The preparation for college can seem like a daunting and long process. With expert guidance and the right tips though, you can prepare for college without stressing and make informed decisions according to your interest and skills. The best time to start taking steps towards college preparation is the transition from 8th to 9th grade – when you’re getting ready to begin high school.
Believe it or not, college preparation begins with your first year of education and never ends until you graduate from high school. You might even spend the summer before college getting everything in order for your application, especially if you want to apply to competitive universities or include the best scholarship applications! In this article, we will discuss all the best ways you can prepare yourself for your college application, as well as when it is best to start doing each activity.
College Preparation – Transition from Eighth to Ninth Grade
1. Take All the Right Courses
It’s never too early to start preparing for college. In junior high, you must make sure you are taking the best courses, so you can begin your first year of high school on the right foot. It’s crucial to select all the classes you need for competitive college admission. This usually includes 4 years of English, 4 years of math, 4 years of science, 3-4 years of social studies, and 2 years of a foreign language.
Although you will be ok with only 3 years of each subject for many colleges, it’s way better to be equipped with 4 years of each if you want to apply for admission into competitive colleges. Grades become more relevant as soon as you start high school, so make sure you are studying hard and preparing yourself for the tests coming your way.
2. Consider Higher Level Classes
Throughout all your years of high school, you will be given the option of taking honors, Advanced Placement classes (AP), and Dual Enrollment (DE/DC) courses. 9th grade usually only offers one or two of the more challenging courses, but the years to come will offer more advanced classes to choose from. Make sure you select the best academic offer available at your high school.
AP and DE/DC classes show the college admissions officers that you are ready for more rigorous classes. AP subjects also count for college credit if you pass the end-of-year final examination, while DE/DC classes could be transferred directly into your college transcript once the college you are applying to approves them as regular college courses.
3. Take On Extracurricular Activities
Your grades are not the only thing that matters when it comes to college. The admissions committee wants to see that you are involved in extra-curricular activities as well. Activities such as being on a sports team, being an active part of societies, or joining clubs are as essential during your admission evaluation.
It also helps to have a portfolio of community activities that prove your dedication to helping others, as well as the ability to follow through and stick to your commitments. Participating in these activities can give you insight into what you care and are passionate about. This might even help you pick a major for college later on.
4. Begin the Preparation for Your First Preliminary SAT test (PSAT/NMSQT).
Although many high school teachers and counselors mistakenly consider this test “just an irrelevant practice test,” your Preliminary SAT test matters and you should take it seriously as it will become your ticket, in eleventh grade, to be nominated National Merit Scholar. Take action as soon as possible and get ready for your PSAT/NMSQT as early as possible. Make sure you request your inclusion in the test since 9th grade. We are convinced that you won’t regret it.
College Preparation in Tenth Grade
5. Start Thinking About Colleges and Majors
10th grade is the time to start a family conversation regarding your interests. Begin your research for potential colleges you might want to attend. You can also check out the selection of majors they have to see what might interest you. Some people choose to go to college within their own state, while others want to move further away.
You can look into both options to find colleges that interest you. You may choose to look further into a college based on their programs or sports teams if you think this will help you with your decision. Many school students get scholarships based on a particular program like music or a team they play for in high school.
6. How You Are Going to Pay for College?
An important question that must be always at the forefront of your journey toward college. A college education is expensive. And so is college life. It’s always important to consider how you are going to get the money for college and if you need to apply for aid for college. Take this time to get familiar with the FAFSA application and CSS Profile and all the financial terms they use. You can also start looking into college scholarships to see if there are any that you qualify for.
You need to make sure you are continually getting good grades and staying invested in the extracurricular activities you are doing. It’s important to keep the momentum going throughout all four years of high school to be able to prove consistency and determination to the college admissions officers who are reviewing your application.
7. Continue Your Preparation for the PSAT/NMSQT
You will take the tests again in 10th grade and later in 11th grade.
8. Continue Your Involvement in Clubs, Teams, and the Community
All extracurricular activities are relevant in preparation for your college admission.
College Preparation in Eleventh Grade
9. Form Relationships with Teachers
Almost every college application requires you to submit letters of recommendation. Your recommendation letters will have to come from teachers, counselors, or sports coaches. 11th grade is the best grade to start considering who you are going to ask for a letter of recommendation and send them your request. It’s always a good idea to ask teachers for recommendations in classes where you have excellent grades.
You might also want to make sure the teacher knows a little extra about you, such as if you are a member of certain clubs or if you work a part-time job. The best time to ask a teacher if they are willing to write you a letter of recommendation is in the spring of your junior year.
10. Research Colleges Further
11th graders should continue their college search and attend college fairs. Take a look at the college courses offered by your favorite colleges, check out their college entrance exams and requirements, and assess your college readiness. Make a list of the colleges that best suit your interest and academic achievements. Write down their programs and the scholarships available.
11. Take Your Last PSAT/NMSQT of Your Life
Continue your preparation for the PSAT/NMSQT that you will take for the last time in your high school career. TAKE your final PSAT/NMSQT and do your best effort to qualify for one of the National Recognition Programs: Merit, Hispanic, African American, Indigenous, or Rural or Small Town Areas.
12. Take the SAT/ACT
Despite the fact that currently, SAT/ACT tests are considered optional for many of the most competitive colleges in the U.S., we believe that getting a competitive score in standardized testing is still relevant for your admission process. Colleges will look at your scores on the SAT/ACT to determine your skills and readiness for college academics. Take as many practice tests as possible to get familiar with the tests and improve time management. You should take the tests twice if possible – once in the fall of junior year and once in the spring.
13. Talk to a College Admissions Coach
Use your junior year to discuss your options with an admissions coach. College admissions coaches can advise you on which schools might be best for you as well as give you tips to make yourself a more competitive candidate for admission. They can give you insights into the admissions process, discuss school courses that you should take considering your college options, recommend internship programs, and provide guidance on things like letters of recommendation, college essays, resumes, and practice exams.
14. Plan Your Campus Tours for the Summer
Schedule visits online and arrive on campus on time. Be ready to be amazed by all the new facts you will learn about your potential college home in the following 4 years of your life.
15. Begin Admission Essays/Short Answers
The summer between 11th and 12th grade is the perfect time to begin your essays and short answers.
College Preparation in Twelfth Grade
16. Send Off Your Applications
Most college applications are due in the early and late fall so you should make sure you never miss a deadline. You need to decide whether it is best to stick to the regular college admissions deadlines or go for early action or early decision process. Talk about your options with your college coach who can help you complete your college checklist in time to meet all deadlines. Plan your final campus tours, and repeat the SAT/ACT tests if you need to.
17. Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile (if needed)
You can begin filling out your FAFSA and CSS Profile (if applicable) as early as October 1st of your senior year. It’s a good idea to have your parents help you in this step as they will need to include their federal income tax returns and bank/savings information.
College Preparation in the Summer Before College
By now, you have already chosen your final list of colleges and have begun your application process, but you can still spend the summer before you go applying for scholarships. Some students may choose to get a part-time job. The summer before college is also an important time to attend orientation and start your packing list. Exciting times are ahead! Enjoy your college experience!
Final Thoughts
College preparation should start as early as during your transition from 8th to 9th grade. Start with small steps that will put you in good habits for the 11th and 12th grades, when you need to accelerate the preparation and decide your academic path.
