? What information do you need? How can you get it? | Attend college fairs and college night programs. Prepare for and visit colleges. Take appropriate college admission test. |
| August - December of Senior year | Compare the colleges on your list. Have you weighed pros and cons carefully? Which colleges will meet your needs? |
Continue visiting colleges. Organize information into detailed useful comparisons. |
| September - December of Senior year | Apply for admission to your “choice” colleges. Do you have all the necessary forms? Are you sure of the application deadlines? |
Obtain application forms. Observe deadlines. Submit transcript and test scores (retest if necessary). |
| January - February of Senior year | Apply for financial aid. Have you investigated all possible sources of aid? When should you apply? | Consult financial aid office. Secure forms and not deadlines. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1. |
| November - May of senior year | Make some final decisions. What additional preparation might be helpful? Should you consider summer school? Do you feel comfortable with your final choice? | Confer with parents and counselors. Confirm your decision, and decline other admission offers. Show initiative. |
College Prep Checklist by Grade
Senior Year
Junior Year
Sophomore Year
Freshman Year
