Feeling overwhelmed about what comes next after high school? Here's a College Prep Checklist to help you get started.
Freshman Year
☐ Begin discussing post-secondary education options.
Many parents and families believe higher education is necessary to achieve career goals and financial independence. Forty percent of parents believe a college degree is very important. However, a bachelor’s degree is just one of the four recommended paths to choose after high school graduation. In addition to a four-year degree, consider a two-year degree, certification in a trade, or a military career.
4 Paths After High School
☐ Map out high school classes; enroll in challenging programs: Honors, AP, IB.
Take Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, or college-level classes if available. Advanced classes help with college admissions and financial aid. Take the AP test in May for each of your AP classes.
How Many AP Classes Should You Take?
☐ Get involved in extra-curricular activities.
Join clubs, sports, debate, speech, theater, FBLA, etc. to foster engagement, friendships, and self-growth.
What Do Colleges Look For: Three Keys to Success
☐ Make your summer count; work, volunteer or do an academic- or interest-based camp.
Build skills, add to your resume, and save some of the earnings in your college savings account.
32+ Summer Programs for High School Students
Resources for Summer College Prep
Things to Do This Summer for Teens
☐ Have The Money Talk with your family.
When to Talk About Paying for College
Sophomore Year
☐ Visit at least one college.
If possible, schedule these while college is in session so that you can visit classes and experience the student life. However, virtual tours can suffice. Request a meeting with a professor from an academic department of interest and an athletic coach. Arrive prepared with informed questions.
50+ Questions to Ask on a College Visit
Virtual and Alternative College Tours
☐ Plan out your ACT®/SAT® Testing schedule.
2024-2025 ACT® and SAT® Test Dates
Test Scores and College Admissions
Do Colleges Prefer the ACT® Test or SAT® Test: Taking the Right Test
☐ Make your summer count; volunteer or do an academic- or interest-based camp.
Build skills, add to your resume, and save some of the earnings in your college savings account.
32+ Summer Programs for High School Students
Resources for Summer College Prep
Things to Do This Summer for Teens
☐ Plan on preparing for and taking the PreACT® Test.
What Is the PreACT® Test & How Do You Prepare?
Junior Year
☐ Plan on preparing for and taking the PSAT/NMSQT® Test.
The PSAT/NMSQT® Test and How To Prepare
National Merit Scholarships: All You Need to Know
☐ Make a list of potential colleges.
If you’ve already submitted applications, make sure you send those colleges updated transcripts with your fall courses and grades.
Choose a Financial Safety School
How Many Colleges Should You Apply To?
☐ Take college visits.
Schedule College Visits: If possible, schedule these while college is in session so that you can visit classes and experience the student life. However, virtual tours can suffice. Request a meeting with a professor from an academic department of interest and an athletic coach. Arrive prepared with informed questions.
50+ Questions to Ask on a College Visit
Virtual and Alternative College Tours
☐ Begin the scholarship search.
How to Find Scholarships for College
☐ Take the ACT® Test or SAT® Test twice.
When Should You Take the ACT® Test and SAT® Test?
☐Prepare application essays.
A bland, superficial application essay can undo thirteen years of academic work, while a candid, fun, moving essay can vault you into contention for scholarships and admission.
Write a Great College Essay (+ Examples)
☐ Get ready for Early Decision; map out due dates.
Should You Apply Early Decision or Early Action?
Senior Year
☐ Take the ACT® Test or SAT® Test twice, one time being December.
2024-2025 ACT® and SAT® Test Dates
Test Scores and College Admissions
☐ Take college visits.
Schedule College Visits: If possible, schedule these while college is in session so that you can visit classes and experience the student life. However, virtual tours can suffice. Request a meeting with a professor from an academic department of interest and an athletic coach. Arrive prepared with informed questions.
50+ Questions to Ask on a College Visit
Virtual and Alternative College Tours
☐ Prepare all financial aid and scholarships.
Look for local scholarships or research national private scholarships online with websites like Fastweb.com or Scholarships.com.
☐ Complete the FAFSA in October (December in 2024).
Nearly all students enrolling in a post-high school education program should complete the FAFSA. Even if your family’s income and assets prevent receiving need-based aid, be aware that some merit-based scholarships require completion of the FAFSA. Also, accessing National Direct Student Loans requires completion of the FAFSA.
Your Guide to the FAFSA Application
7 Reasons Why You Should Complete the FAFSA
