College Prep Timeline
High School Freshman:
- Choose your classes wisely with your path to college in mind.
- Study and work hard to attain good grades, as they will be the most important keys to the college of your choice.
- Become involved in extracurricular activities.
- Visit with a high school counselor about your goals, plans for college and any career possibilities that interest you.
High School Sophomore:
- Continue keeping your grades as high as possible.
- Keep participating in extracurricular activities.
- Inquire about PSAT/NMSQT test (to qualify for National Merit Scholarship) in September. Tests are taken in October/November.
High School Junior:
- Keep your grades in good standing - this is very important!
- Continue involvement in extracurricular activities.
- Take or retake the PSAT/NMSQT test (to qualify for National Merit Scholarship) in October.
- Attend workshops and start preparing for ACT/SAT testing.
- Take the ACT and/or SAT during the spring semester. This will allow you to retake the test, to increase your score, if desired or needed.
- Visit college campuses, gather information and pick up admission packets.
- Continue speaking with your high school guidance counselor concerning your college plans.
- Explore possibilities of part-time jobs and/or volunteering activities associated with your career path.
High School Senior:
- Stay focused on your grades and extracurricular activities – you’re almost there!
- Request people to write letters of recommendation for you.
- Select four to six colleges and request applications. Complete and return them on time.
- Take ACT and/or SAT and repeat as necessary or desired.
- Talk with your high school counselor concerning scholarships & grants.
- Apply for scholarships & grants before Christmas break - verify arrival of your application.
- If you are applying for Federal Financial Aid, prepare your application and apply prior to May 1.
- Continue your career-related job or volunteering through the summer.
