HIGH SCHOOL "To do list"
 

FRESHMAN YEAR

• -Investigate graduation requirements and future plans

• -4 year plan for your course work

• -Investigate colleges/universities-majors, location, size, cost, etc.-College Searches, websites, etc.

• -Volunteer/community work/extra curricular-long term-college resume     (VERY
  -IMPORTANT for college admission!)

• -Athletics/intramural, team sports, etc.-college resume

• -Memorize social security number

• -Double check transcript for high school courses

SOPHOMORE YEAR

• -Get a job if necessary.  Learn to budget time, manage money.

• -Review 4 year plan, increase challenge if necessary, check GPA, rank-check transcript.  -Ask yourself if your coursework agrees with your future plans.

• -Parents and students: Review finances and think ahead to financial aid and scholarship possibilities.

• -Narrow down college/university choices-attend college Night-College Searches, websites.  It is not too early!

• -Arrange for visits in the summer-Visit Financial Aid Office

• -Interests/community work, etc.- Think about how to add meaningful activities to your college resume so that you are an attractive candidate for admission. -Start early, its competitive!

• -Athletics/intramural, team sports, etc.-college resume

• -Discuss plans with your School counselor

JUNIOR YEAR

• -Get a job if necessary. Learn to budget time & manage money.

• -Take PSAT in October (for scholarship $$)-sign up in Guidance

• -Take SAT I, II (if required by college), ACT in Spring

• -Narrow down choices for colleges/universities (about 5)-attend College Night-College -Searches, websites

•   IMPORTANT- College visits during fall and spring break-Visit Financial Aid office! 
  -Each campus has a different feel to it.

• -Review 4 year plan and course work, increase challenge if necessary-Investigate college credit classes

• -GPA, rank-check transcript-athletics, etc.

• -Investigate and plan for scholarship opportunities

• -More realistic view of finances

• -Add to college resume - Don't wait until your senior year.

• -Discuss progress with your school counselor

• -Perfect college essays

SENIOR YEAR

• -Continue job

• -Take final SAT I or II or ACT (if score was not high enough) in fall

• -Review, perfect and update college admissions essays

• -Ask your counselor and teachers for recommendation letters early. 
  -Recommendation packet from the Guidance Office - allow your teachers enough time for your deadlines.

• -Meet College Reps and attend Financial Seminar on College Night

• -Turn in all college applications by November 1st

• -Investigate and apply for scholarships-designated and undesignated-turn in by the deadlines.

• -Parents: save income tax stub in December and apply for the FAFSA on January 1^st- report in March 1

• -You should receive your FIFES report by March. If not contact FAFSA center.

• -Verify that you have met your high school graduation requirements

• -Research and register for any summer school classes and transfer credits

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