Oct 14- Washburn University, 10am (sign up here)

      Graceland University, 1pm (sign up here)

Oct 21- Coe College, 9am (sign up here)

Oct 23- DePaul University, 9am (sign up here)

Oct 27- Texas Tech University, 1pm (sign up here)

Your freshman year is all about building strong habits, exploring interests, and laying the foundation for future college and career success.

SMNW Freshmen Presentation 2025

Academic Foundations

• Learn how GPA is calculated and why it matters

• Develop strong study habits and time management skills

• Challenge yourself appropriately in core classes

• Attend school regularly and arrive on time

• Ask for help when needed — visit teachers during office hours or academic support
  
  

Explore Interests

• Take a career interest inventory (e.g., Xello, YouScience)

• Start an Individual Plan of Study (IPS) or 4-Year Plan

• Reflect on your favorite subjects and activities

• Think about what you might want to do after high school

Get Involved

• Join at least one club, sport, or activity that interests you

• Attend school events and explore leadership opportunities

• Start tracking your involvement for future resumes and college applications
  
  

Build Good Habits

• Learn to check your school email and stay organized

• Use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments and deadlines

• Practice writing professional emails to teachers and staff
  
  

Family Conversations

• Talk to your parent/guardian about future goals and interests

• Discuss college and career pathways openly — including trade schools, apprenticeships, and the military

• Explore options for saving or budgeting for college if possible. Look into the KC Scholars College Savings Match for 9th Graders (Application window January--February)

Students with 529 College Savings Plans are 4x more likely to complete college — and this is your chance to get started early!

The Great Jobs KC – KC Scholars College Savings Match and Incentive Program offers eligible 9th grade students a 1:1 match and additional incentives up to $1,400 to put toward college.

This is a one-time scholarship match, and participants must enroll in college full-time after high school graduation to receive the 529 matching grant funds.

Early Exposure to College & Careers

• Attend any available college/career fairs, guest speaker events, or field trips

• Explore local colleges online or visit a nearby campus casually

• Learn the difference between types of colleges (2-year, 4-year, public, private, etc.)

Your sophomore year is a great time to deepen your involvement, explore career options, and begin preparing for important academic milestones ahead.

SMNW Sophomore College Credit Presentation 2025

Academic Focus

• Maintain a strong GPA and continue building good study habits

• Challenge yourself with appropriate course rigor (consider honors, College Now, AP and IB classes)

• Review graduation requirements and update your 4-Year Plan / IPS
  
  

Career & College Exploration

• Revisit or update your career interest inventory (Xello or YouScience)

• Research possible career paths and college majors based on your interests

• Explore the differences between college types (2-year, 4-year, public, private, technical)

• Attend at least one college or career-related event (fair, info session, job shadow)
  
  

Get Involved & Build Your Resume

• Stay active in extracurriculars — try for deeper involvement or leadership roles

• Track your involvement, achievements, and volunteer work

• Look for summer programs, internships, or enrichment opportunities
  
  

Test Prep & Planning Ahead

• Learn more about PSAT, ACT and SAT

  • Take the PSAT offered in October — great practice for the real thing

  • Begin learning about the ACT and SAT (how they work, when to take them)

• Identify any subject areas you’d like to strengthen before junior year
  
  

Family & Counselor Conversations

• Talk with your family about post-high school options and financial planning

• Schedule a meeting with your school counselor to review goals and interests

• Ask questions! Use your counselor, teachers, and trusted adults as resources

Junior year is a key time for college and career planning. This is when exploration becomes action—take advantage of opportunities, stay organized, and prepare for important milestones ahead.

SMNW Junior Presentation 2025

Academic & Course Planning

• Stay focused on maintaining or improving your GPA

• Review your transcript and graduation requirements with your academic counselor

• Enroll in rigorous coursework that aligns with your goals (AP, IB, dual credit, college-level courses)

• Update your 4-Year Plan / Individual Plan of Study (IPS)
  
  

College & Career Exploration

• Visit SMNW's College Exploration page

  • Narrow down your career interests and explore matching college majors

  • Create a preliminary college list 

  • Explore college websites, take virtual or in-person tours, and attend college fairs

  • Research admission requirements and deadlines for schools of interest
    
    

Testing & Applications

• Take the ACT and/or SAT (and consider a prep course or practice tests)

Testing Information

• Review whether your target colleges are test-optional or require scores

• Register for AP exams and prepare throughout the year

AP Registration

• Request letters of recommendation from coaches or teachers for early applications or summer programs if needed
  
  

Activities & Experiences

• Take on leadership roles in clubs, sports, or community organizations

• Track your activities, honors, service, and work experience

• Consider job shadowing, internships, or volunteer opportunities related to your interests

• Look into summer enrichment programs or college camps
  
  

NCAA Eligibility

• Attention potiential D1 and D2 athletes! Please see the SMNW NCAA Eligibility page for information on NCAA requirements.

