High School Checklist for College-Bound Students
9th Grade
FALL
- Learn about your strengths and weaknesses and start working on the skills that are more difficult for you
- Learn how to explain to people what your disability is so they will understand your needs
- Develop good study habits and time management skills – starting now will make it easier for you in the future
- If you have an IEP this year, take the opportunity to start self-advocating for yourself by actively participating in the meeting, especially the transition plan
- Begin your Transition Folder, which contains information about your activities and honors throughout high school. Starting this now will make it easier to fill out college applications in 12th grade because you’ll have all the information written down
WINTER
- Explore career options and learn about your interests and preferences in a job
- Begin researching career options (using what you’ve discovered about your interests)
SPRING
- Think about opportunities for the summer – volunteer, job, internship, etc.
- Become involved in school or community activities that interest you and might lead to a career
- Sign up for the upcoming fall PSAT with the College Counselor
SUMMER
- Visit college campuses near you to get an idea of what is out there for you
- Read extensively – vocabulary and reading comprehension are very important for standardized tests (SAT and ACT)
10th Grade
FALL
- Continue to discover your interests and career options
- Continue to actively participate in your IEP transition planning
- Explore careers that take into account your abilities and preferences for work, leisure activities and the way you learn
- Continue to get involved in extracurricular activities – try taking on a leadership role in an activity you really enjoy
- Attend college fairs you can find in your area
- Take the PSAT
WINTER
- If you have the chance, talk to a friend who is home from college about their experience
- Start researching any colleges and programs in which you are interested
SPRING
- Think about opportunities this summer – volunteer, job, internship, etc.
- Begin exploring colleges online or near year to learn about any required courses or tests needed for admissions to schools you are interested in.
- Start getting familiar with financial aid and scholarships
- Notify the College Counselor if you are interested in taking the PSAT in the fall next year
SUMMER
- Keep up the extensive reading and building your vocabulary; maybe ask your teachers to recommend books for you to read during your break
- Visit college campuses to get a feel for your options
11th Grade
FALL
- Consider taking a leading role in your IEP transition plan
- Take the PSAT in the Fall to get ready for the SAT in Spring
- If you’re interested in taking the SAT or the ACT this year, please notify the College Counselor so the application for accommodations can be submitted as soon as possible (this can take up to 2 months to complete)
- Develop a list of 5-6 target colleges you are interested in attending
- Explore careers that would take advantage of your interests and aptitudes so you can tailor your college search accordingly
- Continue to participate in extracurricular activities and be sure to enter them (and any awards or honors) in your college log
WINTER
- Register for the Spring SAT
- Start studying for the SAT and take practice tests to get prepared
SPRING
- Take the SAT
- Start really exploring your career interests and what level of education you need to attain your goals
- Plan ahead for summer by looking into summer opportunities that will look good on college applications and help you discover your interests
SUMMER
- Visit colleges that you’re interested in attending, get brochures, meet with admissions officers and the office of student disabilities to discuss possibly attending their school
12th Grade
FALL
- Retake the SAT in the Fall if you want to try to improve your scores
- Take a final look at careers based on your interests as you finalize your college applications
- Finalize your list of colleges that you’re interested in attending
- Start writing your college application essays to give yourself time for any edits and revisions
- Apply to college! This is where the college log you’ve been keeping for the past three years will come in handy.
- Most deadlines for 4-year schools are around November 30, so pay attention to the deadlines of the schools you are applying to!
- If a college application requires a teacher or counselor letter of recommendation, be sure to give your teacher/counselor enough time to write it before it has to be sent in. Also, if possible, provide the teacher/counselor with a stamped envelope to put the recommendation in when it’s done
- Make copies of everything you send to colleges (just in case something gets lost or misplaced)
WINTER
- Apply for financial aid – submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1
SPRING
- Compare any scholarships and financial aid awards that you get from different colleges; talk to their financial aid officers if you have questions
- If possible, visit your “college of choice” before you formally accept admission if you haven’t visited them already
- Mail in your acceptance to the college you have decided to attend
- Be aware of all deadlines for colleges – from when applications are due to when you have to send in any acceptance
- Enjoy your Senior year, but avoid “Senioritis” – keep up on your academics – colleges will look at your entire 12th grade year and if you drop off in the last semester, they could possibly un-accept you
SUMMER
- Celebrate your high school success!
- Start preparing for the year ahead and best of luck in all that you do!
