College Planning Checklists by Grade Level

Freshman Year

• • Focus on your grades and build strong study habits
• • Explore interests through electives, clubs, or sports
• • Take a career interest inventory (Xello or YouScience)
• • Start your 4-Year Plan / Individual Plan of Study (IPS)
• • Attend at least one college or career-related event
• • Learn the basics about GPA, transcripts, and graduation requirements
• • Get to know your school counselor
• • Talk with your family about goals after high school
• • Track your involvement and accomplishments
• • Set personal and academic goals for the year

Sophomore Year

• • Maintain a strong GPA and challenge yourself academically
• • Review graduation requirements and update your 4-Year Plan / IPS
• • Update or retake your career interest inventory
• • Research possible careers and matching college majors
• • Attend a college or career-related event (fair, panel, job shadow)
• • Stay involved in extracurriculars and look for leadership opportunities
• • Track community service and summer programs
• • Take the PSAT if available
• • Meet with your counselor to review your academic and career goals

Junior Year

• • Continue building a strong GPA and enroll in rigorous coursework
• • Narrow down career interests and build a preliminary college list
• • Take the ACT/SAT and review score requirements for target schools
• • Visit colleges in person or virtually; attend local college fairs
• • Request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors
• • Begin drafting your personal statement and activity résumé
• • Research scholarships and begin a list of options
• • Meet with your counselor to plan for senior year and beyond

Senior Year

• • Finalize your college list and application deadlines
• • Create accounts for Common App, FAFSA, and testing if needed
• • Submit transcript and recommendation requests early
• • Finish essays and applications before priority deadlines
• • Submit the FAFSA as early as possible (opens October 1)
• • Track scholarships and apply to local and national opportunities
• • Review financial aid offers and make your final decision by May 1
• • Submit your enrollment deposit and request your final transcript