Planning

Planning for college

Planning for college can be both exciting and overwhelming for students and families. It's best to start early and have a high-level timeline in mind for the key steps of the process.

College planning requires you to become an informed educational consumer. Be curious and do research. Information is a deciding factor when making college choices and is necessary to make a well-informed decision about the education you are purchasing.

Looking for a task list of steps to take for College Applications?

College Applications - Overview & Task List

Planning timeline - Big Picture

9th Grade

Academics/
Challenging courses
Engage w/teachers
Join sports/clubs and volunteer

10th Grade

Academics/
Challenging courses
Keep up extracurriculars
Explore careers/majors
Start college list
Prep for SAT/ACT
Start your resume

11th Grade

Academics/
Challenging courses
Keep up extracurriculars
Explore careers/majors
Research colleges
Visit colleges
Refine college list
Take SAT/ACT
Update resume

Summer

Job/internship
Draft essays
Visit colleges
Start college applications
Create application schedule
Take Senior Pictures

12th Grade

Academics/
Challenging courses
Keep up extracurriculars
Request letters of recommendation
Graduation Plans: Yearbook Ads, Cap & Gown
Finish & submit college apps
Complete FAFSA/CSS Profile
Apply for scholarships
Review offers
Decision Day - May 1

Recommended Resources

College Applications - Overview & Task List Single Page Task List created by Liberty CCC to help students navigate college applications
Junior/Senior Workbook WSAC (Washington Student Achievement Counsel) guide for navigating college admissions & financial Aid
Petersons College Planning Timelines for students and parents, organized according to grade
College Prep Timeline 5-page pictorial view of planning steps from 9th-12th grade

Google Sites

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