college 101
get ready
GET READY TO GO
Choosing the right college and finding a way to pay for it requires putting your thinking cap on years before
graduation. This grade-by-grade college-prep checklist will help you and your student start the search, stay
on track and cross the finish line strong at the end of their senior year.
Here’s what your child should be doing now:
• Get your license
8TH GRADE
• Start earning and saving money for college
• Take an ACT- or SAT-prep course
• List five careers that interest you
• Start job shadowing people in those careers
• Sharpen study skills: This is the last year before the
GPA clock starts running
• Plan your high school course work
• Read, read and read to become a fast reader
11TH GRADE
• Take AP classes and study for these tests
• You’re in the home stretch for important GPA-building
grades
• Be a National Merit Scholar – Get ready for the October
PSAT!
9TH GRADE
It’s ON – Your next three years of grades will affect your
college admissions and eligibility for scholarships (senior
year grades are not usually considered for admissions)
• Take the ACT and SAT. Decide which one will give you
a higher score
• Take a test-prep course or download the free tests and
PRACTICE
• Start visiting colleges
• Consider dual enrollment for senior year
• Find a cause and volunteer
• Get your guidance counselor to review your resume and
college admission essays
• Put it on your resume – Yes, start a resume
• Increase your vocabulary by reading
• Start applying for scholarships
• Get involved in clubs, sports and music
• Apply to the Potential “Reach your Potential” spotlight and
scholarship
• Go to a college fair
• Start learning street signs and how to drive
• Give or Accept a “promposal” and enjoy prom
• Get your learner’s license
• Go to camp in the summer
12TH GRADE
10TH GRADE
• Take the ACT/SAT at least one more time
• Apply to colleges – Turn them in early!
• Take the PSAT in October
• Keep a calendar of your assignments and learn how
to organize
• Start seeking and taking leadership roles in clubs and
activities
• Smile for your Senior Portraits
• Take college tours and get to know the admission
counselors
• Get teacher recommendations
• Keep on volunteering
• Complete a FAFSA application in February
• Take the ASVAB for career exploration and aptitude
• Go after scholarships!
• Celebrate your Sweet 16
• Hug your parents at commencement and thank them!
• Identify colleges you are interested in
• Take Drivers Ed
12
• Pick a college (and roommate, and housing, and... and…)
• Sign-up for a Graduation Gift Registry
www.potentialmagazine.com