College Planning Tip Sheet - 9-10th grade

SRCHS College and Career Timelines

Fall

• Set-up a free account with collegeboard.org - you can research colleges and prepare for the PSAT/SAT
• Prepare yourself to take the PSAT - link your College Board account to Khan Academy
• Start preparing for the ACT by taking practice tests and studying
• Participate in a college fair/attend a college financial aid workshop
• Get involved with extracurricular and volunteer activities - be a leader inside and outside of school
• Review your PSAT score report and discuss areas that may challenge you, to be prepared for the SAT the following year
• Your GPA counts - stay on track with your courses, and if you are struggling, speak to your teachers or school counselor to explore possible solutions
• With a parent, research and discuss colleges and their costs and take a tour of a local college or university

Spring

• Begin your search for summer jobs, academic enrichment, and volunteer opportunities early
• Meet with your counselor to discuss summer Dual Enrollment opportunities, Junior year courses and your current GPA
• Plan a challenging course load for your Junior year (AP, AICE, and Honors) and discuss Dual Enrollment opportunities with your counselor

Summer

• Along with completing all summer reading assignments create a list of other books to read as well
• Find a summer job that offers valuable work experience and will help you along your path to college and a successful future
• Build your community service hours needed for graduation and the Bright Futures Scholarship