PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

A Student Timeline

11th Grade

This is a key year in the college planning process because you’ll be taking standardized tests, nar- rowing down your college list, and learning more about financial aid. In addition, you’ll need to stay involved in your high school courses and activities.

Fall

Stay on track with your classes and grades. Meet with your counselor to see what you still need to take. Check on your class rank and your GPA. Even if your grades haven’t been that good so far, it’s never too late to improve. Colleges like to see an upward trend. Take the PSAT. Taking the test qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship program, which means you could earn money for college. In addition, it’s a good way to practice for the SAT.

Evaluate your education options.

Now is the time to follow a more specific path. Decide whether you want to pursue full- time employment, further education or training (such as a vocational-technical school, career college, or two-year or four-year college), or a military career. If you’re interested in attending a military academy, talk to your guidance counselor about starting the application process now.

Make a college list. Include colleges that meet your most important criteria (for example, size, location, cost, academic majors, or special programs). Weigh each of the factors according to their importance to you and develop a prelim- inary ranking of the schools on your list. Continue gathering college information. Go to college fairs, attend college nights, and speak with college representatives who visit your high school. You may be able to narrow your choices or add a school to your list. Organize a testing plan.Figure out when you’ll be taking important tests like the SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP exams, and mark the dates on your calendar. You’ll want to have plenty of time to prepare.

Make sure you’re meeting any special requirements. If you want to play Division I or II sports in college, start the certification process and check with your counselor to make sure you’re tak- ing a core curriculum that meets NCAA requirements. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12