College Prep Checklist for High Schoolers

College Prep Checklist for High Schoolers

If you are the parent of a college-bound high school student, it's never too early to start preparing for the journey ahead. For many ninth and tenth graders, college can seem worlds away and a bit abstract. After all, they're busy navigating their new high school campus, exploring new opportunities and tackling a fresh social scene.

As parents, however, you know that the next four years will pass in a flash. So strategic planning - starting freshman year - is vital to their post-secondary success.

To help you and your student stay on track, we consulted the experts and put together a high school college checklist by grade level. (We recommend you both keep this list close by, and that you check in periodically with your child to evaluate their progress.)

FRESHMAN YEAR

___ Create a four-year academic plan. List the classes you want to take while in high school. Include those you need to graduate, any college-prep Advanced Placement or dual enrollment courses, and a few that you simply want to enjoy.
___ Meet with your guidance counselor. Ask questions and get advice on class selection and post-high school goals.
___ Develop good study habits. Practice different note-taking skills - handwritten or using a device - to determine which method works best for you. Get serious about time management, using an app or digital or old-school calendar to stay organized.
___ Participate in extracurriculars. Whether your interests lie in the arts, sports, science or politics, get involved with on-campus and community-based organizations. These activities help you build confidence, life skills and a social network.
___ Start a college resume. Create a list of honors, awards, volunteerism, paid jobs, college-prep classes, club memberships and athletic accomplishments, and update it each year.
___ Explore the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. This state-sponsored program has helped more than 950,000 Florida students attend college. To be eligible, students must be graduates of a Florida high school, enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a Florida public or independent post-secondary institution, and meet service hour and GPA requirements.
___ Explore jobs (volunteer or paid) to start documenting service hours for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships.

Parents: Start talking to your child about higher education in a real way. Find out what their interests are, discuss affordability and outline what your financial contribution might look like.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

___ Think about college majors and careers. Learn about the programs of study that interest you, as well as the academic areas where you naturally excel. Attend a local college fair, explore college websites, and think about what you want in a college experience - size, location, cost, reputation.
___ Meet with your guidance counselor. Make sure you're taking the prerequisites for any advanced junior- and senior-level classes. Check in to talk about the colleges on your radar and their specific requirements.
___ Take the PSAT. This test provides excellent feedback on where you can improve academically, and it's good practice for taking the SAT or ACT during your junior or senior year.
___ Challenge yourself academically. Start incorporating honors, dual enrollment, credit-generating or AP courses to give yourself an edge.
___ Review your volunteer hours. Ensure that you are on track to complete the community service or paid work hours required by your school district or Bright Futures Scholarship.
___ Make the most of summer. Find a job and save some of your pay for college expenses. Attend a specialized camp or set your own goals to gain new skills while you're out of school. Summer jobs or internships can be a great way to explore new areas of interest.

Parents: Familiarize yourselves with the standardized tests your child will be taking between their sophomore and senior years, and budget for the fees. Registration for the SAT currently costs $68, and many students take the exam more than once.

JUNIOR YEAR

___ Renew your focus on academics. Buckle down and keep your GPA up!
___ Take the SAT or ACT. Sign up for one or both tests and put the dates on your calendar.
___ Start your college search. Make a short list of schools that meet your college goals and tour campuses, either virtually or in person during the spring semester. If possible, meet with the admissions staff and ask questions about acceptance requirements, campus life, specialized programs and financial aid.
___ Get to know your teachers and counselors. These people are instrumental when it's time for college applications, and the better they know you, the stronger their letters of recommendation will be. Build strong relationships and let them know who you are.
___ Review your service hours. Ensure that you are on track to complete the community service or paid work hours required to earn a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
___Explore a senior year externship. Many high schools now allow students to pursue their career interests as part of an externship program during their senior year.

Parents: Create a studentaid.gov account in preparation for filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

SENIOR YEAR

___ Retake the SAT or ACT. It is possible to improve your score, so consider a tutoring course to make the most of this final opportunity.
___ Decide where to apply.Common App has made it easy to apply to multiple colleges, but be sure to budget your application fees. They can add up quickly! Double-check all your submission dates and make sure they're on your calendar. Ask counselors and teachers for letters of recommendation and give them the time necessary to craft an authentic and compelling narrative.
___ Complete college applications. Finalize your primary essay, but be prepared to customize certain aspects for different applications. Clear your schedule for this task because it's important. Expect to write, rewrite and write some more before you get it where it needs to be. Verify that your schools received your documents and test scores.
___ Apply for financial aid. Fill out the FAFSA, starting in October of senior year. For Florida students, applications for the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) also open October 1. The FFAA is required for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships, and applications must be submitted by August 31 after the student's high school graduation.
___ Compare financial aid offers. College has never been more expensive, so take time to weigh the costs of one school over another before making a final decision as a family. Consider how debt might impact your professional and personal goals.
___ Grow your life skills. You're headed to college, so start mastering chores like laundry, grocery shopping and basic cooking, managing finances and health care and finding your way around a new town or city.

Parents: Check out these quick tips for using your Prepaid Plan and/or Savings Plan, so you are all set when your student's higher education journey begins!

Have more questions? We've got answers! Explore our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about our Prepaid Plans and Savings Plan. And click here to start your savings now!

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