College Preparation Review List for High School Juniors and Seniors

Review List for Junior Year:  Test and Inquire

  • Take on leadership roles in extracurricular and community service activities.
  • Enter the PSAT/NMSQT competition. Top scorers can qualify for scholarships.
  • Attended college fairs and workshops, and review college websites and guides.
  • Get on the mailing lists of your reach and match schools. Visit college campuses while in session
  • Review the costs required for each school and review with your parents on your plans to pay for college.
  • Take the spring ACT/SAT tests. Take the SAT II tests if required by colleges on your list.
  • Consider summer jobs and volunteer work that matches your academic or career interests.
  • Review your target list of scholarships and continue to add to the list.

Review List for Senior Year:  Apply, Visit and Confirm

  • Continue involvement and leadership in extracurricular activities and community service. Serve with excellence.
  • Take/retake ACT/SAT or SATII tests. An increase in scores will help you pay for college.
  • Attend college fairs and workshops.  Narrow college choices to six to ten and apply for admission.
  • Establish a relationship with admissions counselors at the schools you apply to.
  • During the application process:
    • Prepare a personal essay
    • Contact teachers/counselors and community leaders about writing letters of recommendations
    • Fill out the FAFSA form (New: October of each year).
    • Apply for scholarships and
    • Consider admission offers.
    • Request that a final transcript be mailed to your college of choice.
  • Visit your top choice schools while in session. If you plan to live on campus, stay in the dorms to examine the culture and see if there is a match.
  • Review all financial offers and determine which schools are the best value and fit the family budget.
  • Graduate