Under Construction: Will be updated by January 30th, 2025.
· Take challenging classes in core academic subjects. Most colleges require four years of English, at least three years of social studies (history, civics, geography, economics, etc.), four years of mathematics, and three years of science, and many require two years of a foreign language. Check UCCS Biomedical Courses, CU Denver English Courses. Use khanacademy.org for FREE test and subject help.
· Focus on your grades now. When asked, many Juniors & Seniors wish they had focused on their academics as 9th graders.
· Work with a parent/guardian to estimate your financial aid using FAFSA4caster found on www.fafsa.ed.gov under “Thinking About College?” section and start saving for college.
· Volunteerism for Life! - Get involved in school- or community-based activities that interest you or let you explore career interests. Consider working, volunteering, and/or participating in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops, and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts, or science. Remember—it’s quality (not quantity) that counts.
· Ask your school counselor or teacher what honors courses and/or other college credit courses are available, whether you are eligible, and how to enroll. Check for precollegiate programs at local colleges.
· Set up an account and use Naviance. Use this website for College & Career Searching and your ICAP.
· Create a College Admissions/Scholarships Resume with a list of your awards, honors, paid and volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. Update it throughout high school.
· Visit khanacademy.org for FREE class and SAT prep. Seek out extra help and tutoring to improve your skills and grades. If you're struggling in a subject, get help so it doesn’t impact your future. Preplan Oct PSAT.
· Visit Colleges – Check with your school counselor to see if there are any other college readiness programs you can participate in. If you happen to find yourself near a campus, take an hour to go on the campus tour. This early exploration will make it easier to come up with a short list of colleges in your junior and senior years.
· Extracurricular Activities - By 9th grade you should be focusing on a couple extracurricular activities-volunteering in areas that you're passionate about. Colleges are looking for students with varied interests and evidence of leadership potential.
· Seek out extra tutoring or help to improve your skills and grades. Ask a teacher/mentor for help.
Continue to Take Challenging Courses - An "A" in Honors Biology is more impressive than an "A" in gym. Many high schools offer additional college courses which you can begin your Sophomore year. Your success in challenging academic courses provides college admissions representatives with the best evidence of your ability to succeed in college.
Grades, Grades, Grades - Throughout high school, nothing matters more than your academic record. Work on self- discipline and time management in an effort to earn the highest grades possible.
Check out Colorado’s HEAR Requirements (Higher Education Admissions Requirements) and Admissions Index which list entry requirements to attend Colorado’s 4 year public colleges/universities.
Put Effort Into Extracurricular Activities - By the time you apply to colleges, you should be able to demonstrate depth, commitment and leadership in an extracurricular area.
Continue Studying a Foreign Language - Depth in a single language is a better choice than intro courses to 2-3 languages. Check the language admission requirement at your favorite college. Most require 2 years of the same language.
You will be taking the Colorado state-mandated PSAT 10 for sophomores on April 10, 11, or 12th – check with your high school for their date. You should consider taking the optional PSAT/MNSQT on October 11, 14, or 25th. Taking these tests can help you figure out what subject prep you need before SAT time in your junior and senior years. Counselors have study guides “PSAT Student Guide”. Sign up for khanacademy.org for FREE subject and test prep.
Take AP Exams and the SAT Subject tests as Appropriate - You're more likely to take these exams in your junior and senior years, but more students are taking them earlier, especially as high schools increase their AP offerings. Many colleges require a couple SAT Subject scores, and a 4 or 5 on an AP exam can earn you course credit and give you more options in college.
·Visit Colleges and their websites - Your sophomore year is a good time to do low-pressure exploration of college options out there. Make a list of reasons why you like different colleges/universities — programs, location, cost and more. Visit college campuses and take virtual tours of colleges – try Naviance. Attend a college visit with your school on a field trip.
SAT – Familiarize yourself with the sat.org, khanacademy.org, actstudent.org websites. It’s never too early to begin studying for the SAT/ACT. These websites have free prep and your counselors have “Getting Ready for the SAT” or the “Preparing For the ACT” guides with sample questions. Free test prep on Naviance.
Athletics – explore the NCAA Clearinghouse website to learn what courses are accepted by the NCAA if you are thinking of competing at the college level. Not all high school courses are NCAA acknowledged.
Military Academy – Start now by contacting military academies if you are considering attending. There are rigorous admission requirements that you must begin working on now including academics, school involvement, and volunteering.
Simple To Do List:
Complete your school work.
Complete ICAP through Naviance.
Explore careers
Study for the SAT
Khan Academy
Make good connections / Get Involved
Extracurriculars (NHS, Clubs, Volunteer, etc)
Letters of Recommendations
Sign up
Career Pathways / Career Start
College Visits in CCC
Juniors To Do List
· Take the PSAT/NMSQT this fall on October 11, 14, or 25th –check with counselor for date. This is a practice test for the SAT. Juniors who are eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch Program may receive a waiver to take the PSAT/NMSQT. Pick up a waiver and study Guide in College & Career Center.
