College Planning Timeline

9^th Grade

Meet your guidance counselor
Get involved in clubs, organizations, sports and community activities
Take a balanced course load
Make good grades!

10^th Grade

Continue building your resume through clubs, organizations, sports, and community activities
Challenge yourself academically
Start your college search
Explore potential college majors and/or career interests
Make good grades!

11^th Grade

Choose challenging high school courses
Prepare for and take standardized tests (ACT, SAT, PSAT)
Make a college list
Attend college fairs and meet college recruiters
Create a high school resume to list your activities
Start scholarship search
Plan college visits
Start narrowing down your college list
Apply for a summer job, internship or summer camp
Make good grades!

12^th Grade

Apply for admissions (typically starts in August)
Apply for federal and state aid (starts October 1)
Apply for private scholarships and school-specific scholarships
Visit college campuses
Watch out for admissions and scholarship deadlines!
Evaluate financial aid packages
Make your final decision
Finish strong academically
Send final high school transcripts

For Adult Students