College Planning Checklist

  • Freshman Year
    • Investigate graduation plans:  Foundation, Foundation with Endorsement, Distinguished 
    • Develop a 4-year high school education plan. This plan should include all of the courses you plan to take each year. Make sure that your 4-year plan includes the courses your college requires for admission. See your counselor for a blank 4 year plan form.
    • Get off to a strong start academically. All of your 9th grade courses and grades will be on your transcript(along with any high school course taken for credit in 8th grade).
    • Focus on vocabulary and reading skills
    • Think about reasons for going to college. Talk to your parents about college
    • Investigate colleges/universities: majors, location, size, cost, admissions requirements, etc.
    • Do volunteer/community work and join extra-curricular activities
    • Analyze interests and abilities in connection with possible careers.  Use the Choices 360 program-see your counselor for access code

     

    Sophomore Year   
    • Continue investigation and search into colleges/universities-make campus visits to get a feel for what different college campuses are like. Always register with the college visit office so that they have a record of your interest.  Some colleges keep track of this and use in admission decisions.
    • Become familiar with college entrance requirements
    • Volunteer/community work and join extra-curricular activities
    • Analyze interests and abilities in connection with possible careers-use Choices360.com
    • Work hard in all classes and concentrate on grades
    • Focus on vocabulary and reading skills
    • Organize a file to keep all college related materials and information
    • Begin to create your resume of activites, awards, service hours, employment. Review finances
     
     
    Junior Year
    • Take the PSAT in October
    • Narrow down choices for college/university
    • Attend College/Technical School night in October at Civic Center
    • Begin to search for scholarships on Internet or with Financial Aid Office at college
    • Become familiar with college entrance requirements
    • Take SAT and/or ACT in Spring
    • More realistic view of finances-talk to your parents
    • Add to college resume volunteer/community work, extra curricular, employment and awards
    • Visit colleges
    • Analyze interests and abilities in connection with possible careers-Use Bridges
    • Work hard in all classes and concentrate on grades
    • Focus on vocabulary and reading skills
    • Organize a file to keep all college related materials and information
    • Register with the NCAA or NAIA Clearinghouse if you are interested in playing sports in college  https://web3.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.jsp or http://www.playnaia.org/page/eligibility.php 
    • Make sure you choose your senior classes to fulfill graduation requirements and college admissions requirements.
     
    Senior Year
    • Confirm graduation credits
    • Take SAT or ACT if necessary
    • Attend Parent Information Night
    • Attend College/Technical School night in October at Civic Center
    • Request and complete college admissions applications-Public Colleges in Texas-www.applytexas.org
    • Investigate and apply for scholarships by designated deadlines
    • Request the high school transcript be sent to colleges
    • Investigate housing opportunities
    • PARENTS: gather info and complete income tax as soon as possible after Jan1
    • Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after Jan1
    • Attend Financial Aid Night in November
    • Meet with Financial Aid Office at college
    • Research CLEP and/or AP exams  www.SpeedyPrep.com
    • Register and take TSI (to satisfy the Texas Success Initiative) if required
    • Make final decision about college and financial aid. Let school know if you decline acceptance.
    • Analyze interests and abilities in connection with possible careers
    • Work hard in all classes and concentrate on grades
    • Focus on vocabulary and reading skills
    • Organize a file to keep all college related materials and information