How to Prepare for the College Admissions Process

Freshman Year (9th Grade)

  • Take advanced courses (Honors, accelerated, or be on track for 10th, 11th, 12th AP)
  • Get involved
  • Take challenging classes
  • Work on time management skills (it will just get busier each year)

Sophomore Year (10th Grade)

  • Take the PSAT (it won’t count, but it’s good practice – and colleges will notice)
  • Start thinking about your future. What do you enjoy? What are you good at? Research different careers. Think about what type of learning you enjoy (lecture, hands-on, building, reading, learning by teaching/doing)
  • Continue to take challenging courses. Try different electives if possible
  • Focus your involvement – be actively involved in 3-5 clubs, not more.
  • Start researching college costs, scholarships, and financial aid (Parents help!)
  • Look into summer opportunities.
  • Visit a few local colleges to get a feel for size/campus (rural, suburbs, small town)

Junior Year (11th Grade)

  • Take the PSAT – highest scores get National Merit Scholarship status
  • Attend College Fairs, visit college reps that come to school
  • Take AP/Honors classes
  • Take SAT/ACT in winter or spring
  • Keep up your grades – this is the year that really counts
  • Think about summer opportunities – selective programs may have early deadlines
  • Research colleges you’re interested in. Visit some if possible.
  • Think about which teachers/others you might ask for recommendations

Senior Year (12th Grade)

  • Make your final college list (narrow this down summer before senior year) 5-10 should include “Reach/Target/Likely” options
  • Take SAT/ACT again if necessary
  • Start researching & applying for scholarships
  • Complete Common App
  • Ask for recommendation letters (2-3 typical)
  • Work on your Personal Statement/Essay
  • Supplemental Essays required for some schools.
  • Determine if Early Decision is a good choice for you (it’s binding and you can only apply to one school ED, but acceptance % is typically higher than Early Action or regular decision)
  • Prepare for admissions interviews if recommended
  • Fill out FAFSA (parents help) and CSS Profile, if applicable (Opens Oct 1st)
  • Visit colleges if possible (student for a day, weekend admissions visits, virtual campus visits via YouVisit, Campustours.com, college websites)
  • Keep your grades up. Many schools require a mid-year grade report
  • Decision day is May 1st! For big state schools, get your housing deposit in early