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College Planning Resources
This page is designed to help you navigate the college planning process, from 9th grade through senior year. Explore the resources below to stay organized, discover potential careers and majors, and find colleges that are the right fit for you.
College Planning Resources
This page is designed to help you navigate the college planning process, from 9th grade through senior year. Explore the resources below to stay organized, discover potential careers and majors, and find colleges that are the right fit for you.
College Timelines
College Timelines
Use these grade-level timelines to stay on track and know what to focus on each year.
9th Grade
9th Grade
Get an early start by building strong academic habits, exploring interests, and beginning to think about your future
Continue exploring your interests and begin taking more intentional steps toward your college and career goals.
11th Grade
11th Grade
11th Grade College Timeline
Junior year is an important time for college research, testing, activities, and preparing the application process.
Senior Year
Senior Year
Senior College Application Checklist
Use this checklist to stay organized throughout the college application process.
Majors & Careers
Majors & Careers
Not sure what you want to study in college? That's okay! Exploring different majors and careers can help you discover possibilities that match your interests, strengths, and goals.
What Can I Do With This Major?
What Can I Do With This Major?
Explore careers connected to specific college majors and learn about the types of employers and opportunities available in each field.
Thank you to the University of Michigan for this helpful resource.
Determining Fit
Determining Fit
With thousands of colleges in the US, students need help determining what is important to them in a college: location, major, size of institution, affiliation (religious, military, etc.), prestige, career opportunities, school spirit, cost, etc. These resources will assist students in determining what they are looking for.
Steven Antonoff's College Match
Standardized Testing
Standardized Testing
Standardized tests can be an important part of the college planning process. The SAT and ACT are generally taken during the second semester of 11th grade (junior year). Some colleges may also require or recommend test scores for special programs, scholarships, or other opportunities.
SAT & ACT Score Comparison
The SAT and ACT use different scoring systems. The organizations that administer the tests have published a concordance table that can help students and families understand how scores on the two tests compare.
View the SAT & ACT Concordance Table
Fee Waivers
Fee Waivers
If the cost of the SAT or ACT would cause a financial hardship for your family, talk with your school counselor about a fee waiver.
Request for Accommodations
If a student has a 504 or IEP they MAY be eligible for accommodations on these exams. Please use the following links to learn more about accommodations: SAT/College Board accommodations information, Form to request accommodations for the SAT/AP Exams, and Form to request accommodations for the SAT/AP exams information.
Virginia Transcript Requirement
Virginia Transcript Requirement
Virginia law requires ACT and SAT scores to be reported on the high school transcript. Families may choose to opt out and have test scores removed by completing a form through the School Counseling Office.
If you plan to opt out, aim to complete the form by early September of 12th grade (senior year).
ACT
ACT
The ACT (achievement) measures the content students learn in high school. It measures reading, writing, and math and also has an optional science section (Spring 2025 ACT changes). There is a computer or paper-based test.
Learn more about the content of the ACT here.
SAT
SAT
The SAT (aptitude/reasoning) assesses the content students learn in high school: reading, writing, and math. It is a computer-based test.
Learn more about the content of the SAT here. The College Board provides resources for students to prepare for this test.
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