JUNE / JULY

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?

Grade 9 + 10

Learning How to Learn + The Science of Well Being: These free Coursera courses will help you understand how your brain works and what you can do to optimize your productivity and happiness.
Explore colleges with 800+ lists: Curious about what colleges have to offer? Use this fun online, searchable database from CollegeXpress, which covers everything from academic environments to school spirit.
Social media cleanup: This is a good time to clean up your social media profiles. If you have any questionable photos or language, delete them now before you start your college search in earnest.

CONGRATS! You made it to the end of the school year!

If you're going into 10th grade, you're just going to keep exploring! Some of the activities may be repetitive, but by the time they come around again, you may not be the exact same person!

If you're moving on to grade 11, BUCKLE UP! Start looking ahead at what we'll focus on in your new College Guidance class (CG 11) and what you can be doing month to month!

Grade 11

BUCKLE UP! THIS IS A BIG SUMMER!

How to Create a College List (with tracking spreadsheet): Prepare to finalize your college list. Once you do, create a second spreadsheet with deadlines for applications, and scholarships, number of required recommendations, testing policies, etc.
Things Students of Color Should Know When Applying to College: Listen to this solid advice spanning the college search, financial aid, and how to advocate for yourself in the process.
Tips for Planning a College Visit: Make a plan to visit a couple schools based on your college research, if you’re able. If getting to the campuses isn’t possible, learn as much as you can online via virtual information sessions.
Get organized and kick off your application process: Research the admission requirements and deadlines for schools on your list, and create a spreadsheet to organize information.
How to write a successful Common App Activities List/How to write a college resume: Learn more about these pieces of the application process.
How to use the Common App Additional Information Section: Find out why this optional section can be one of the most important aspects of your application. And think about whether you want to answer the optional COVID related question.
If you’ve excelled academically despite financial challenges, consider applying to QuestBridge or the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program, and check in with your counselor on the Posse Foundation nomination process.
Create a spreadsheet of all usernames and passwords: Keep important login information here for college applications, applicant portals, and scholarships.
SAT Study Group: Consider starting a study group to prepare for your upcoming exams. Even if you’re applying to test-optional schools, you might want a test score for scholarship eligibility.

ALRIGHT! You're going to be a SENIOR! Start looking ahead to what's coming in Grade 12!

Grade 12

Mark your post-graduation plans on SCOIR! If applicable, Mrs. CR will send your final transcript to your enrolling school by July 1. All students will receive an unofficial copy of their final transcript (once all obligations are met) via email for personal record keeping.
Study tips in college (from MIT): You’ll soon be sitting in your first college class, so take the time to read up on some suggestions on time management, testing, and study skills.
Get familiar with college lingo: College brings a ton of new vocabulary, so keep this glossary handy while you navigate registration, housing, and student services.
The Shovel Study Planner: Get ready for college with this simple, low-cost app for building an effective study plan and developing strong study skills.

Check out the Alumni Hub, where you'll find some helpful information on how to save your City School Google information, request your records, find networking opportunities, and future alumni events!