Congratulations on your decision to attend college! 

Preparing and planning for college can be overwhelming.  The following checklists should prove helpful in keeping you on track and organized as you advance through the process.  If you begin working on this process later than your freshman year, you should go back and complete any suggestions that you have missed. 

Organization is vital.  Ideally, you should have a calendar that can be placed where you can review and update it as needed while giving your parents an opportunity to see what you are working toward and have already accomplished.  Mark application, scholarship, and financial aid deadlines as well as application dates for PSAT, SAT and ACT or any other important dates.  You will also need to set up a filing system to save report cards, document any awards and honors, record any community service activities and jobs that you hold and, most importantly, keep your applications, scholarships and financial aid information in one convenient location.  While the lists should help you keep on track, be advised that some institutions may have additional steps not noted.  Check their websites for possible calendars to assist you in the process.

Although your family should be involved in this process, it is most important that YOU do the work.  Your family will be great at encouragement, reminding you of deadlines and proofing applications, but you should also include them on some of your campus visits.  You want them to be happy and confident in your choice of a college.

Certainly, your grades in high school are a key part of the admissions equation.  You should note that advanced and honors courses are often given the greatest weight.  If your classroom grades are weak, you will have to perform at an outstanding level on the standardized admissions tests. 

While the following lists may appear overpowering, taking them in steps and marking them off as you go will make the task less intimidating.  You will soon be able to visualize just how much you have accomplished toward your goal!

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year