Are you looking for a simple plan to follow that will lead you on the path to college? Check out what you should be doing year by year for the path to success!

Freshman Year

• Meet with the guidance counselor and select courses that meet college admissions requirements

• Take challenging classes that build skills

• Get involved in extracurricular activities: dance, band, sports, ministry activities,

• Research your career possibilities: What do you want to do after high school?

• Plan a productive summer: read books, take courses, volunteer

Sophomore Year

• Some schools offer an optional PSAT and/or PLAN test to discover your strengths and weaknesses

• Talk to your counselor about your PSAT and/or PLAN scores and next steps

• Continue to research college and career options

• Go on college tours

• Plan a productive summer: read books, take courses, volunteer

Junior year

• Take the PSAT. A good score may qualify you for scholarship programs.

• Talk to your counselor about your PSAT scores, learn how to improve them

• Start researching your options for grants, scholarships, and work-study. Put them in a binder according to deadline.

• Research, and visit colleges that you are interested in (and disuss them with your counselor).

• Register for the ACT, SAT, and/or SAT Subject Tests as required by your selected colleges. Or if you haven’t selected colleges, discuss with your counselor which test(s) you should take. If you can not cover the cost of the exams, speak to your counselor.

Senior Year

• Obtain and complete admissions and financial aid applications

• Ask your teachers for recommendations, if the colleges require them

• Visit colleges and attend college fairs

• Send your transcript and test scores to your selected colleges

• Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st

• Review your Student Aid Report (SAR), acceptances, and financial aid offers.

• By May 1st, make final decisions and notify schools