FEBRUARY

Here is a list of things that you can do RIGHT NOW, at your appropriate grade level, to prepare for college! It's a big, complex question, but I hope that the resources listed below are helpful to you. You can also "look ahead" -- what might you be doing this time next year?

Values Exercise (video): What’s important to you? Spend some time thinking about your core values with this quick exercise.
Time management: Finding it hard to balance your school work, extracurricular activities, and sleep? This worksheet can help assess whether you’re doing too much.
Uplevel your study skills: This guide has tips to help you study smarter, not harder.

Review PSAT results (when they come in): Pay special attention to the questions you answered incorrectly. Strong test scores as a junior may qualify you for academic honors as well as for special programs and recruitment opportunities.
Time management: Finding it hard to balance school work, extracurricular activities, and sleep? This worksheet can help assess whether you’re doing too much.
How to Plan a Fulfilling and Productive Summer (podcast): It may seem really far away, but take note -- some competitive and really awesome programs have early-application deadlines, so start researching early. You don't want to miss out on opportunities. A LOT of summer programs can be costly, so applying early may grant access to scholarships or at least an opportunity to fundraise or earning your way --- starting now!

9th-graders

College App & Admissions Timeline: These resources and calendar will help you stay on track.
Values Exercise (video): Spend some time thinking about your core values with this simple exercise. Your answers may help drive how you spend this upcoming summer.

10th-graders

Virtual college fairs : There are many opportunities to attend college fairs from home, including sessions that focus on STEM programs and the visual and performing arts. These easy-to-attend virtual events can be a great window into what college is all about.
YouScience aptitudes test: If you haven’t already, take this online assessment, which uses a combination of personality, interest, and aptitudes testing to help you explore careers that might be a good fit. Then see if you can connect with someone working in the field for an informational interview or job shadowing opportunity. To access YouScience (for free), you must create/log in to your City School SCOIR account! (See your email for an invite!)
Identify a summer program: Browse through options for day programs, residential programs, and online options that match an interest you might like to pursue.

Virtual college fairs: There are many opportunities to attend college fairs from home, including sessions that focus on STEM programs and the visual and performing arts. These easy-to-attend virtual events can be a great window into what college is all about.
Start looking out for fly-in program opportunities: These subsidized travel programs offer overnight campus visits for populations traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
QuestBridge College Prep Scholars: See if you qualify to apply for this top-notch college admission support program.
Pre-work for your teacher recommendations: Take a look at this form and imagine how your teacher(s) might fill it out. What are your strengths/areas for improvement? What words will come to their mind when they think of you? You’ll request teacher recs in May, so this is a good time to start thinking about these important pieces of the college application process.
5 Ways to Spend Your High School Summer: Think about your summer in the context of how your choices can help you to lead a happier life (really!).

(!!!) FILE THE FAFSA, if you haven't already!

The FAFSA opened on October 1. It is best to fill out this application as soon as possible to get any/all funds for which you're eligible. Always (and only) use the FAFSA.gov website to complete this form.
You'll need an FSA ID in order to sign your electronic application. You can do that now, even if you're not ready to fill out the FAFSA. Click here.

Senioritis: This is not the time to slack off. Colleges will see your final transcript this summer, and they do have the right to rescind (i.e., take back) their offer of admission if your spring grades drop significantly (gulp).
Admitted student events: If possible, attend in-person and virtual events for admitted students to get your questions answered and help inform your decision-making process.
Scholarships: Search for possible fits based on your academic interests, gender, religion, and more.