Countdown to College A HELPFUL YEAR-BY-YEAR GUIDE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
8TH GRADE Get to know yourself How do you describe yourself and your interests? Understanding yourself will help you choose a rewarding future career. • How do you learn? There are several types of learners: - Visual (you learn best by what you see) - Auditory (by what you hear) - Kinesthetic (through physical activity)
Summer fun What do you naturally enjoy doing? Talk with your parents to find a summer camp focused on your interests that also sharpens your brain – you’ll have fun and your grades will thank you in the fall!
Work with your guidance counselor to discover how you can reach your highest potential by using your personal learning style.
9TH GRADE Create an academic plan Meet with your guidance counselor to talk about which classes to take based on your college plans. Study hard Establish solid study habits now for future academic success. • Set aside one hour each night to study and do homework. • Get a planner to keep track of tests and projects. • Talk to your school about tutoring options if you need help in a subject.
Get involved Extracurricular activities are a fun way to help you stand out when you apply for college. A few strong options are: • Band • Student Government • Debate Team • Theatre
10TH GRADE Make a list Start a list of potential college choices. It’s a good idea to include at least 10 options at this point. Be sure to include your “dream school!” Challenge yourself Look for Honors, AP, IB or AICE classes to sharpen your academic skills and help you stand out when you apply for college. A few tips on these courses: • They often offer a weighted grade point average, so they can help you raise your GPA significantly. • Remember to challenge—not overwhelm—yourself. • Pay attention to subjects you enjoy. You may discover your future college major!
Practice tests Sign up to take the PSAT and PreACT tests. They will give you an idea of what to expect for the real thing and show you areas where you can improve. Talk to your guidance counselor about SAT and ACT study guides and prep classes, too.
11TH GRADE Bear Down! It’s ok if you’ve had some low grades in the past. You can turn it around this year. The good news is that colleges don’t look at just grades themselves, they look at how your grades have improved. Enroll in AP classes or take dual courses to get a jump start on college credits. Try outs Even if you don’t think you’re interested in local colleges, you can still use them as testing grounds for future college visits. Here’s how: • Take a tour – Most schools will give you a private tour of campus so you can see classrooms, dorms, dining halls, athletic facilities and more. • Ask questions – Make a list of everything you’re curious about before your visit. • Talk to alumni – Call the school’s alumni office and let them know you’d like to talk to a grad about their experience. They’ll make the connection for you! You might be surprised by how colleges close to home can give you a strong path to a bright future.
College Fairs Attend as many as you can! Testing You should plan to take college entrance exams by spring of your junior year. Here’s what you need to know: • It’s recommended you take both the SAT and ACT. • You can retake tests to increase your scores for admissions and scholarship opportunities. • Colleges do not generally take into account the number of times you take entrance exams and often superscore your results. • Superscoring = colleges take your highest score from each section across all instances that you took the test.
12TH GRADE Visit The summer between your junior and senior year is a great time to visit campuses. The list you made in 10th grade should be refined to 5-7 potential schools by now, and your dream school should still be on it. Now is the time to chase your big dreams! Apply Use these tips to maximize your application process: • Start the application process early. • Get to know your college admissions counselor. They can answer questions and point you in the right direction if you’re unsure what to do next. • Don’t hestitate to ask questions. Your admissions counselor will be happy to help! Complete the FAFSA FAFSA is your online application for federal financial aid. Applications open October 1, and it’s recommended you apply ASAP. Here’s why: • Schools need your FAFSA information to create your financial aid award. • You’ll have a better sense of the cost for each college, so you can map out your financial aid plan early and make adjustments if necessary.
Questions? We are here to help.
Keep going This is a no-senioritis zone! Show colleges that you have the fortitude to finish strong. Make your choice Formally accept your admissions offer! Here are steps to take once you’ve been accepted: • Pay your deposit. This holds your spot for your first semester. • Register for housing and pick a meal plan. • Review and accept your financial aid award. • Plan to attend GROWL, UPIKE’s orientation and registration event. You’ll be able to meet with your advisor to register for classes. Enjoy the rest of your senior year!
(606) 218-5251 | wewantyou@upike.edu | upike.edu/admissions