It might surprise you to learn that it’s never too early to start preparing for college. If you’re thinking you can leave your college preparation until the summer before college starts, you might want to think again. You’ll find plenty of tips online and guidance from organizations like Ivywise. To help you out further, we’re also going to offer some comprehensive guidance right here.
Preparing for College in 9th Grade
If you want to get ready for college, consider the following while you’re in 9th grade.
- Excel in Core Courses: As well as concentrating on your state’s high school graduation requirements, it pays to pay attention to the class requirements of most US colleges and universities. Generally, you must take at least 4 years of English, 3 years of math, science, and social studies, and 2 years of a foreign language. If you’re planning to apply to competitive schools such as Ivy League institutions, you’ll need to up your studying to include 4 years of math, 3-4 years of science, and 3-4 years of a foreign language.
- Consider Taking Honors and AP Courses: Find out what honors and/or AP classes you might be eligible for. Your counselor will be able to offer advice and let you know whether there are any upper-level classes or more challenging versions of core courses you can sign up for.
- Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities: The 9th grade is the perfect time for exploring your academic and non-academic interests through clubs, volunteering, and other groups.
Getting Ready to College in 10th Grade
When you’re a sophomore, there are still a few years ahead before college, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to help you prepare for college.
- Keep Up Your Grades and a Solid Course Load: Consider taking some AP and honor classes. Together with your counselor, determine whether there are any upper-level classes you can take. If you’re struggling with your coursework, talk to your teacher and parents and seek extra help.
- Invest in Extracurriculars: Try to have at least one or two extracurriculars you regularly do and are committed to. More is fine, but what matters is quality, not quantity.
- Think About Possible Majors and Colleges: Start exploring ideas of what you might want to study in college and possibly do as a career. Get a feel for what kinds of colleges are out there, particularly in and around your area.
- Think About How You’re Going to Pay for College: Familiarize yourself with key financial terms and what paying for college actually entails.
- Make the Most of the Summer After 10th Grade: Start exploring in more depth your biggest interests and what kind of career/major you want. You could also start a part-time job and begin saving money for college.
Things to Do to Get Ready for College in 11th Grade
Now it’s time for your college preparation to get serious.
- Continue to Push Yourself and Get Good Grades: Keep up your GPA and do your best in all classes, paying particular attention to core classes and any honors or AP classes.
- Keep up Your Extracurriculars: Continue to develop and add to your spike by doing activities you love and are related to your academic and professional interests.
- Get to Know Your High School Teachers Better: Develop a strong rapport with your teachers. This will increase their respect and help them get to know you better. In the spring, ask your teachers if they’d be willing to write a letter of recommendation.
- Start to Research Colleges: Read official college websites, go to college fairs, visit college campuses, and talk with former or current students.
- Learn More About Financial Aid: You’ve probably already got a basic understanding, but now it’s time to dig deeper and make sure you know the ins and outs of things like subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans and how much your parents or you can afford.
- Search for Scholarships: It might seem early, but it’s not. Many colleges have deadlines between your junior and senior years.
- Take the PSAT, SAT/ACT: The PSAT will help you prepare for the SAT and try to win a National Merit Scholarship. As a junior, you should take the SAT/ACT once, preferably twice, to prepare for your college applications in your senior year.
- Finalize Your List of Colleges: Crack down and start putting together your finalized list of schools.
College Preparations in 12th Grade
You’re a senior and there’s lots to do in order to get ready for college.
- Get Your College Applications Ready to Send Off: Write your essays and gather all necessary materials, such as high school transcripts and recommendation letters.
- Complete and Submit Your FAFSA: The FAFSA is released on October 1 every year, so try to complete and submit yours as soon as possible after this date.
- Stay Focused in School: Continue to work hard to maintain your grades and do well in challenging AP courses.
- Stick With Your Extracurriculars: Try your best to keep up your extracurricular activities and hobbies, even though you’re extremely busy.
- Keep Applying for Scholarships: Don’t stop applying for scholarships even though it might feel like a pain.
- Compare Financial Aid Offers From Colleges: It might help to create a spreadsheet listing the total costs and aid offers you’ve gotten.
- Make Your College Decision: You must submit your decision and a nonrefundable deposit to your school choice by May 1.
As you can see, there’s plenty to do, even in the 9th grade. Read through this list if you want to confirm you’re on track.
