Preparing for College
Print out a college preparation checklist
Checklists were provided by the GEAR UP Program
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Your Junior Year, 11th Grade
September/October:
- Schedule an appointment with your school counselor to review your four-year plan and make sure that you are on track to graduate.
November/December:
- Grades are extremely important in the college admission process and are also used to determine scholarships and grants for which you may be eligible. So put in the extra effort and keep those grades up!
January:
- Make a list of colleges you would like to investigate further. The internet, career center and public library are good resources.
February:
- Meet with your school counselor to discuss whether your initial list of colleges meets your needs and interests (size, location, distance from home, majors, academic rigor, housing, etc.) and whether you are considering colleges where you are likely to be admitted.
- Begin preparing for the SAT or ACT by signing up for a prep course, using computer software, or doing the SAT/ACT practice tests available in the counseling office.
March:
- Request an unofficial copy of your transcript to review when you meet with your school counselor to discuss your current courses and to plan your senior year schedule. Select academically focused courses that will fulfill college entrance requirements and demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a college degree.
- Register to take the May/June SAT and/or ACT exams.
- Finalize a list of five or six colleges that meet your most important criteria.
April:
- Stay focused on your studies to maintain or raise your grade point.
- Attend college fairs and meet with college representatives when they visit your school.
- Request information on the colleges that you are interested in attending and schedule visits to college campuses.
May/June/July/August:
- Continue preparing for and take the June SAT/ACT that you registered for.
- Make a list of scholarships that you will be eligible to apply for next year.
- Explore community service and other volunteer opportunities.
Information on this page was provided by the College Success Foundation.