College-Planning Curriculum
HELPING STUDENTS START EARLY & STRESS LESS
The following guide is for counselors, teachers and student advisors to use as they help students learn about and prepare for college, beginning in 9th grade.
9th Grade
Lesson
Learning about and applying to college can feel stressful. It’s important to take care of yourself and your mental health throughout the process.
Materials
Article: Taking Care of You
Assignment
Look at your calendar, if you have one, or map out your weekly schedule. Identify 10 minutes a day that you can devote to an activity that helps you recharge.
Lesson
Academic performance and course rigor will are critical factors in college admissions.
Materials
Assignment
Review your school’s GPA policies
Calculate your GPA based on your current grades.
Lesson
Self-advocacy is a key component to achieving your goals. That means relating to adults in new ways and sometimes having difficult conversations.
Materials
Assignment
Worksheet: Review best practices in email communications and practice writing an email to an admissions officer requesting more information about their school.
Lesson
Your experiences outside of the classroom will be important preparation for college.
Materials
Assignment
Draft a list of your activities outside of school. Remember to include things like work or helping take care of family members.
Review what opportunities are available at your school and in your community and how to stay informed about options.
Lesson
Dreams, goals and passion will fuel your success.
Materials
Article: Goals: You get what you set
Article: How to make the most of summer
Assignment
Goals on the horizon: review your options and plans for summer.
Lesson
College can be an affordable option for your future.
Materials
Article: Affording college
Article: Calculating college costs
Assignment
Talk with your parent/guardian about your college plans. Choose one school and fill out its Net Price Calculator together.
Explore the calculators at MyinTuition.org
Lesson
Community-based organizations (CBOs) provide extra support for college preparation and may be a good resource to help you prepare.
Materials
The Coalition’s CCID registry
Assignment
Browse the CCID registry for organizations in your area; research what programming might be available to you.
10th Grade
Lesson
Learning about and applying to college can feel stressful. It’s important to take care of yourself and your mental health throughout the process.
Materials
Article: Taking Care of You
Assignment
Look at your calendar, if you have one, or map out your weekly schedule. Identify 10 minutes a day that you can devote to an activity that helps you recharge.
Lesson
Academic performance and course rigor will are critical factors in college admissions.
Materials
Assignment
Review your school’s GPA policies
Calculate your GPA based on your current grades.
Lesson
Your experiences outside of the classroom will be important preparation for college.
Assignment
Draft a list of your activities outside of school. Remember to include things like work or helping take care of family members.
Review what opportunities are available at your school and in your community and how to stay informed about options.
Lesson
Mentorship can come in many forms. Developing these relationships will be key to your success.
Materials
Assignment
Identify three mentors in your life and ask them about their college experience.
Lesson
Preparing for and taking standardized tests may be part of your college admissions process. Develop your testing plan.
Materials
Assignment
Lesson
Visiting colleges on your list may not always be possible. But there are lots of ways to explore from afar.
Materials
Assignment
Take three virtual tours, available on most admissions websites, from colleges on your list.
Lesson
By sophomore year, it’s important to start conversations in your family about paying for college and preparing to apply for financial aid.
Materials
Assignment
Work with your parent/guardian to fill out the Net Price Calculators from schools on your list.