Preparing for College: A Grade by Grade Guide
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Getting ready for college is an exciting task for many high school students, but it can be daunting as well. At K12-powered online high schools, we offer a variety of college preparation resources to help students learn how to prepare for college and stay on track toward their goals.
When should students begin preparing for college?
College preparations for high school students may begin as early as freshman year. In the 9th grade, students can start setting goals and focusing their academics with those goals in mind. Through extracurricular activities, electives, dual credits, and more, high school students can begin their college journey.
College Preparation Checklist
The process of preparing for college includes many of the same components whether you attend a brick-and-mortar school or a K12-powered online high school. Regardless of how they attend school, high school students have a lot on their plates with their college search, applications, essays, financing, and more.
The key to managing it all is organization. Our handy college preparation checklists below can help you learn more about how to prepare for college in high school during each of your four years.
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Freshman Year
How to Prepare for College in Your Freshman Year
Freshman year of high school is a great time to outline your college goals. What sorts of career options are you currently leaning toward? What are you most passionate about? Asking yourself these sorts of questions can help you define your goals and create a plan.
K12 students have access to professional, experienced Success Coaches that can help them choose the classes, extracurriculars, and other activities to reach their goals.
9th Grade College Preparation Checklist
Think about your biggest interests and consider taking our High School Careers Quiz or attending career fairs.
Work with your Success Coach to define your goals and outline your path.
Consider Career Pathways to guide your planning.
Learn about dual credits that could count toward your college degree.
Choose core and elective courses that challenge you and consider Advanced Placement® courses.
Research community-based initiatives and consider leadership-oriented K–12 Advanced Learners Program (ALP) | K12 activities that align with your interests.
Start browsing through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to research schools and learn more about the process.
Sophmore Year
How to Get Ready for College in Your Sophomore Year
In your sophomore year, you can start thinking more deeply about your career aspirations. Keep in touch with your Success Coach and participate in elective classes that align with your interests. Ensure that the work for your core classes is manageable and on track.
Start preparing for the PSATs by taking a practice test to see where you stand and where you might need to improve.
Take the PSAT to help you qualify for National Merit scholarships and programs.
Attend local and virtual career events.
Start exploring possible college majors and minors that could help you meet your career goals.
Stay in touch with your Success Coach to refine your goals and make adjustments to your academic path if necessary.
Junior Year
Preparing for College in Your Junior Year
As you enter your junior year of high school, make sure you’re on track to complete your academic requirements for graduation and admission to the college of your choice. This year, begin investigating college financing options and take this into account when building a college application list.
Don’t lose sight of your academic and professional goals, though. Are you involved in clubs that support your dreams? Are you taking elective classes that give you a strong foundation? Now is the time to strengthen your path toward success.
11th Grade College Preparation Checklist: Spring SemesterStart looking at financial aid resources such as scholarships, grants, loans, work-study options, and more.
Take the PSAT if you have not already since this test should be taken no later than the fall semester of junior year.
Explore your career preference in more detail, including aspects like earning potential, using the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Register for your college admissions exams, including the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT. College admissions professionals recommend having at least one standardized test score before the end of 11th grade.
Take practice tests to help you prepare for your standardized tests.
Continue researching financial aid resources and note deadlines for application.
Start considering who you would like to ask to write your letters of recommendation.
Contact colleges and universities you’re interested in to request more information, ask for applications and admissions requirements, inquire about early action programs, and double-check deadlines.
Stay in touch with your Success Coach.
Senior Year
College Preparation in Your Senior Year
Senior year can be the most exciting and the most daunting when it comes to college preparation. It feels like all your hard work is finally coming to fruition, but it’s still important to actively pursue your goals and make sure everything you need for college is in order.
12th Grade College Preparation Checklist: Summer Break
12th Grade College Preparation Checklist: Fall Semester
12th Grade College Preparation Checklist: Winter BreakPlan visits or virtual tours for your top college choices to help narrow down your options.
Make your account for the Common App when the portal opens in August.
Take or retake the SAT and/or ACT if needed.
Complete and submit your college applications.
Request transcripts and letters of recommendation, allowing 30 days or more before the submission deadlines.
If applying for financial aid, begin your FAFSA® Federal Student Aid application. Keep in mind that you will need to apply to federal grants and loans with FAFSA® each year.
Consider turning in scholarship applications early.
Stay in touch with your Success Coach to ensure you’re on track to meet all your graduation requirements.
Finish submitting scholarship applications.
Finish submitting any college applications that have a January or February deadline.
Review college acceptances.
To help make an informed decision, attend the admitted-students weekends for colleges you’ve been accepted to.
Put down a deposit for your school of choice by May 1.
Your College Dreams, Within Reach
At K12-powered schools, we strive to help you reach your personal goals. Each year, our graduates are accepted to hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide, join the military, or head directly into the workforce.
Whatever your goals and chosen path, we’re honored to help you build your journey toward achieving your dreams.
