College planning begins with strong grades in a curriculum that is both challenging and achievable for you.  Every spring, you will meet with your counselor to plan your classes for the following school year.  Consider a strong curriculum that is manageable for you.  Consider adding electives that are of interest to balance your academic program.

College planning also includes building a resume of activities that are meaningful to you starting in ninth grade.  You can begin building that resume in your naviance account.  Activities are based on the individual's interests. These include clubs, sports, community service, jobs, theater, dance, art, and summer activities.   Commitment and consistency is important.  Developing positive connections with staff and students and demonstrating strong character is also important.  Respect, trustworthiness, caring, responsibility, citizenship and character are all areas colleges look at as they review your college application.  You will be registered with Naviance, a career and college search tool, and will be able to create and store your resume in your Naviance account.  Div. I and II Athletes are advised to visit the NCAA Eligibility Center to view their list of approved Yorktown High School courses. View the freshmen and sophomore sections of the guidance webpage for more information.

In the winter of your junior year, you will be meeting with your counselor to discuss the college search & post secondary planning.   Counselors are available for these meetings during the months of January and February.  

This is the time when you become more active in your college search.  This includes registering for and preparing for SAT and/or ACTs, researching colleges using Naviance and other college search tools, visiting college campuses, attending virtual tours, viewing college websites, emailing or calling admissions offices with questions, and meeting with your school counselor in the guidance office.  Strong grades continue to be important part of your junior year of high school.  Your GPA posted on your transcript will include 9th ,10thand 11th grades.  There are surveys your counselor will ask you to complete for them as well.  Div. I and II athletes will also register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and continue to check the NCAA list of approved Yorktown High School courses.    

The summer before senior year, students narrow down their college list, tour college campuses, register for The Common application, write their college essay, ask two teachers whether they would write a letter of recommendation on your behalf, and begin filling out your college applications.  View the Junior Year section of the guidance webpage for additional links and information.