It is important that you plan ahead when applying to college. Though the dates that may be right for you for each step of the process might vary, what follows is a general calendar that will take you through your high school years in terms of what you need to do to make sure you end up at the best possible college.
- Begin your high school career by enrolling in a challenging program of coursework. If you plan to study liberal arts, take a wide variety of courses, including at least 3-4 years of English, 2-3 of foreign language, 2-3 of science, 3 of math, 3 of history, and 1 of art or music. For students interested in pure science, computers, engineering, or health sciences, make sure to take 3-4 science classes and math at least through precalculus. If you plan to study in a technical or career-related field, take some classes in these areas.
- Participate in lots of extracurricular activities. Try to take on leadership roles if you can. Colleges particularly like students who are involved in the performing arts, student government, student publications, community service, and athletics.
- Spend your summers doing something special. Take a challenging and career-related job instead of just cashiering at the grocery store: try day camp if you plan to teach, or work at a kennel if you plan to become a vet. Volunteer as a candy striper or spend your Sundays at the soup kitchen instead of watching TV. If you can, take a class at a local community college, study art at a local art center, or take a trip to an exotic locale.
- Cultivate relationships with those people who will later write you recommendations: teachers, guidance counselors, employers, community service project leaders, coaches, etc.
- Take the PSATs for the first time so you have experience taking standardized tests. Also, take SATIIs in any subject you are doing well in.
Second Semester of Sophomore Year, First Semester of Junior Year
- Continue doing the things mentioned above. Try to take AP and college-level courses if you are eligible and they are available in your area.
- Take the PSATs. They are good practice and they also qualify you for scholarships.
- Start looking for and applying for as many scholarships as you can.
- Make choices about the kind of college that you want to attend: i.e. public or private, large or small, co-ed or single sex, urban or rural, liberal arts or specialized, etc. Visit one or two colleges so you get the feel for how these visits work. Start requesting college literature, and read it thoroughly!
