Preparation Checklist9th Grade√ Think about career opportunities. Which subjects interest or motivate you to succeed? √ Meet with a counselor or advisor to create a four-year plan that will guide you in taking the right courses in your field of interest and also fulfill the requirements of the college you want to pursue. √ Earn good grades. Your grades will play a big part in which college you can get into and the scholarships you can earn. √ Get involved in community work or other kinds of volunteering in your field of interest. Not only is it good for others, it’s good for you – and, it will look great on your college application. √ Save money now to pay for school later. √ Apply for a social security number, if you do not already have one.
10th grade√ Think about finding the right college for you. Look at schools offering programs in your field of study or satisfy your person needs. √ Prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) by taking the PSAT. While community colleges do not require the SAT, it’s still a good idea to take the test to keep your options open. √ Keep your grades up. Strive to get into Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes to earn college credit. √ Begin researching financial aid options. Find out what you need to be able to apply for scholarships.
11th grade√ Research colleges in more depth. Call, write or email each school for more information (i.e. admission requirements, degrees offered, cost of attendance and campus life.) Attend a college fair. √ Make a list of important deadlines for college admission and financial aid applications. √ Take college admissions tests such as the ACT and the SAT. √ Visit several of your top college choices to get a feel for which school is right for you. If you can’t visit in person, find out if the college has a virtual tour online.
12th grade√ Keep track of all your deadlines for applications, tests, and financial aid. √ Ask teachers, employers, clergy or other significant adults for letters of recommendation you may need. √ Narrow your college choices to the three or four you like best and keep track of your findings. √ If you are not satisfied with your SAT and ACT scores, retake them. If you attending a community college, you’ll have to take the COMPASS Placement Tests in Reading, Writing and Math. √ Apply for admission to your top three or four college choices. √ With your family’s help, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and file it as soon as you can after January 1st. Consider all options for paying for school. √ Keep photocopies of everything you send out. √ Respond promptly to any requests for any additional information from colleges or financial aid offices. √ Evaluate financial aid offers carefully. √ Decide which college you’ll attend and send in any forms or deposits by the deadline. Some colleges will require you to get health clearances. √ Sign and return your college’s financial aid offer, noting the parts you accept and those you decline. √ If other schools have accepted you, notify them you won’t be attending. √ Send your final grade transcript to your college.
Printable Checklists:
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Think Success. Think College.
Welcome to the GEAR UP Springfield website! GEAR UP's mission is to encourage more students to set high expectations, stay in school, study hard, and take classes that will help them choose and be prepared to go to college.
You can learn how to prepare for college here. You can also check out how to apply to and pay for college. We also encourage you to learn about some of our GEAR UP services and activities.
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