University Connections School of
Design, Arts, Engineering & hUMANITIES
Steps for becoming College Ready
9th Grade Goals:
*source College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC)
9th Grade Goals:
- Start planning early so that you are better prepared.
- Begin a college savings account.
- Keep track of courses and grades.
- Be mindful that colleges will look at grades from 9th-12th grades.
- Learn about college entrance requirements.
- Create a file for report cards, awards, honors, school and community activities, and volunteer work.
- Prepare to take the PLAN/PSAT tests.
- Get involved in clubs, sports, community service, and other extracurricular activities.
- Consider the reasons you like different colleges such as programs, location, cost, size.
- Tour colleges of interest.
- Consider taking more challenging courses such as honors, advanced level courses, and AP.
- Be mindful that colleges look closely at junior year grades.
- Challenge yourself academically.
- Take ACT/SAT http://actstudent.org; http://sat.collegeboard.org
- Attend college fairs
- Visit colleges
- Know admission requirements to colleges of interest.
- Find a summer job or internship in field of interest.
- Review courses, graduation requirements, and scholarship information with your school counselor.
- Update resume.
- Write college admissions essays early to be reviewed by teachers.
- Ask teachers and counselors for letters of recommendations.
- Make transcript request early and follow up.
- Complete college applications
- Be prepared for Early Decision Replies Dec. 1-Dec. 31.
- Complete the college financial aid application and FAFSA between Jan. 1-Feb. 15.
- Make sure your parents have completed their income tax returns.
- Be prepared to hear from colleges by Spring.
- Decide on a college and accept before college deadline.
- Prepare to take exams for AP and college-level courses.
- Determine when fees for tuition and room and board are due and how much they will cost.
- Learn about student health insurance in case of an emergency.
- Prepare for college placement exams.
- Consider your skills, values, and interests and how these connect to careers.
- Learn about internship opportunities through your college campus career center.
- Join clubs and organizations -- get involved.
- Keep your resume up-to-date by including awards, scholarships, relevant courses, and workshops. Your career center can help.
- Develop relationships with your professors.
- Meet with your advisor and be certain you are taking the right courses for your degree.
- Consider your academic schedule before making a part-time job commitment.
- Attend college career fairs.
- Use free electives to try out courses of interest.
- Think of the best way to spend your summer and strengthen your resume.
*source College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC)