College Preparation: A Checklist for Sophomores and Freshmen

 

9th and 10th Grade

 

• Challenge yourself in school.

• Get involved and stay involved.

  • Colleges like to see consistency and leadership in a few extracurriculars rather than brief participation in a ton of activities.

• Do volunteer work if possible.

• Start thinking about what type of college you want to go to (Community? University?) and make sure you are on the right high school course track for that pathway.

• Try to get good grades; 9th grade is the first year in which your grades count towards your college applications.

• Get to know your counselors and college advisers.

• Form relationships with teachers. They will be writing your recommendation letters one day.

• Start a “brag file” in which you keep track of your:

  • Participation in sports and clubs

  • Volunteer work (log hours)

  • Honors and awards

  • Employment

  • Make sure to keep track of the years you were involved, number of hours dedicated, and positions held.

• Make sure your social networking sites are restrictive with higher security measures.

• Apply for scholarships, awards, or contests for high school students.

 

10th Grade

 

• Seek leadership roles in your extracurriculars.

• Familiarize yourself with the SAT and ACT.

• Take the PSAT if possible and be sure to sign up for your scores to be considered for Merit Scholarships.

• Take the PLAN if you are thinking about taking the ACT.

• Start a college search folder. Collect brochures and information on colleges you might be interested in.

• Create a professional email address.  Example: john.smith@gmail.com or j.smith2014@gmail.com.