Timeline Tips

9th Grade

Get off to a strong start with your classes. Be organized. Commit to staying up to date on all your school assignments and readings. Note that all of your high school grades show on your transcript.
Look at your extracurricular activities and think about how they make you stand out as an individual. Invest yourself in long-term activities that you enjoy.
Demonstrate your good character and strong work ethic by keeping up with assignments and developing good relationships with your teachers.
Continue to be involved in positive activities outside of school.
Start a summer reading list that goes beyond assigned books.
Keep a log of your volunteer activities.

Meet with your mentor to discuss your current academic standing, the sophomore course load, and your academic and extracurricular interests.
Get involved in extracurricular activities such as volunteer work, sports, music/theater, and/or employment.
Continue to demonstrate your good character and strong work ethic by keeping up with assignments, developing good relationships with your teachers, and consistently earning good grades.
Continue to be involved in positive activities outside of school.
Prepare for summer opportunities such as volunteer work, internships, and work experience.
Check-in with your mentor about standardized testing for college.

Over the Summer:

Stay active! Be involved in an extracurricular activity that demonstrates your character. What you do outside of the classroom is VERY important. Your out-of-school activities tell colleges a lot about your personality.
Explore summer jobs, internships, and volunteer positions.
Read! Admission reps commonly ask interviewees “What have you read lately for pleasure?”
Considering a school that emphasizes test scores? Have a budding career interest? Find someone who does this type of work and interview them.

50 Steps for College Applications.docx

Refer to NACA Junior Checklist for more guidance: https://www.nacacfairs.org/learn/apply/preparing-for-college-junior-check-list/
Create an email for ONLY college and career planning
Begin preparing for the SAT/ACT
Regional representatives: if a school has one, contact them over summer of junior year and see when/where they will be to meet them before applying.
Complete your resume (keep it updated)
Ask this year’s teacher(s) for a letter of recommendation in May or June in person
Check requirements and procedures for your choice carefully
Begin Common APP on August 1st!

Create one account to use only for all college & career planning

Who will ask for my email?

Why?

Email address is now like Social Security number
Colleges will track student by email address not name. If different addresses are used all of your info cannot be matched to form one file on you.

! Should not be parent’s email !

Anyone interested in playing Division I or II athletics must register with the NCAA by the end of their junior year to ensure eligibility.
Juniors must complete a release form and request a transcript from guidance by June 20th.
Be sure you are using that one and only email address!
https://www.ncaa.org

Use only 1 email address for everything!
Students must have their plan in place by the 1st day of school senior year!
Student does everything- parents only help them!
Watch deadlines! Priority schools applied to by Thanksgiving, all others before Winter break
Follow timeline to stay on track

Refer to NACA Senior Checklist for more guidance: https://www.nacacfairs.org/learn/apply/preparing-for-college-senior-checklist/
Students are ready to complete the application process. Applications should be completed by Winter break for the best chances of an acceptance

***Merit aid is often tied to Early Action application deadlines

SAT Subject Tests may be necessary (eg. for STEM majors)
Starting October 1st begin the financial aid process by filling out the FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

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