Starting to plan for college shouldn’t just be focused on your senior year. In fact, you’ll be better set up for success and less stressed the earlier you begin. Here’s a checklist of all of the things you can do each year in high school to prepare for a successful college search and application process.

9th Grade Year

1. Speak with your counselor about the right courses to take.

2. Practice and develop your study skills (goal setting, note taking, asking for help, time management, etc.).

3. Get involved outside of the classroom.

4. Explore career and college majors by taking assessments on Scoir.

5. Talk to your family about your interests.

10th Grade Year

1. Take rigorous courses and aim to do your best.

2. Learn about standardized tests, like the SAT & ACT.

3. Take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) for practice.

4. Stay involved outside of the classroom doing things that spark joy.

5. Attend college fairs.

6. Continue researching careers and colleges.

7. Take virtual and in-person college tours.

8. Research summer experiences like camps, research, or internships.

11th Grade Fall

1. Narrow down your college and university research to places that fit your personal, academic and financial needs.

2. Take rigorous courses available to you such as honors, AP, IB or dual enrollment courses. 

3. Study for standardized tests (SAT & ACT).

11th Grade Spring

1. Meet with your school counselor to discuss your college options.

2. Complete a personal “brag” sheet to give teachers when you ask for recommendation letters.

3. Take the SAT or ACT (fee waivers are available for eligible students).

4. Attend student and family college and financial aid events.

5. Plan how you’ll spend your summer (classes, volunteering, internship, etc.).

11th Grade Summer

1. Visit colleges in-person (or virtually!).

2. If you plan to take the SAT/ACT again, study over the summer and take it again in the fall.

3. Note admissions and financial aid deadlines.

4. Draft your personal statement and get feedback.

5. Research college supplements and begin working on completing them.

6. Ask teachers for letters of recommendation.

7. Research and apply for scholarships.

12th Grade Fall

1. Fill out college applications.

2. Submit early action and/or early decision applications (typically due Nov 1-15).

3. Fill out financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile, State applications, and school specific applications).

4. Continue to research and apply for scholarships.

12th Grade Winter & Spring

1. Complete and submit regular decision applications.

2. Check your email for communications from colleges.

3. Review your acceptance letters and compare financial aid offers.

4. Attend admitted student events.

5. By May 1, decide on which college to attend and submit your deposit.

6. Keep your grades up and celebrate your hard work.

Download the checklist here for a printable version that you can check off as you go!

Explore all My Coalition Counselor advice

See more from this category: Exploring Colleges