Begin thinking about what careers or majors you want to pursue after high school. Check out College Majors 101 to get a listing of different majors you can study in college.
Begin a college search. Create a file where you can list any college features that interest you, as well as application requirements.
Attend a College Open House or schedule a college visit.
Make sure that you are taking the right courses and are on track with graduation requirements.
Get involved if you are not! Clubs, volunteering, etc.
With your family, begin a search for financial aid sources. TheFAFSA4CASTER will teach you about the financial aid process and allow you to get an early estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid.
SPRING
Continue to search for colleges. Visit BigFuture to help narrow down your list.
- Determine your important criteria: Size, Location, Academics, Environment, etc
Register to take the ACT on April 9, 2016. Deadline to register is March 4, 2016. Plan to re-take the ACT in June or September.
Visit some local colleges – large, small, public, and private. Get a feel of what is right for you. Request view-books and information about financial aid and academic programs that interest you.
Get involved if you are not! Clubs, volunteering, etc.
Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse if you are planning on playing collegiate athletics at a Division I or II school.
Start checking your U-46 e-mail...this is how your counselor will contact you with info throughout next year!
Summer
Narrow down a list of top school choices and make sure you know what the filing deadlines are.
Take advantage of ACT or SAT prep courses if you want to retake the test in September.
Fill out letter of recommendation forms IF letters are required. Make sure you ask recommenders in person to write you a letter.
Find out what the essay prompts are for your applications after July 1st.