Now that you're in ninth grade, it's time to get serious about your post-secondary plans.
Don't neglect your study habits!
Add to or open a college savings account
Talk to your school counselors, teachers, family members or trusted adults about your plans for college.
Keep track of your courses and grades.
Find out about college entrance requirements for the schools you're interested in.
Create a file of the following documents and notes: report cards, lists of awards and honors, school and community activities, and volunteer work.
Find out about AP and other honors-level courses.
Continue to get involved in campus and community activities.
Sophomores
Things to do
Keep those grades up!
Talk to your parents about financial aid options.
Continue your conversations with your guidance counselors, teachers, family members or trusted adults about your plans for college or other paths toward a career.
Find out about AP and other honors-level courses for junior year.
Continue extracurricular activities.
If you have room in your schedule, consider a part-time job or volunteer position.
Look into participating in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops and camps with specialty focuses – such as music, arts and sciences.
It's not too early to start studying for standardized tests like the ACT and SAT.
Investigate your options for participating in concurrent enrollment next year.
Start thinking about what factors are important to you in choosing a college.
Juniors
Things to do
Maintaining your grades during your junior year is important!
Make sure you're challenging yourself academically.
Now is the time to really focus your career and college research.
As you research education and career options, share your discoveries with your family.
If your schedule permits, stay involved in school and community activities.
Talk to your school counselor.
Keep an eye out for college nights at any schools in your area you may want to attend.
Narrow your list of colleges to include a few colleges with requirements at your current GPA, a few with requirements above your current GPA, and at least one with requirements below your GPA.
If possible, schedule tours of the school grounds on the same days.
Register for the March SAT or the April ACT, or both.
Add any new report cards, test scores, honors or awards from the year to your file.
Seniors
Things to do
Talk to your counselor about your plans for after graduation. Research colleges and careers. Seek out financial aid for college.
Check your transcripts to make sure you have all the credits you need to get into the colleges that interest you.