The many steps of getting into a college of your choice can be overwhelming and it begins earlier than you might think. The following list is a recommended list of topic areas about the college search process for you to consider during each year of high school.

• Grade 9
• Grade 10
• Grade 11
• Grade 12

Grade 9

1. Academic achievement starting in 9th grade relates to college acceptance because cumulative GPA’s are a large component of what colleges look at. Your cumulative GPA will begin in 9 th grade. Start off strong and be persistent with your grades.
2. Learn about various degree types and their requirements.
3. Select coursework that is a challenge to you. Colleges do not want to see that you have taken “the easy way out” of coursework.
4. Become involved in extracurricular activities.
5. Leisure reading is important. It correlates with your SAT/ACT scores and your ability to identify various interests and career aspirations.
6. Visit colleges that might be on the way to a family vacation/travel destination. Exposure is the goal at this grade level.
7. Browse college literature. Begin to learn about the types of colleges, identify colleges that are in geographical areas of interest, and begin to identify the types of majors that are offered at different schools.
8. Consider the factors that might affect your college choice (proximity to home, geographical location, specific majors/activities, etc.)
9. While it is important to develop a strong work ethic and record of achievement, the pressure to achieve should not be overwhelming.
10. Begin to identify interests and abilities.

Grade 10

1. Continue to examine your academic achievement and realize that it relates to college selectivity.
2. Produce quality coursework and put in the extra effort.
3. Become familiar with the “tests” (PSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT II Subject Tests). Work on practice questions and make use of review books.
4. Become involved in meaningful extracurricular activities and think about opportunities for leadership roles.
5. Make college visits a part of family vacations/travel plans. At this level, you will want to begin asking questions about the various programs and activities that are offered on campus.
6. Begin to think more about factors involved in choosing a college (proximity to home, major programs, athletics, extracurricular activities, etc.)
7. Read college literature.
8. Talk to older students, friends, and parents who are going through, or have completed, the college experience.
9. Be a leisure reader.
10. Generate a first list of potential schools.
11. Ensure your schedule in 11 th grade is challenging and complete with appropriate courses (possibly AP or CAP courses).
12. Have enriching summer experiences.

 

Grade 11

1. Academic achievement is critical at this point.
2. The courses you take should be of high quality and appropriate for post-high school plans.
3. Cumulative GPA’s at the end of your 11 th grade year are used on college applications.
4. Courses that are labeled AP, E, R, CAP, IB, or SUNY are those which may help you obtain college credit or add value to a high school grade.
5. Select courses for your 12 th grade schedule that show rigor and demonstrate that you have challenged yourself all the way through high school.
6. Work hard to achieve quality scores on the “tests”. Recommended timeframes are: PSAT (Fall of 11 th grade), SAT (Spring of 11 th grade) and ACT (Spring of 11 th grade). For those who are interested in schools which require the SAT II’s, tests should be taken at the end of specific courses like Living Environment, Chemistry, Math A). Discuss the timeframes of these tests with your school counselor.
7. Do a college search using defined criteria.
8. Research and investigate your list of schools.
9. Understand the levels of selectivity in schools (Tier I, Tier II, & Tier III) and where you may fit in.
10. Continue to have enriching summer experiences.
11. Consider the quality of your extracurricular activities. Colleges would prefer to see a smaller number of activities with a quality level of participation such as holding an office and/or demonstrating leadership.
12. Begin researching academic scholarships.
13. Begin researching local scholarship opportunities.
14. Look at the FAFSA now as well as other financial documents.
15. Develop a personal resume.
16. As you narrow your search, read literature and consider college application deadlines. Begin to think about the importance of the timeline for applying to colleges during your senior year.

Grade 12

(For a more detailed list see Ms. Miner in the Counseling office)

1. Review all college search criteria.
2. While it is tempting to take a less-intense course load during your senior year, avoid the temptation. Have a quality senior year.
3. Achieve high grades throughout the year, particularly your first two report cards. These grades are sent to colleges during the application process.
4. Take or retake exams if necessary (LSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT II).
5. Go on college visits during the fall and attend open house programs.
6. Discuss how important the financial aid issue is for you in applying to college.
7. Factor in levels of selectivity (Tier I, Tier II, Tier III) in finalizing your choices. If you have high scores/grades it is okay to aim high (Tier I schools) however, diversify and also apply to some where you know you have better than a 50/50 chance of being accepted.
8. Obtain application materials early in your senior year if you have not already collected application materials during junior year and summer vacation. Consider the use of the common application (online usually August 1 st or paper copy in Counseling office in early September) and SUNY Guidebook (available in Counseling office in early September).
9. Set a timeline for applications. Pay attention to the college’s deadlines, especially if the program is selective or if you are considering early decision or early action options. For all others, aim to have all applications in by Thanksgiving but no later than Christmas vacation. Remember an early application makes a better impression.
10. Obtain information from the Counseling office on preparing for the college interview.
11. Ensure effective communication with all parties involved in the decision making/application process (parents, school counselor, etc.).
12. When applying to colleges, ensure that your credentials are packaged completely and professionally. Work with Ms. Miner on this process and obtain the appropriate materials from the Counseling office.

 

Last Modified February 13, 2008