· Get involved – It’s not too late to pick a new extracurricular activity, volunteer, join a club that interests you.
· Military academy – You should be building your portfolio and have contacted the academy you are interested in to prepare for their admissions requirements. Complete precandidate questionnaire on the military academy website in March and request congressional nominations in the spring.
· Make this year your best year by continuing to take challenging classes. If you haven’t taken your grades seriously NOW is the time. Take an AP Class or a college credit course at school. Need tutoring help for class subjects - try www.khanacademy.org.
· Ask your Counselor about college courses offered at your school to earn college credits while in high school. Look into concurrent enrollment, the Career Start Program at PPCC, and the UCCS Pre-collegiate program. · Investigate Junior scholarships-Try Naviance & www.denverscholarships.org for a Junior Scholarship listings. Check out scholarship search engine websites where you set up a personal profile like www.fastweb.com receive emailed scholarships that match your profile.
· Summer college program – Colleges offer summer programs for high school juniors which are leadership based earning college credit or scholarship money. Check out the Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session at CSU, The Black Issues Summer Leadership Forum at CSU, the Teen Science Scholars at Denver Museum of Natural Science, UNC STEM Summer Residential Program &UCCS STEM Education Summer Pre-Collegiate Experience.
· Ask your career and college school counselor if they can set up a job shadow for you.
· Continue to research the colleges that interest you, their high school incoming freshman requirements, and go on a campus tour. Compare colleges through Naviance. Meet with your counselor to review your classes making sure you’re taking the right number of years of English, Math, Social Studies, Natural/physical science, and Foreign Languages-Review Colorado’s HEAR Requirements and Index.
· You will be taking the Colorado state-mandated SAT in April 10, 2018. Use www.khanacademy.org. to prepare for April 10 SAT test. There are free online SAT & ACT prep links on www.sat.org & actstudent.org with practice tests, sample questions, and lesson videos. Ask your counselor about any free SAT/ACT Prep classes available in your area as well as Naviance test prep.
August
· Create a list of colleges you are interested in – include an in-state college, out-of-state, and a “dream” college. Check out their websites for high school admissions requirements, take a virtual tour, contact a representative from the admissions office, and set up a fall visit. Some out of state colleges have airplane reimbursement for visits.
· Attend a college fair or field trip to a college campus.
· Focus on your grades. Avoid “senioritis.” This year’s grades are important and can impact college.
· Athletes - Apply for eligibility and register on the NCAA Clearinghouse if you plan to try and play college sports www.eligibilitycenter.org . Fee waivers are available through your counselor for those who receive free/reduced lunch. Make sure your classes are accepted by NCAA.
· Talk to your counselor about college credit classes offered at your high school, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and concurrent enrollment on local college campuses. College courses on your college applications will help you to be competitive.
· September
Register for the SAT and/or ACT this fall – tests are available in October, November, and December. Sign up to take test at www.sat.org or www.actstudent.org. If you qualify for free & reduced lunch, ask your counselor for a free SAT or ACT fee waiver. This will allow you to take the test at no cost. (See SAT/ACT Fee Waivers in College & Career office)
· Test prep - Look for online test prep, study guides from your counselor, and check out free SAT help at www.khanacademy.org, sat.org, actstudent.org, collegeincolorado.org, and march2success.com.
· Continue to narrow down your college search. Check out this website www.collegeincolorado.org.
· Apply for your FSA ID number which you will need in October at www.fafsa.ed.gov at the key icon on the top of the page. Both the student and one parent will need an FSA ID number and must complete the FSA ID application. The FSA ID username and password will be used to electrically sign the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year you attend college until you are 24 years old. For more FSA ID information check out www.studentaid.ed.gov.
· Check your transcripts to make sure you have all the credits you need for your list of colleges. Review the HEAR Higher Education Admission Requirements and Admissions Index.
· Begin working on college applications. Make a list of application deadline dates. Complete admissions applications for early action/early decision deadlines first. Many early decision and early action college applications are due between October 1 and November 1. Ask your Counselor for the NACAC (National Association for College Admissions Counseling) College Application Waiver if you qualify for free/reduced lunch which can waive your college application fee. (pick up in College & Career Center)
· Check your college for fall visit dates. Attend a “major” specific visit where you can tour the campus, meet students in your prospective major, meet with admissions counselors, and more. Some are free and others are approximately $20.
· Military Academy nominations deadlines are fast approaching. Secure your congressional nominations and complete all application deadlines.
