COLLEGE ADMISSION CHECKLIST FOR FRESHMEN
- Get to know your School Counselor.
- Take the Explore test in the fall.
- Register on SchooLinks with your counselor. Use SchooLinks to check college admissions requirements. Plan a college preparatory course schedule for all four years of high school.
- Plan ahead for courses that require prerequisites.
- Recognize that class rank and GPA are calculated beginning your freshman year. These are based on final grades in all courses attempted.
- Participate in extracurricular and community activities. Colleges are looking for students who have achieved in areas beyond academics.
- Take the PSAT exam (pre-SAT) in the spring.
- Enroll in 1st period courses.
- Enroll in Summer School or Summer Academy.
COLLEGE ADMISSION CHECKLIST FOR SOPHOMORES
- Take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) for practice.
- Take the hardest courses in areas where you excel. Investigate honors and Advanced Placement courses.
- Visit your school counselor.
- Investigate college course requirements.
- Plan an interesting summer, possibly participating in a challenging summer enrichment program or a community activity. Check out college-based experience programs here.
- Enroll in 1st period courses.
- Enroll in Summer School or Summer Academy.
COLLEGE ADMISSION CHECKLIST FOR JUNIORS
- Continue taking courses that will sharpen your skills for college and enhance admission prospects.
- Visit your Counselor and post-secondary Counselor.
- Attend College Night in October.
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. National Merit Semi-Finalists are selected from students who take this test junior year.
- Ask your parents to check on scholarship programs that may be offered through their employers.
- Meet with your counselor.
- Research colleges on SchooLinks.
- Sign up to talk with college representatives who visit H-F.
- Identify specific entrance requirements.
- Write or call colleges to request information.
- Enroll in test prep workshops &/or utilize Khan Academy.
- Take the SAT/ACT in April & June.
- Spring and summer are the times to visit college admissions offices. Call ahead for an appointment. Ask about financial aid & scholarships.
- Consider attending a summer program on a college campus.
- Enroll in 1st period courses.
- Enroll in Summer School or Summer Academy.
COLLEGE ADMISSION CHECKLIST FOR SENIORS
- Enroll in 1st period courses.
- Using SchooLinks, continue investigating various post secondary school options in the fall. Become familiar with college deadlines. Request applications, catalogs, and financial aid information.
- Retake the ACT/SAT Test if necessary.
- Take SAT Subject Tests if required.
- See your counselor and post-secondary counselor.
- Try to arrange college visits on teacher institute days or holidays.
- Complete the Federal Financial Aid Student Application (FAFSA) beginning October 1. Try to have completed as close to Oct. 1 as possible.
- Attend College Night in October. Talk with college representatives.
- Narrow your choices of colleges and try to categorize them: 1) a “reach” school; 2) a school for which you are reasonably confident about meeting admission standards; and 3) a school for which you may exceed the admissions standards.
- Pay close attention to application deadlines.
- Send test scores directly from testing agencies to colleges to which you are applying.
- Send mid-year grades if requested.
- If you are accepted at more than one school, make the final decision on the college you will attend, and send your acceptance by May 1.
- Notify the other schools that you will be going elsewhere.
- Request that your final transcript is sent to the college of your choice.