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Junior Year - Fall Semester
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Check course schedule for accuracy. Make sure you are taking college prep courses (at least 4 academic courses).college fire
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Include a few Honors and/or Advanced Placement (AP) courses in your schedule.
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Take the PSAT (October) to prepare for the SAT and possibly qualify as a National Merit Finalist.
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Begin to think about post-high school options and do research.
Options include: Community College, 4 year College, Certificate Program, Work, Join Peace Corps, Travel & Study Abroad, Military Service.
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Colleges look for Leadership, Community Service, Club & Activity Involvement, Sports, and Work Experience. If not already involved, start something today!
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Start putting together a resume of your activities, honors, awards, leadership experience, community service, and work experience.
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Take the High School Exit Exam (HSEE) if you have not passed.
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Meet your counselor. Visit your favorite GRT to discuss options for success.
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Junior year - Spring Semester
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Take the ACT or SAT 1 at least once this spring. Colleges want all testing completed by early in your Senior year. Tests are offered: January, February, April, May, June.
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Take the SAT II subject tests, especially if you were successful in an Honors/AP level course this year.
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Carefully plan your schedule for your senior year: Take several Honors/AP level courses for competitive colleges; Consider ROP classes to further your interests/skills in a potential career path.
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Take AP exams if you completed the AP class.
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Visit as many colleges as possible. Identify what you likes & dislikes in a college.
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Make plans for the summer: Look for community service opportunities, and try to find an internship in a field you are interested in. For example, talk to different law firms about working in their office if you are interested in being a lawyer. Learn the business to make sure you really are interested.
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Request information packets from colleges you're interested in.
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Summer between Junior and Senior Year
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Continue to research colleges and other post-high school options; visit college campuses.
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Research colleges and narrow down list to 6 schools.
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Request application packets from your colleges.
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Begin thinking about college essay topics.
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Compile a resume of activities, honors, leadership & work experience
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Athletes - register for the NCAA clearinghouse (forms from school counselors)
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Senior Year - Fall Semester
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September:
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Register for the SAT I, ACT, and SAT IIs
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Begin compiling college applications and timelines
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Review your high school transcript for credits and college entrance requirements
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October:
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Take the SAT I or ACT test (if necessary)
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Revise your college admissions essay
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Attend college fair at Homestead High School
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Mail early decision/early action applications
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For private schools, register for the CSS/Financial Aid profile
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Begin working on CSU and UC applications
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Begin asking for recommendation letters
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November:
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Take the SAT I or SAT IIs (if necessary)
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Complete CSU and UC applications (deadline Nov 30, keep copies of all forms)
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Finalize college admissions essay
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Begin researching scholarships
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Check for deadlines on housing application and supplemental Financial Aid forms
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For private schools, schedule interviews
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Attend Financial Aid Information Nights
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Begin working on the FAFSA with your parents/guardians (file between Jan 2nd Ð March 2nd)
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January:
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Attend Financial Aid Information Nights
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Continue researching scholarships
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Request that mid-year grade reports be sent to your colleges
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Verify that your application file is complete with each college
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Complete housing applications (if not already completed)
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Senior Year - Spring Semester
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February - April
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File the FAFSA (keep copies of all forms)
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Apply for all scholarships you qualify for
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College decision letters will begin arriving
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Financial Aid offers will arrive
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Compare financial aid offers
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Make final decision and send in a deposit (deadline May 1st)
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Register for AP exams
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May:
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AP exams
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The path to college leads through all four years of your high school education; you need to start early by taking the courses that will lead you to the future of your choice.