Preparing for College
Preparing for College
is a 4-Year Process
College is something that you need to be thinking about now. A college degree means a great deal in today’s world—more career opportunities and a greater earning potential.
But it takes some planning and preparation to find the college that is right for you. It is also becoming more and more important and to make sure you have done as much as possible throughout high school to make yourself competitive for admission to top colleges. We hope this guide will assist you throughout high school as you begin researching colleges and preparing yourself for the journey ahead!
Things to Consider when Researching Colleges
- cost
- location
- opportunities for financial aid and scholarships
- size of enrollment
- admissions criteria
- affiliation (public or private, religious or not, etc.)
- type of community
- diversity/student profile
- male/female ratio
- types of housing
- campus activities/organizations
- athletic programs
- specialized programs
Where to Begin
- visit college websites
- begin to list and compare college characteristics
- meet with school counselors and teachers to find out what type of school you might be competitive for
- consult parents, current students, and alumni
- attend college fairs and speak to college representatives
- make campus visits and attend information sessions for prospective students at schools you are interested in
College Preparation Checklist
The most important step is to get started. It’s your life—take charge of it, and plan your high school program with this checklist.
9th and 10th grade
- Develop an organization system to log your assignments, exams, social events, appointments, job interviews, etc. This will help you manage your time effectively and develop organizational skills.
- Be sure that the courses you sign up for prepare you for college. Select a curriculum that will challenge and interest you, and courses that meet college entrance requirements. Seek the advice of your parents and counselors. You should take 4 or 5 academic courses each term, and try to take as many accelerated, honors, or advanced classes that are available in subjects that you excel in.
- Begin to explore careers and colleges. Talk to people in jobs that interest you. What education do those jobs require? You can research information online, at libraries, and your school’s career center or counseling office.
- Get involved in school and community activities. Develop leadership skills—involvement may lead to scholarships and/or summer jobs.
- In the 10th grade, register for the PLAN (a pre-ACT test) as this will help identify areas for improvement.
- Start discussing college costs with your parents. You can help contribute to your college fund by starting to save. It’s never too early to start creating a financial plan for your post high school education.
- Begin to record your activities, awards, and accomplishments so when you are asked for this information on college applications in your senior year you’ll have it at your fingertips!
11th grade
- Continue to take challenging courses and to explore careers. This is a VERY important year. Colleges usually base their decision on your sophomore and junior year grades.
- Begin to take AP or IB classes if they are offered at your high school. The University of Michigan recommends taking these challenging classes in subjects you feel you can be successful in.
- In October, take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). This is a good practice test, and it will help identify areas for you to work on. Good scores may also lead to a scholarship.
- Begin to shop around; all colleges are not the same. Gather information on colleges through college websites or brochures (available in your high school guidance office). Compare entrance requirements, cost, size, unique programs, facilities, your intended field of study, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Talk to friends or relatives who have attended colleges that interest you.
- Attend at least one college fair. It’s a good time to gather information about a lot of colleges and ask questions. They can be fun and informative!
- Visit your high school’s counseling office often to see when representatives for the colleges you are interested in will be visiting your school and attend their information sessions. Also check for new incoming information about colleges and scholarships.
- Take the SAT and/or the ACT with the writing component during the spring semester. Find out which test the colleges you are interested in require. Consult with your counselor or college admissions offices if you’re unsure of your score and ask them if you should take the test again.
- Continue to check into scholarships. There are books, computer software, and websites with scholarship lists that you can receive regardless of which institution you will attend.
- In the spring and summer before your senior year, visit college campuses. Many colleges allow you to register online for campus tours and information sessions.
- Create a filing system to organize all of your college materials.
12th grade
- Don’t get “Senioritis!” Your senior courses and grades do make a difference. Notify the schools you have applied to if there is a change in your grades or course schedule.
- You can still take or retake the SAT and ACT with the writing component but make sure the test scores can be sent to your chosen schools before the application deadline. See your counselor for test dates and application deadlines.
- Apply to several schools. Competition for college admission varies every year. Work hard and apply to your “dream” schools, but be prepared by applying to a “safety” school, just in case. Don’t feel you have to go overboard—apply only to colleges you want to attend.
- Continue to visit colleges that you are interested in.
- Send your college applications in early. Provide all requested materials, e.g., recommendations, transcripts, test scores, and essays. If necessary, ask your counselor about a waiver for the application fee.
- Applying for financial aid? Send in the required forms (FAFSA and CSS Profile for Michigan). You should be able to get them from the guidance office at your high school or at www.fafsa.ed.gov and profileonline.collegeboard.com. Submit them by mid-February for best consideration.
- After you’ve decided on the college you plan to attend, you should notify all other colleges to which you have been admitted of your decision.