College Exploration

Your college exploration journey isn't about knowing exactly what you want to do or finding the "best" or most prestigious college; it’s about your personal journey and finding the best fit for you—a place where you will thrive academically, socially, and financially.

We have built this part of the site to help along the way. Here, you will find grade-by-grade goals and mindsets, overviews and honest advice on testing and essays, virtual college tours, financial aid basics, and tools to discover careers that align with your unique strengths.

You don't have to have it all figured out today. Just take the first step you're on right now.  After that, take the next step.  Just one at a time. Ready to start? Let's go - you've got this! 

Remember, you are not alone on this road.  Reach out to your counseling center or email earlycollegeaccess@e2ccb.org for assistance on your journey.

Goal: Adjust to High School and find what you love

The Mindset: " I am learning how to be a successful high school student."

It's okay not to know what you want to do after high school yet.  This year you are building a foundation that will support you on whatever path you choose later. The first year of high school is all about transition, exploration, and building strong habits. Your focus should be on adjusting to the rigor of high school and discovering what you love.  

• Build Good Study Habits and Work Hard: Your freshman grades count just as much to your overall GPA as your junior year grades. Establish good study habits and do the best you can in all your classes.  

• Explore Extracurriculars and Get Involved: Join clubs, sports, music groups, or community service organizations. Focus on finding two or three activities you enjoy and get involved. 

• Ask for Help:  If you don't understand something or have a question, be sure to reach out to your teachers. Asking for help when you need it is important.

• Introduce Yourself to Your School Counselor: If you want to go to college, let them know so they can make sure you are taking the classes you need. 

Goal: Find what you love and what you are successful at

The Mindset: "I am discovering and developing my personal strengths and passions."

• Keep Working Hard: Grades this year are still important!  Keep doing your very best in all your classes.  Consider challenging yourself with an AP or dual enrollment course if you can.  

• Stay Involved: Stay involved in and consider taking on a leadership role in the activities, clubs, or sports you enjoyed during Freshman year.   If you didn't like them, try something new.   

• Take the PSAT: Use this as a diagnostic tool for the SAT.  Learn more about college tests here.

• Start the Conversation: Discuss family expectations about college: budget, location, and potential majors with your family.

• The end of this year and the beginning of Junior year are times when some students take an SAT Prep Course or practice SAT tests.  

Goal: Broaden horizons and start the "Wish List."

The Mindset: "I am exploring what is out there and finding places where I will thrive."

• All Year

  • Prioritize Your Grades: If you need help with any of your courses, ask your teachers for help.  This is the last full year of grades colleges will see on your transcript when you are applying. 

  • Stay Involved: Keep participating in your activities, clubs, and/or sports you have been a part of 

• Fall/Winter

  • Take the PSAT: Use this as a diagnostic tool for the SAT.

  • If interested, take practice SAT exams and/or an SAT Prep Course.

  • Continue or start the Conversation: Discuss budget, location, and potential majors with your family.

  • Create a "College Email": Set up a professional email (e.g., First.Last.2027@email.com) specifically for college outreach to keep your main inbox clean.

  • Visit school websites to learn about schools that have your programs and take virtual tours.

• Spring

  • Build Your College List:  Start Researching Colleges/Universities.  Aim to build a list of 10-15 schools you are interested in. Use BigFuture to help you filter by size, major, and location.

  • Register for SAT/ACT: Most juniors take their first attempt in March or May.  It is important to consider whether the school and/or program you want to study requires test scores or is test-optional.  Learn more about the college tests here.

  • Request Letters of Recommendation: In May, consider asking two of your teachers from this year if they would be willing to write you college recommendation letters in the fall.

  • Plan "Local" Visits: Visit college campuses—local or far away, large or small, state school or private school—to get a feel for which environment suits you best. If travel isn't possible, attend virtual information sessions or explore virtual tours.

Goal: Finalize the list and start the paperwork.

Mindset: "I will do what I can now to be ready for my next steps."

• Finalize the List: Narrow your choice to 6-10 schools (a mix of "Reach," "Match," and "Safety").

• Draft the Personal Statement: The Common App usually releases prompts in the spring. Have a draft ready before senior year starts.

• Check for Visiting Incentive Programs: Many colleges offer free travel for diverse or first-generation students to visit in the fall.

Goal: Submit and Decide.

The Mindset: "I am taking charge, executing my plan, and choosing my next step." 

• August/September:

  • Common App Opens (August 1): Create your account and sync it with your high school’s tracking system (like Naviance or Scoir).

  • Request Letters of Recommendation: Give teachers and counselors at least 4 weeks' notice.

• October/November:

  • File the FAFSA: The FAFSA typically opens in the fall. File early to maximize state and institutional aid.  (Learn more about Financial Aid here)

  • Early Deadlines: The majority of Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) deadlines fall on November 1 or 15.  Early Action is non-binding while Early Decision is binding.  If you apply to a school as Early Decision and are accepted, you must attend that college and withdraw your applications to other schools.   You can only apply to one school as ED.

  • Keep Working Hard: Colleges require your final transcripts, so they will see ALL of your grades for Senior year.  Don't stop studying and doing your best work after you receive your college acceptance letters.  A major drop in your grades this year may result in the college rescinding their acceptance offer.

• Spring:

  • Compare Financial Aid: Use the BigFuture Comparison Tool to see the "net price" of each offer.

  • Decision Day (May 1): Submit your deposit to your chosen school.

  • Celebrate your decision!  You've earned it!