Potential Magazine College and Career Organizer 2020 | Page 8

career planning
college prep checklist

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Choosing the right college (and finding a way to pay for it!) requires putting on your thinking cap years
before graduation. This grade-by-grade checklist will help you start the search, stay on track, and finish out
senior year with flying colors.
8TH GRADE 11TH GRADE
 List five careers that interest you. You’re in the home stretch for important GPA-building grades!
 Job shadow professionals in those careers.
 Sharpen your study skills–this is the last year before the
GPA clock starts ticking.
 Take practice ACT/SAT tests.
 Take more test-prep courses.
 Plan your high school coursework.
 Read, read, and read some more to become a fast reader.
 Take the PSAT and qualify to be a National Merit Scholar.
 Take the ACT/SAT again.
 Start visiting colleges you’re interested in.
9TH GRADE
 Consider dual enrollment classes for senior year.
It’s on! Your next three years of grades will affect your college
admissions and eligibility for scholarships.
 Keep a planner, and write down all of your assignments.
 Learn to get organized and STAY organized!
 Start a resumé if you haven’t already.
 Find a cause you care about, and volunteer your time.
 Put that volunteering on your resumé.
 Increase your vocabulary by reading.
 Get your guidance counselor to review your resume and
college application essays.
 Research scholarships and make a “wishlist”.
 Apply to Potential’s “Don’t Wait to Reach Your Potential”
scholarship.
 Take (and ace!) AP exams.
 Give or accept a “prom-posal,” and enjoy prom!
12TH GRADE
 Get involved in clubs, sports, and music.
 Go to college fairs.
 Take the ACT/SAT at least one more time.
 Get your learner’s permit!
 Take college tours and get to know admissions
 Go to camp in the summer.
counselors.
 Apply to colleges–turn your apps in early!
10TH GRADE
 Job shadow and work in areas of your career interest.
 Take the PSAT in October—this is your trial run.
 Take leadership roles in clubs and other school activities.
 Identify colleges you’re interested in attending.
 Register for classes for 11th grade that boost your GPA.
 Take the ASVAB for career exploration.
 Take those harder classes that prepare you for college.
 Smile for your senior portraits.
 Ask teachers and coaches for recommendation letters.
 Complete your FAFSA application in early October.
 Pick a college! (and a roommate, and a dorm room, etc…)
 Go after those scholarships.
 Take Driver’s Ed.
 Walk across the stage and accept your diploma.
 Celebrate your Sweet 16!
 Get your driver’s license.
 Take AP classes, and study for the exams.
 Hug your parents at commencement and thank them!
 Start earning and saving money for college.
 Take an ACT/SAT prep course.
 Take the ACT or SAT.
8 | College Organizer 2020
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