College Planning in the Freshman Year

In the classroom...

• Take a full load of core classes every year - If possible, try to take a course in English, Math, Science, Social Studies and World Language every year. If you are not already taking a World Language (German, Latin, Spanish, French) you should strongly consider taking one next year. Some colleges won't let you apply if you don't have two years of a World Language. 

• Challenge yourself  -  If you are performing well in your classes, and think they are easy, you should consider taking a more challenging course load next year. Talk to your school counselor about increasing your rigor. This is how you become 'college ready'. If you are doing well in honors level courses, it might be time to try a college level course.

• Form relationships with teachers and your school counselor - Eventually, you'll need someone to write letters of recommendation for you. Spend time getting to know your teachers and school counselor. It will make school a lot more fun!

Out of the classroom...

• Make time for your passions and get involved - Colleges care about how you spend your time outside of the classroom. Seek out opportunities to pursue your interests through electives, clubs, and activities outside the school building. 

• Keep track of your extracurriculars - Now is the time to start making a cumulative list of your high school activities. This will save you time when you are a senior filling out applications. Here's one option on how to track your activities.

• Read! - The more you read in your spare time, the better prepared you will be for the SAT/ACT. You will automatically be signed up to take the PSAT next fall at Monticello. The purpose of taking the PSAT next year is to get used to a timed test environment.

• Understand the components of the college application so you aren't caught off guard when you're filling out applications as a senior.