Winter

9^th Grade

	Prep for finals. This may be your first experience with final exams, so create a study plan and prepare early. It’s important to learn how to be a good student, to try your best, and to establish good study routines for high school and beyond.
	Document your accomplishments. Get in the habit of doing this at the end of every semester. Add awards, activities, books read, and service hours to your college binder.
	Learn the difference between honors, AP, dual credit, and IB courses. These higher-level courses will challenge you, but they’re not all the same. Find out which your school offers and which (if any) would make sense for you to take. You might even earn college credit from some of them!
	Ask for help when you need it. Having trouble with assignments or in classes? Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for help, attend afterschool office hours, get an outside tutor, or form a study group.

Table 4.5

10^th Grade

	Download (and take) practice SATs and ACTs. Students usually prefer one test over the other, so download free practice tests and find study tips online.
	Use the Net Price Calculator to understand college costs. Your net price is the “sticker price” for tuition and fees at a college — less grants, scholarships, and tax incentives you and your family may qualify for. This number may help you narrow your college list.
	Identify potential majors and careers. In your college binder, write down what interests and motivates you. Then go to a career search site like O*NET OnLine to see what careers connect with those interests. It’s a great way to think about future courses and activities.
	Use your summer to pursue your goals and interests. If you’re thinking of participating in an academic or research program, start looking for them now. These programs fill up fast and are a great addition to your resume and college application. Otherwise, think of service opportunities, summer classes, or jobs that will develop your interests.

Table 4.6

11^th Grade

	Sign up for an ACT that offers the TIR. This report lists the questions you get right/wrong — and it’s offered with the December, April, and June tests. This add-on costs $30, and the answers can help you make a plan to raise your score.
	Document all your extracurriculars in your college binder. You’ll have documented the obvious extracurriculars you’ve participated in — like sports and clubs — but don’t forget hobbies, home responsibilities (e.g., taking care of siblings, working in the family business), or being an unpaid volunteer.
	Look at a school’s Common Data Set to help you submit a strong application. To learn more about how many students applied to a school (and how many were accepted and eventually attended), the factors they consider in an application, average test scores and GPAs, and more, Google “[school name] Common Data Set” and look through the report.
	Demonstrate your interest in colleges. From emailing admission reps to visiting campus to interacting with a college’s emails to applying Early Decision, you can show your interest in many ways.

Table 4.7

12^th Grade

	Finalize your Regular Decision (RD) applications. Many RD applications are due at the beginning of the new year, and with the holidays and finals coming up, you don’t want to be overwhelmed or rushing at the last minute. Get your applications done in early December (or over Thanksgiving Break). You’ll be glad you did.
	Review your Student Aid Report. This report lists your Expected Family Contribution, your estimated eligibility for federal grants and student loans, and more. Read through the report with your parents to make sure it sounds right.
	Deferred? Boost your chances by following the school’s instructions. Some schools will ask for a Letter of Continued Interest, some will ask for updated materials (test scores, transcripts, etc.), and some don’t want you to do anything.
	See if you’re eligible for college-specific scholarships. Once you apply to a school, you may be eligible to apply for their scholarships, too. Don’t miss out on the opportunity!

Table 4.8

Checking In: Your College Readiness Checklist