College Planning Checklist for Freshmen

• Talk to your counselor, parent(s),other family members, and teachers to make sure you are signed up for college preparatory courses.
• Do your best in school.  Grades count in 9th grade, but don't rush to drop a college preparatory course if you are having trouble.  If a course is difficult, get help from a teacher or ask for a tutor.  Remember, colleges look at the level of courses as well as at your grades.
• Explore careers:  What kind of higher education is required?  Will you need two years of college, four years of college, or college plus a graduate degree? You can do this research on Family Connections.
• Talk to people who have attended college.  Ask members of your family, people in your neighborhood, and people at community gatherings o share their experiences with you.
• Create a college file and put in items such as the following:
  • Copies of your report cards
  • A list of awards and honors you receive
  • A list of community organizations and clubs you join, including dates of participation and any offices you held
  • A list of paid and volunteer jobs you have had
  • Letters of recommendation from adults who know you well (not family members).
• If you need to work, try to find a part-time job related to your career interests.  Start saving money for college.  Even if you're only able to put a little aside, colleges want to see that you are willing to save for your education.  Be careful, however, that your job doesn't take away from the time that you need to do will in school.
• Participate in after-school programs and college ready programs at your school
• Begin to explore and become involved in extracurricular activities.