APPLYING TO COLLEGE: A Four-Year High School Roadmap
Applying to college isn't something you do only during senior year. The strongest applications are built over all four years of high school. This guide outlines what students should focus on each year and highlights important application deadlines.
Freshman Year (9th Grade); Build a Strong Foundation
ACADEMICS
-Earn the best grades possible.
-Develop good study habits.
-Challenge yourself with honors classes if appropriate.
ACTIVITIES
-Join clubs, sports, music, theater, or community organizations. STAY INVOLVED!
-Explore interests rather than trying to do everything.
-Begin tracking volunteer hours and leadership experiences.
CAREER & COLLEGE EXPLORATION
-Learn about different careers.
-Visit local colleges if possible.
-Speak with your guidance counselor about graduation requirements and A-G requirements.
SUMMER AFTER FRESHMAN YEAR
-Volunteer
-Attend camps or enrichment programs.
-Read regularly
-Continue exploring interests.
Sophomore Year (10th Grade); Explore and Grow
ACADEMICS
-Continue earning strong grades.
-Take challenging classes when ready.
-Meet with your guidance counselor to review your progress.
TESTING
-Learn about the SAT and ACT testing requirements. Many colleges remain test-optional however, a good score can help you be more competitive
ACTIVITIES
-Seek leadership opportunities.
-Continue extracurricular activities.
-Build meaningful community service experience.
COLLEGE PLANNING
-Begin researching colleges that you are interested in.
-Learn about majors and careers.
-Attend college fairs
SUMMER AFTER SOPHOMORE YEAR
-Visit colleges.
-Work a summer job or internship.
-Begin thinking about college essays.
Junior Year (11th Grade): Prepare to Apply
ACADEMICS
- Junior year grades are especially important.
-Continue taking rigorous coursework.
TESTING
-Take the SAT and/or the ACT tests if required by your colleges (remember, even test-optional schools will consider scores and it can help make you a more competitive applicant).
-Retake exams if needed.
College Research
-Create a college list
-->Match Schools
-->Safety Schools
-->Reach Schools
Applications
-Ask teachers for letters of recommendation before summer. Remember, this is their time off as well.
-Begin writing your personal statement
-If applying to a UC, choose your 4 PIQ's and begin answering them.
-Research scholarships. There are many listed at www.tinyurl.com/tcscholarships however, there are thousands more if you search the web!
Financial Aid
-Learn about FAFSA and state financial aid programs
Summer After Junior Year
This is one of the busiest and most important summers!
Complete:
-Personal Statement/Common App essay
-UC Personal Insight Questions (If applying to UC's)
-Resume or Activity List/Brag Sheet
-Final College List
-Visit Campuses
-Start Applications
Senior Year (12th Grade):APPLY!
August
-Finalize college list.
-Begin Applications if you have not already done so.
-Request official transcripts through Parchment.
-Confirm recommendation letters (You should have a minimum of 2)
September
-Continue Essays.
-Attend college Visits.
-Meet Scholarship Deadlines
October
-Submit Early Action and/or Early Decision applications.
-Monitor applicant portals.
-Send any requested documents well before deadlines that are provided.
November-January
-Submit regular decision applications
-Continue to monitor applicant portals.
-Send any requested documents.
Spring
-Review acceptance letters.
-Compare financial aid offers.
-Choose a college.
-Submit your enrollment acceptance and deposit by May 1 (for most colleges).