Prepare for Success
Freshman and sophomore years
Learn about college requirements and explore careers.
* Know which high school courses satisfy college requirements.
* Create a four-year high school curriculum plan.
September–March of junior year
Think about reasons for going to college.
* Talk with parents and a school counselor about career goals and college plans.
* Try talking with an adult who has an interesting job.
* Get involved at school and in the community.
January–March of junior year
Identify important factors in choosing a college; prepare for a college admission tests.
* Think about college preferences such as two-year or four-year, location, cost, kind of atmosphere, the variety of study programs available, and entrance test requirements.
* Locate and consult college guidebooks.
* Explore colleges on the Internet.
March–August of junior year
* List possible college choices and collect information about each one; take the appropriate college admission test(s).
* Attend college fairs and college night programs.
* Visit colleges.
August–December of senior year
Compare college choices.
* Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each college carefully.
* Determine which colleges meet your needs.
* Continue visiting colleges.
* Organize information into detailed, useful comparisons.
September–December of senior year
Apply for admission to “choice” colleges.
* Obtain application forms.
* Observe deadlines.
* Submit high school records and test scores (retest if necessary).
January–February of senior year
Apply for financial aid.
* Consult financial aid office.
* Secure forms and note deadlines.
* Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.
November–May of senior year
Make some final decisions.
* Confer with parents and counselors about final decision.
* Confirm your decision, and decline other admission offers.