PREPARING FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS: A Year-by-Year Checklist (Blog #64)

Now that summer is just about here, you may be thinking about how to help your child plan for life after high school! There are lots of options for the next chapter after high school. For families looking at college, here are some tips to consider for college admissions planning.

Planning for college can begin as early as freshman year of high school. But bear in mind that you don't want to create stress for your child in planning too early. But for some families, understanding the process early on can help reduce stress so that by junior and senior year your child goes into the admissions process with greater preparation, knowledge and confidence.

College preparation changes from year to year. Early in high school, students should focus on exploring interests, building strong study habits, and getting involved in extracurricular activities, developing personal interests, or community engagement. Later, the process becomes more targeted with greater attention to testing, college applications, scholarships and financial aid.

Freshman and Sophomore College Preparation Checklist

Freshman and sophomore years are a time to explore interests, build a strong academic foundation, and begin thinking about long-term goals. Students do not need every answer yet, but they should start making choices that keep college options open.

Freshman Year

During Freshman year, students should focus on discovering what interests them while developing habits that support long-term success. Strong effort, curiosity, time management, and follow-through can help students build a record that will serve them well throughout high school and into the college application process.

·        Take challenging or unfamiliar classes to explore new interests and discover strengths. Joining new extracurricular activities and/or community engagement can also help students grow personally and academically.

·        Meet with an advisor or school counselor about honors, Advanced Placement, or other rigorous courses that may be a good fit.

·        Explore possible careers through quizzes, job research, or an interest profiler.

·        Get involved in community service, clubs, sports, or leadership activities that reflect your interests.

Sophomore Year

By sophomore year, students should begin narrowing their interests, strengthening their academic plan, and learning more about what colleges expect from applicants.

·        Work with your school’s college counselor to develop an academic plan that keeps you on track for high school graduation and college admission requirements. If it aligns with their goals, your student may want to explore options for graduating early.

·        Consider taking the PSAT and using practice tests to prepare. Students interested in National Merit Scholarships should plan to take the test no later than the fall of junior year.

·        Continue exploring careers through quizzes, career assessments, job fairs, or job-shadowing opportunities when available.

·        Start researching colleges by learning what makes a school a good fit and using comparison tools such as College Scorecard. 

·        Begin paying attention to admission requirements, campus size, location, cost, and available academic programs.

Junior Year College Preparation Checklist

Junior year is when college planning becomes more focused. Students should pay close attention to admissions requirements, standardized testing, financial aid, and application preparation.

Fall Semester

·        Take the SAT or ACT for the first time so you have time to retake the exam later if you want to improve your score.

·        Meet with your school counselor to review college requirements and learn about ways to pay for college, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.

·        Attend college fairs, whether in person or online, and begin visiting campuses when possible.

·        Research careers in more depth using trusted resources such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn about job duties, pay, and growth trends.

·        Take a career interest assessment to better understand how your strengths and preferences connect to potential academic and career paths.

Spring Semester

·        Identify scholarships to pursue and keep track of deadlines on a calendar or planning tool.

·        Narrow your college list and begin gathering materials such as transcripts, recommendation requests, and application details.

Senior Year College Preparation Checklist

Senior year is about finalizing college choices, completing applications, confirming financial aid, and preparing for the transition after high school. Students should also remember that the FAFSA must be completed each year they plan to receive financial aid.

Summer Before Senior Year

·        Finalize your college list.

·        Plan college visits for schools that your student is interested in if you are able.

·        Complete the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an early sense of college costs.

·        Begin to compile a list of college scholarships that you may want to apply for.

Fall Semester

·        Take or retake the SAT and/or ACT if needed.

·        Complete and submit college applications before each deadline.

·        Request transcripts and letters of recommendation at least 45 days before they are due.

·        Work with your family to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® form).

·        Complete and submit scholarship applications before their deadlines.

·        Meet with a counselor to confirm that you are on track to meet graduation requirements.

Winter

·        Review your Student Aid Report and make any needed corrections.

·        Finish submitting any remaining scholarship applications.

Spring Semester

·        Compare acceptances, financial aid packages, and scholarship offers, then choose the school you plan to attend. Be sure to formally decline offers from schools you will not attend.

·        Explore housing options near your chosen school if you do not plan to live on campus.

·        Look into transportation options, including public transit and parking, before classes begin.

Remember that throughout senior year, it is important to stay engaged. Colleges may review final grades and continued involvement in school or community activities, so students should keep up their academic effort while also taking time to enjoy the final months of high school.

Want to talk about the college admissions process and your child's college options with us? 2 Black Moms High School Transitions Consulting is happy to chat!

Check us out at:  Consulting | 2blackmomsandamic 

Schedule a free initial 30-minute consultation by emailing lisa@2blackmomsandamic.com.  We can’t wait to hear from you!