​University Connections School of
​                                                   Design, Arts, Engineering & hUMANITIES

Steps for becoming College Ready
​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.
10th Grade Goals:
  • 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.
11th Grade Goals:
  • 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.
12th Grade Goals:
  • 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.
College Freshmen Goals:
  • 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)