College Preparation Checklist

11th Grade

• If you haven't already done so, take the PSAT or Pre-ACT.
• Meet with your guidance counselor to review your courses for this year, plan for senior year, and discuss a list of colleges you'd like to explore. Consider early decision plans.
• Maintain your file of achievements.
• Challenge yourself with advanced or honors courses if available.
• Attend college fairs, or contact colleges on your list and begin reviewing their literature and websites.
• Prepare for and take the SAT and/or ACT, and the ASVAB.
• Begin thinking about which teachers and others you might ask to write recommendations in the fall of your senior year.
• Consider taking an Advanced Placement (AP) examination in your strongest course, see your high school guidance counselor office for registration dates.
• Use spring and summer breaks to visit college campuses. Call ahead to schedule visits.
• Maintain good attendance, grades, citizenship, and a commitment to extracurricular activities and/or a job.
• Look into summer jobs or academic programs.

12th Grade

• Continue to work hard in your studies. Colleges care about your coursework and grades throughout your entire senior year.
• If you haven't done so take the SAT or ACT.
• Meet with your guidance counselor to be sure that the list of colleges include schools appropriate for your academic and personal record.
• Finalize the number of your preferred schools; be sure to have a viewbook, application deadlines, and financing and scholarship information for each.
• Review the application requirements for each school.
• Create a file for each of your top schools. Prepare a schedule for each one showing requirements and deadlines for applications, fees, test scores, teacher recommendations, transcripts, essays, important names, and phone numbers.
• Visit any colleges you still want to see.
• Prepare applications, write essays, ask teachers to write recommendations. Watch deadlines!
• Research and apply for financial aid and scholarships. Your counselor may have suggestions.
• Watch your mail for admissions decisions. If you are admitted to more than one school, decide which one is best for you. Pay attention to acceptance deadlines.
• Watch the mail for information from the college of your choice on orientation, summer academic programs, and other information that will help you transition to college.