Check off the steps to College

9th Grade

Think about your future career and going to college, and talk it over with your family and counselor. Consider what kind of college you'd like to attend.
Plan your classes with college in mind. Review the general requirements for different kinds of colleges and plan which classes you'll take during high school. You can change the plan later, but it's good to look ahead as you begin high school.
Set up a place where you can file important documents, including your report cards, any awards or honors you receive, and records of school or community activities with notes on what you did. Keep it throughout high school. It will come in handy when you apply to college and for financial aid.
Start to find out about careers and colleges on the web and in person. Visit the nearby colleges listed in this website.
Look for school and community activities that interest you. Get involved.
If you high school has a college access resource center, make sure you use it as much as possible.

Continue to take challenging high school courses and using your school's college access resource center.
Meet with your counselor at least once during the year to talk over colleges and careers.
Keep exploring careers and colleges on the internet. Visit more colleges.
Take the PLAN and/or the PSAT - standardized tests that prepare you for the ACT and SAT. Review results with your family and counselor.
Learn about college costs and how financial aid works.
Consider your reasons for going to college and how they relate to your career interests.
Join and continue extracurricular activities.
Start a summer reading list. Ask your teachers to recommend books.
If in Ohio, pass the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT).
Keep your grades up!
Begin building a resume that includes a list of accomplishments, involvements, and work experiences.

In September, sign up to take the PSAT, which is usually given in October.
Put together a list of 10 colleges you would like to attend and get more information on each of them. Possibly visit them if they are nearby. Attend college fairs.
Review your classes for this year and next: these are important choices, and you may want to alter them depending on the college or program you choose.
Grades from your junior year will count most: do your best.
In February, sign up for the March SAT and April ACT. Your scores on the tests can count this year if they are better than senior year. Prepare for these tests.
If you need any SAT subject tests, be sure to take them immediately following the end of the high school course.
Continue community and school activities.
In the summer between your junior and senior years, practice writing application essays. Pass them to an advisor to review for ideas and grammar.
A good summer job, volunteering or attending special classes will help in your college applications in the fall.
Update your personal resume.

In September, review your high school transcripts to make sure they are correct and you are completing all required courses.
In September, sign up for the SAT and ACT given in October and November to improve your scores from the one you took last year. Be sure to take any SAT subject tests at the end of the course.
By October, finalize the list of colleges to which you will apply.
Double check your chosen colleges' deadlines and begin the application process.
Give recommendation forms and letter requests to teachers and others in plenty of time for them to complete the work before your deadline.
Give yourself time to write and rewrite application essays.
In January, fill out the FAFSA online as soon as taxes are done (before Feb. 15).
Request that your transcripts be sent to the colleges where you're applying.
You will hear from most colleges in early April; decide which one you'll attend and reply by May 1.
Send thank-you notes to all who wrote letters for you and helped you apply.
Update your personal resume.