01 August

Freshmen

  • Start off on the right foot with your grades. Your freshman grades really do matter. Colleges look at your overall grade point average (GPA) through all four years of high school. It's difficult to improve a GPA that starts off low.

  • Find extracurricular activities that interest you and get involved. It's a great way to meet new people! There are also scholarship opportunities for being involved in high school and community activities.

  • Keep track of your assignments, test dates, activities and important events by using a planner or electronic organizer. use it to set up a study schedule.

  • Get to know your teachers, counselors and administrators so you can know what resources are available in your school.

Sophomore

  • Get involved. Find an activity at your school or in your community that you would enjoy (clubs, band, choir, athletics, or volunteer activities) and be active.

  • Remember that the grades you earn now will affect your ability to get into college. Colleges look at all four years of high school when making their decisions.

Junior

  • Talk to your parents and your school counselor about where you want to go to college. Make sure you're on the right track by taking the necessary courses during your junior year.

  • Keep your grades up. Colleges look at your overall GPA through all four years of high school.

  • Interested in attending one of Iowa's public universities? Learn about the Regent Admission Index requirements. For more information, contact the admission office at the respective university.

  • Review your college savings plan; start saving money now if you haven't already done so.

  • Beware of scholarship search and financial aid service organizations that charge a fee for service. Much of the information you may be seeking is available at no cost. Check with your high school counselor or search at no cost.

Senior

  • Your senior grades really do matter. Colleges look at your overall grade point average (GPA) through all four years of high school. It's not too late to improve your GPA.

  • Are you unsure of your future career path? Learn about the steps you should take to choose a career.

  • Gather information and research the colleges you may be interested in attending. Request information from the Admission Office and visit the college's website.

  • Take a note of admission and financial aid deadlines.

  • Beware of scholarship search and financial aid service organizations that charge a fee for service. Check with your high school counselor or search at no cost.

Parents

  • Encourage your child to use a planner or electronic organizer to help them manage their time, set goals and stay on a path to success. Check in with your child to make sure they use one throughout each school year to keep track of assignment, activities, important dates and headlines.