10th Grade College Planning Timeline
10th Grade College Planning Timeline
"So you’re interested in college. That’s great! Figuring out how to get there can seem like a long trip on a dark and curvy road. Have no fear; we’re here to help you find your way!
1. Start thinking, studying, and planning!
As early as middle school, you can start thinking about where you might want to go to college and what you might want to study. Practice good study habits. Ask teachers for help. Explore costs and how you might get scholarships or save money. And think about volunteering or participating in other activities. These kinds of things can help you get into college!
2. Check out your options.
There are tons of different colleges and universities out there to choose from. Check out good options all across the country and right here in Texas. Pay attention to what they’re looking for. You might find that volunteering or taking a certain class will help you when you apply! For example, most universities require Algebra II for admissions, and the TEXAS Grant financial aid program requires that students complete at least one course beyond Algebra II.
3. Take your college entrance exams.
In or around your 11th-grade year, you’ll need to take college entrance exams such as the SAT or ACT. These exams are an important part of the college application process. Find out more here. Tip: study for these exams like you would for any other test! You can study on your own, with friends, or with the help of a tutor or test-prep company.
4. Complete your applications.
Start thinking about your college applications early, and plan to begin working on them as early as the summer before you start your senior year. Remember, they take time to get ready! Check the schools you’re interested in for their deadlines and requirements. Some schools have their own applications, some use the Common Application, and in Texas, most use the ApplyTexas application.
5. College is an investment. Figure out how you’ll pay.
Check with your family, talk to your school counselor or adviser, and look for scholarships at the schools you’re applying to, in your community, and nationwide. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in October of your 12th-grade year. The FAFSA tells you if you qualify for federal student loans and even grants (that’s money you don’t have to pay back).
6. Start your journey!
Pack your bags and head out to the college of your choice. Go make your plans a reality!" Resource: Map MyGrad.com
By Peterson's Staff updated on Monday, January 28, 2013
For this year, you’ll want to stay on track with your high school classes and activities and begin to narrow down the plan for your future.
Take a practice PSAT.
Taking the PSAT as a sophomore will help prepare you for the real thing next year. It also allows you to release your name to colleges so you can start receiving brochures from them.
Start getting ready for the ACT.
Ask your school counselor about the PLAN assessment program offered by American College Testing. This program helps determine your study habits and academic progress and interests; it will also prepare you for the ACT.
Stay on track with your courses.
Work with your guidance counselor to make sure you’re enrolled in the courses you need to prepare you for college or a career. Move on to the next level of classes in the core subjects (English, math, science, history, and a foreign language).
Begin learning about the college admissions process.
Get familiar with general college entrance requirements. The guidance counselor’s office, the library, college Web sites, and advice articles are all good sources of information.
Continue exploring potential careers.
Explore your career options in more detail—research possible careers to learn about the tasks, education, and training necessary for each occupation.
Take on new roles.
Stay involved with your extracurricular activities and work toward leadership positions in the activities you like best. Become involved in community service and other volunteer activities.
Read, read, read.
Developing your reading skills will help prepare you for tests and make you a well-rounded individual. Read as many books as you can and read the newspaper to learn about current affairs.
Practice your writing.
You’ll need good writing skills no matter what path you pursue, so work on those skills now to get prepared. Find a teacher or another adult who can advise and encourage you to write well.
Get advice from your counselor.
Meet with your counselor to make sure you’re staying on track. You can also discuss your PSAT scores and ask about dual credit and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Keep your grades up.
There’s probably a lot competing for your attention, but it’s important to remain focused on doing well in your classes. Remember that your grades affect your GPA and class rank—two factors that colleges consider in the admissions process.
Start your college search.
Use our college search tools to decide what factors are important to you and see a list of colleges that matches your criteria. Attend college fairs and read the material you get from all types of schools—you may see something you like.
Contact colleges that interest you.
Write to schools and ask for more information about their academic requirements and any programs or activities that you’re interested in. It’s especially important to start this process now if you think you want to attend a military academy.
Get a summer job.
Finding steady summer work will look good to prospective colleges and employers. Putting the money you earn away for college will also help you get a head start on a personal savings plan.