Timeline

Get acclimated to high school and focus on your academics

• Starting strong and earning good grades during freshman year is important!

Sign up for school clubs and/or after-school programs

• This is not only a great way to get involved and meet new people, but it is beneficial for exploring your strengths and interests outside the classroom.

Build your time management, organization, and self-advocacy skills

• Develop good habits now! These are life skills that will allow you to be successful in high school, college, and beyond.

Attend the AP Fair in the spring

• Explore different Advanced Placement course offerings and consider taking an AP course in 10th grade - this is a good way to challenge yourself academically.

Set up your Naviance account

• Naviance is a great resource to begin exploring college and career options

Continue to focus on your academics and challenge yourself

• Attend the annual AP Fair in the spring and sign up to take AP course(s) during 11th grade.

Further explore your strengths and interests

• Continue your involvement in any clubs you joined in 9th grade and/or try out new opportunities.

Take a PSAT (practice SAT) in the spring

Meet with your school counselor

• Review your transcript, graduation requirements, and course options for 11th grade.

Plan to participate in something meaningful over the summer

• This can include: SYEP, job, internship, academic program, community service, etc.

Continue to utilize Naviance to explore college and career interests

Start and end the year strong!

• Grades in your academic classes continue to be the most important aspect of the college admissions process

Continue to participate in extracurricular activities, and participate in a meaningful summer activity

• Enrichment program, College Now, Summer Youth, Job, etc.)

Review your high school transcript in the context of the college admissions process

Research colleges and plan to visit colleges to attend tours, information sessions, and open houses

Determine if you will be submitting a portfolio or completing an audition, and become familiar with the process

Prepare for and take the SAT (offered during school in March, and on specific weekend dates) and/or ACT

Begin the college essay, requesting letters of recommendation from teachers, and organizing an activity list/resume

Build a tentative, balanced college list in Naviance and familiarize yourself with your deadlines 

Finalize your college essay and work on any supplemental essays

Finalize your balanced college list and manage applications based on deadlines - update this information in Naviance regularly!

Complete applications and meet with your college counselor regularly

Take an additional SAT or ACT, if necessary

Apply for Financial Aid (beginning October 1) and scholarships

Attend college fairs, visits from college representatives, and campus tours

Check application portals to ensure all materials are received and applications are completed

Keep your grades up - colleges will request mid-year and final grades!

Most importantly, stay organized and be proactive!