· Gather all necessary information for College applications including Residency information. (See Why Do Colleges Ask Residency Questions In College & Career Office)
October
· Complete the FAFSA online – Free Application for Federal Student Aid which begins October 1st. The FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov opens October 1st where you will be submitting financial information and applying for financial aid from federal and state programs offered by colleges which could include grants, loans, and college scholarship requirements. You will be using 2015 Tax Returns.
· Attend a Financial Aid night hosted by your high school to receive free assistance in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application online so that it’s filed accurately.
· If you have completed the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks.
· APPLY to colleges - Make a final list of schools that interest you and keep a file of deadlines and required admission items for each school. DREAM, REALITY, EASY & APPLY NOW! October is College Application Month – complete an application for each college of interest through CIC.
· College Application fees – Many colleges charge a college application fee. You may qualify for a free college application fee waiver if you receive free/reduced lunch, qualified for an SAT/ACT waiver, or have a personal confidential situation. Ask your counselor for a NACAC Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver (See Page XX) or an SAT College Application Fee Waiver (pick up in the College & Career Office).
· Order Official Transcripts to be sent to each college you have selected through your high school Registrar.
· Send official test scores to the colleges to which you are applying. Log onto www.sat.org or www.actstudent.org to send an official score for a small fee.
· Use resources like collegeincolorado.org to compare colleges, take virtual campus tours, explore schools – this website gives scholarships away each week in October.
· Fill out a Personal Profile (examples on CIC) and give to teachers or community members to begin writing letters of recommendation. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for an LOR. Send a thank you note to the teachers, employers, or community members who help you with applications and letters of rec.
· Work on a Personal Essay – See your Counselor for sample questions and essay writing assistance. You will use Essays for both college admittance and scholarships. Ask an English teacher at your high school to proof read your essay.
· College Admission/Scholarship Resume – Begin a resume that lists your school activities, community activities, leadership positions, honors/awards received, etc. (See copy in College & Career Office)
November - December
· Continue to visit colleges you have not had a chance to visit in person. Fall Visit/Preview days are posted in your high school and on college websites.
· Scholarships –get on school email lists, use scholarship search engines, fastweb.com, and specific college scholarship tabs. Be aware of deadlines, start early, and give your recommenders plenty of notice for needed letters of recommendation.
· Familiarize yourself with the Financial Aid office at the colleges to which you are applying. Research school specific scholarship opportunities and cost of attendance so you can begin comparing colleges.
· Watch your mailbox if you submitted an early decision application. They should arrive in December.
· Interviews – many upper tier colleges require a personal interview by alumni. Be prepared. Ask your high school counselor to help you to prepare for these interviews.
· Apply for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend at www.collegeincolorado.org. for tuition stipend.
January - February
· Second semester grades can affect college acceptance and scholarship eligibility.
· Check online or contact college admissions offices to make sure that your information has been received, and that they have everything they need from you.
· Continue completing college applications online.
· Apply for Scholarships - Find out if you qualify for scholarships at each college you have applied to. Each college has scholarships for accepted students only which are usually located in the student portal under the Financial Aid tab. Contact your accepted college for assistance in locating the scholarship application on their website. Most college scholarship application portals have a deadline and close on March 1. (See Steps for Receiving A Scholarship –Copy in College & Career Center)
· Return any supplementary materials that colleges may need – essays, personal resume, IRS transcript.
March - May
· You will probably hear from the colleges as to whether or not you are accepted by April 15.
· Compare your college financial award packages before making a decision on the best college for YOU. Your financial award letters are mailed to you as well as can be viewed by logging into your college student portal. Ask your school counselor to help you understand the financial award letters. (You’re Accepted What’s Next… pick up copy in College & Career Center )
· Check each college’s decision deadline.
· Take AP exams for any AP subjects you studied in high school and college level course exams at your high school. Send your scores to your college of choice.
· Decision – You should decide on a college by April/May. Notify that school of your commitment to attend. You will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit. Make a list of your deadlines.
· Find out when the orientation and registration events are for your college. Pick one and register.
· Do all Financial Aid requirements from your college which is located in your college’s student portal under Financial Aid tab. These can include an IRS transcript and other required documents. If you are taking a federal Stafford loan you will be required to do Entrance Counseling and other financial questionnaires. (See Entrance & Exit Counseling Worksheet –pick up in College & Career Center) If you do not complete these financial aid requirements, a hold will be put on your student account and won’t be able to register for classes.
· Housing deposit – Once you have chosen a college, you will need to make a deposit of approximately $300 to hold dorm space. If this is a financial struggle, contact your college’s Financial Aid office about possible assistance.
· Inform your high school College & Career Center/Counselor of your final college decision.
· Request an Official final transcript to be sent to the college you are attending.
· Celebrate your accomplishments at Graduation! Congratulations on all your hard work!