HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN YEAR:

FALL:

• Meet your school counselor. Your counselor works closely with the College and Career Specialist (Mr. Prater) to make sure that you are taking the appropriate classes to accomplish your future goals. 

• Get involved in extracurricular activities that hold particular interest for you. Begin to explore different areas. Look for things that hold your interest, not for a magic formula for college acceptance. There is no magic formula.

• Enroll in the appropriate college-prep or tech-prep classes 

• Study hard and get good grades. GPAs can get away from you quickly. Start laying a strong foundation now.

• Read

WINTER:

• Start off on the right foot with your grades

• Explore your interests and possible careers

• Consider a college savings plan and add to an existing one if you have already have one started

• Start thinking about the classes you want to take next year. Keep in mind specific requirements that the type of colleges your interested in may have.

SPRING:

• Continue to build your credentials- Keep track of your extracurricular awards, community service achievements, and anything else you participate in. Begin to advance in areas of interest. Free up time in your schedule by getting away from activities that hold no particular interest for you.

• Begin learning about college with web research

• Keep your grades up

• Search for summer internship opportunities

SUMMER:

• Volunteer

• Get a job and begin saving for college

• Sign up for an enrichment program

• Schedule a college visit

• Create your resume and fill it with activities and accomplishments from freshman year

HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORE YEAR:

FALL:

• Take a practice PSAT

• Begin getting ready for the ACT

• Stay on track with your courses

• Get familiar with general college admission requirements

• Start attending college fairs in your area. There is a national college fair every September at the BJCC. 

• Explore your career options in more detail: “Job shadow” someone who does what you think you’d like to do

• Stay involved in extracurricular activities  

• Volunteer in your community

WINTER:

• Stay involved with your extracurricular activities: Work toward leadership positions in the activities you like best.

• Read and practice your writing

SPRING:

• Study hard and keep your grades up: remain focused

• Start your college search

• Reach out to colleges that interest you: Ask for information about their academic requirements and any programs that potentially might interest you

SUMMER:

• If you haven’t already, start preparing for the SAT or ACT

• Get a job and begin saving for college

• Volunteer

• Participate in activities that align with your interests

• Go on one or two summer campus tours at local colleges

HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR and SENIOR YEARS:

• Go by Mr. Prater’s website and download the College Handbook for important information and a detailed checklist