9th Grade College Prep Checklists

• Take challenging classes in core academic subjects.  

• Get involved in school- or community-based activities that interest you or let you explore career interests.  

• Start a list of your awards, honors, paid and volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. Update it throughout high school.

10th Grade College Prep Checklists

• Meet with your school counselor or mentor to discuss colleges and their requirements.

• Consider taking a PSAT 

• Plan to use your summer wisely: Work, volunteer, or take a summer course (away or at a local college).

• Learn the differences between grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.

11th Grade College Prep Checklist

• Attend college fairs and college-preparation presentations.

• Take the PSAT. You must take the test in 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program.

• Register for and take exams for college admission. The standardized tests that many colleges require are the SAT and the ACT. Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.

• Use a free scholarship search to find scholarships for which you might want to apply. Some deadlines fall as early as the summer between 11th and 12th grades, so prepare now to submit applications soon.

• Find out what government financial aid you can apply for, and how.

• Narrow down the list of colleges you are considering attending. If you can, visit the schools that interest you.

• Contact colleges or browse their websites to get information and applications for admission. Research financial aid, admission requirements, and deadlines.

12th Grade College Prep Checklists

FALL

• Work hard all the way to graduation—second-semester grades can affect scholarship eligibility.

• Create a FSA FAFSA Account 

• Create a FFAA Account 

• If you haven’t done so already, register for and take the standardized tests required for college or career school admission.  

• Apply to the colleges and career schools you have chosen.  

• Complete any last scholarship applications.

SPRING

• Visit colleges or career schools that have invited you to enroll.

• When you decide which school you want to attend, notify that school of your commitment and submit any required financial deposit. Many schools require this notification and deposit by May 1.