11th Grade

• Register to take the SAT and ACT exams for the spring.

 

• Continue working and funding your college savings account. The goal by the summer before your senior year is $10,000.

 

• Find a mentor to help guide you through the process of deciding a major.. and a college for that matter. Investigate the type of education needed for the majors that interest you.

 

• Take the SAT or the ACT by the spring, and identify areas where you need improvement.

 

• By the end of your junior year, select a top 10 list (or more) of schools and request material (including admissions and financial aid forms) from each school. Use the ‘college search/request info’ tools at HSNATION.com.

 

• Participate in extracurricular activities and continue to document your transcript.

 

• Volunteer.

 

• Consider earning college credit while in high school.

 

• Review your high school class plan. Take the most difficult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork. Make sure you are meeting all graduation requirements.

 

• By the end of the school year, update your transcript records. Be sure to record each course, specific book/subject matter, then finally your grade and credits earned.

 

• Research private scholarship options.

 

 

12th Grade

• Finalize your class schedule and confirm you will have met all graduation requirements by the end of the year.

 

• Narrow your college search down to 5 or fewer schools. Visit all of them you are able.

 

• Consider earning college credit while in high school.

 

• Continue working and funding your college savings account. The goal by the time you head to college is $15,000.

 

• Retake the SAT and/or ACT in the fall if you need to improve your score.

 

• Create a resume of your academic, athletic and work activities as well as other achievements and prepare a portfolio if any of the schools you are interested in requires one.

 

• Begin to brainstorm subject matter for your college essay.

 

• Ask for recommendations from coaches, tutors, and others who can comment on your abilities and talents.

 

• Complete the FAFSA forms by March 1.

 

• Complete your state agency’s student aid forms when they are due.

 

• Complete your transcript.

 

• Complete your admissions essay. 

 

• Select the schools to which you will apply. Make a list of important admissions and financial aid deadlines for each school and make sure all materials are submitted on time or early.

 

• Search and apply for as many private scholarships you are able to.

 

• Review the schools that accepted you and make your decision (preferably by the end of June to give yourself enough time to plan accordingly)