Suggested Checklist for College-bound Students
9th Grade:
Complete tentative course plan for high school.
Establish yearly goals: academic, personal, spiritual, physical, social and civic.
Participate in career exploration activities.
Start a file system to keep track of the following transcript areas: volunteer work, awards and honors, employment, extra-curricular activities, and leadership skills development.
Begin researching scholarships and how to fulfill their requirements.
Fulfill 9th grade course requirements - complete at least 4 academic courses appropriate for career choice or standard pre-college. (Commonly English, Algebra, Foreign Language, State History (1/2), Elective (1/2), Earth Science, P.E./Health)
- Begin writing transcripts
10th Grade:
Review educational planning sheet and adjust as necessary.
Establish yearly goals.
Begin researching colleges and major fields of study.
Start test preparations. The PSAT may be taken for practice, but student will not be eligible for National Merit Scholarship this year.
Check into concurrent enrollment at community colleges.
Plan for extra testing required by particular colleges (SAT II, AP). AP exams are offered only in May (register by February) and are best done immediately following the related course.
Look for scholarships and request applications.
Consider career goals.
Complete at least 4 academic courses appropriate for career choice or standard pre-college courses. (Commonly English, Geometry, Foreign Language, World History, Biology, P.E./Health)
Fulfill all course requirements for 10th grade.
- Fill in transcript information.
11th Grade:
Review educational planning sheet and adjust as necessary.
Establish yearly goals.
Take concurrent enrollment classes (if age 16 or older).
Research college admissions and early entry programs.
Sign up in August-September to take PSAT in early October.
Plan for extra testing requirements (SAT II and AP). AP exams are offered only in May (register by February) and are best done immediately following the related course.
Schedule test dates for SAT and ACT for practice.
Actively prepare for ACT and SAT testing.
Research colleges, scholarships, financial aid and begin process of selecting college.
Start working on portfolio to take when interviewing at prospective colleges.
Begin nomination process for military academies.
Start visiting and interviewing prospective colleges.
Look for and begin applying for scholarships.
Refine college selection.
Complete at least 4 academic courses appropriate for career choice or standard pre-college course. (Commonly English, Algebra II/Trig, US History, Foreign Language, Chemistry or Physics, Elective)
Fulfill all course requirements for 11th grade.
- Fill in transcript information.
12th Grade:
Review educational planning sheet and adjust.
Review credits earned toward high school graduation.
Establish yearly goals.
Apply for scholarships at national, state and local levels.
Continue to look for scholarships.
Schedule test dates ACT/SAT I and any remaining SAT II or AP test you may require. AP exams are offered only in May (register by February) and are best done immediately following the related course.
Visit with a career counselor.
Meet with military recruiters.
Check admissions requirements for college of your choice.
Visit other considered colleges.
Make final college selections and proceed with applications:
Complete information on transcript.
Complete all papers for transcript package.
Finish a portfolio.
Fill out application(s).
Write application essay and obtain letters of recommendation.
Fill out all forms and return in a timely manner.
Enclose fees.
Fill out FAFSA soon after January and apply for financial aid.
Contact admissions office and financial aid office periodically.
Complete at least 4 academic courses appropriate for career choice or standard pre-college courses. (Commonly English, Pre-Calculus, Current Events/Civics/Economics, Foreign Language, Chemistry or Physics, Fine Arts)
Fulfill all course requirements for 12th grade.
Complete final transcript complete with graduation date.