Scholarships & Financial Planning

• Start researching scholarships and creating a list of opportunities

• Learn the basics of the FAFSA and how financial aid works

• Talk with your family about college costs and saving plans

• Explore the KC Scholars Program for 11th grade students

The KC Scholars Traditional Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity for 11th grade students from low- to modest-income households in the Kansas City area. Selected students receive financial support, college planning resources, and guidance through graduation and beyond.

Each year, 500+ college scholarships are awarded through this program — making it one of the most impactful scholarships in the region.

📅 Applications open in January of junior year
🎯 Must attend a college within the KC Scholars Postsecondary Network

This program doesn’t just help you get to college — it helps you succeed every step of the way. Learn more and apply at kcscholars.org

Timeline & Counselor Check-Ins

• Meet with your academic or college advisor to review your progress and goals

• Create a calendar of college-related deadlines and test dates

• Set goals for senior year and draft a plan for your college application process

SMNW Senior Presentation 2025

Finalize your College List: August-September

• Finalize your college list (safety, match, and reach schools). 

Create a "portfolio" of at least three colleges to which you would like to apply. This list should include:

1. a "SAFE" school--you exceed their entrance requirements

2. a "COMFORT" school--you meet the entrance requirements

3. a "REACH" school--you'd love to go but it would be tough to get in

NOTE: Public schools in other states charge you out-of-state tuition; Private schools are more expensive but likely offer more financial aid.

Visit SMNW's College Exploration page:

• • • Narrow down your career interests and explore matching college majors

    • Explore college websites, take virtual or in-person tours, and attend college fairs

    • Research admission requirements and deadlines for schools of interest

• Review each school’s application requirements and deadlines

• Create accounts for:

  • Common App

  • College Board (if needed for AP testing and SATs)

  • ACT (if needed)

• Begin drafting your personal essay & supplemental essays.

  • Use the Common App Essay Prompts to get started and check out College Essay Guy for tips, structure guides, and sample essays.

• Update your activities résumé. 

  • Use this Activities Résumé Template from College Essay Guy or format it like the Activities section in your Common App account.

• Request letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, youth group leader, manager, etc.

NCAA Eligibility

• Attention potiential D1 and D2 athletes! Please see the SMNW NCAA Eligibility page for information on NCAA requirements.

Applications & Transcripts: October

• Complete your applications by each college’s deadline

• Submit the Transcript Request Form (link may be internal or handled via Common App or school forms) -- more information on the Transcripts & Records page

• Make sure your recommender knows your resume and deadlines

• Be on the lookout for these events:

• Oct--: Kansas Apply Free Days! 

• Oct--: Scholarship Night @ SMW

• Oct--: Shawnee Mission College Clinic @ SME, 6:30pm

• Warning: Early Decision / Early Action Deadlines approaching!

Financial Aid & Scholarships

• Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov (opens October 1)

  • Review SMNW's FAFSA (Financial Aid) information

  • Attend a SMSD FAFSA workshop if needed (October)

• Research  and apply for Scholarships  

• Research college-specific scholarships through each college’s financial aid site

Testing & Scores

• Send official SAT/ACT scores to colleges (if required); Send scores via student account

• Review test-optional policies at each school

College Visits & Interviews

• Attend college rep visits at your high school

• Schedule campus tours or virtual visits

• Prepare for interviews if required or offered (have a few questions ready!)

Communication & Follow-Up

• Check your email regularly for college communications

• Set up a professional email address if you haven’t already

• Thank your recommenders with a handwritten note or thoughtful email

• Notify your counselor of application updates, interviews, or offers

Decision Time: Spring

• Compare financial aid packages and final college offers

• Visit campuses if still deciding

• Make your decision by May 1 (National Decision Day)

• Submit enrollment deposit

• Inform other colleges of your decision

Final Steps

• Send final transcript to your chosen college

• Celebrate your hard work and commitment!