NOVEMBER

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?

LEARNING ABOUT COLLEGES

Attend college representative visits NOW to get a first look at colleges that are interested in students at The City School! Commit to coming to at least one college visit this fall! See the college visit calendar on the homepage to see which colleges are visiting us -- in person and virtually!
Tips for Planning a College Visit: Make a commitment to visit one local college between now and the end of the school year. That experience can be a great reference point as you begin to figure out what you’re looking for in a school. And some schools offer incentive grants if you visit campus, either in person or virtually.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS:

Could your high school grades be worth $100k? If you’re wondering whether your freshman year grades matter (yes, they do), then read this article to learn more about merit-based financial aid.
Feeling like you’re falling behind in a class? Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and the sooner, the better. Check in with your teacher. Ask older students and/or peers if they might be open to tutoring. Form a study group.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Start keeping a journal—here are some questions for inspiration: 100 Brave/Interesting Questions + NYT Writing Prompts for Students. Writing (whether college or scholarship essays) will be a huge part of the college application, and an excellent opportunity to communicate really important things about yourself!
Values Exercise (video): Use your priority values to guide your extracurricular choices. This is a great time to deepen your involvement in the clubs/teams/jobs that excite you— maybe take on a leadership role. Or sign up for a new club? Or start your own?

TALK FINANCES WITH YOUR FAMILY

Start thinking about financial fit: As you begin your college search, it’s important to think about cost. Experiment with the Net Price Calculator to get a rough estimate of what you might pay for college, and start the conversation with your parents or guardians.
DID YOU KNOW? The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) uses prior-prior year tax information to determine eligibility, so you definitely want to consider

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIFFERENT TYPES OF COLLEGES!

Attend any/all of our college representative visits AND check out any upcoming college fairs!
How to Create a College List (with spreadsheet tracker) - Use this guide tool to begin building a list of schools you’re excited about. Resources for specific student populations:
ScholarMatcher: Awesome search tool for low-income/first gen students
The Hundred-Seven and College Equity Index: Excellent resources for Black students
I’m First: Guide for first-generation college students and their families
Women’s colleges: Seven reasons you should consider a single-sex school
- While all-men's colleges are rarer these days, there is something to be said about the prolific brotherhood of Morehouse College and other colleges like it (Williamson College of the Trades, Hampden-Sydney College, and Wabash College.)
HBCUs, HSIs and TCUs: Essential tips when considering one of these institutions committed to serving underrepresented students
American Indian College Fund: List and descriptions of tribal colleges and universities
AICAD: List of 42 colleges of art and design that allows you to search by major and by region

TRUST THE PROCESS

Keep up with our work in college guidance as we do some introspective discovery and career/major research!

(!!!) FILE THE FAFSA!

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.

FILL OUT INITIAL APPLICATIONS

Update SCOIR to keep Mrs. CR aware of your college choices. This is how Mrs. CR will know where and when to send your transcripts, recommendation letters, and other important documents. You apply on the college website or Common App, you update SCOIR, and Mrs. CR will send the rest.
Penn State priority applications are due at the end of the month (Nov 30), so make sure you don’t miss the deadline! Penn State has 24 campuses to choose from and at least one campus ends up on many seniors' lists!
Supplemental essay responses: This is your go-to guide when applying to colleges that require more than a personal statement.
Check your applicant portals and emails: Portals are the place where colleges keep applicant information and where you can update contact information, monitor application status, upload and track documents, and view the final admission decision. If you miss a request for more information or a document, it could jeopardize your admission chances, so make it a habit to check regularly.

WRITE YOUR COLLEGE ESSAYS