September – December

Stay on track:
  • Meet with your counselor to ensure that graduation requirements have been met.
  • Consider taking a fourth year of math and science courses. This will make you more competitive to colleges and universities.
  • Take AP, Honors or College Bridge classes.
  • Read at lot! Aim for 100 pages a day, including homework and leisure.
  • Write a lot!
  • Enroll in ACT/SAT prep classes.
  • Take ACT and/or SAT a second time if necessary.
  • Stay involved in extracurricular activities.
  • Be a leader in Service-Learning projects. To graduate you need to have completed 40 Service-Learning hours.
  • Ask for help if you are having a hard time with classes or if you are having problems in or out of school.
Follow your plan:
  • Continue to attend college fairs and OCFAC workshops.
  • Visit the colleges you are most interested in.
  • Choose which colleges you’ll apply to. Include safety, target, and reach schools on your list.
  • Complete at least five college applications. Make sure each application is complete. Print the applications and keep copies. * Write down the date you mailed or submitted the application.
  • Apply for at least five scholarships.
Get ready:

January – June

Stay on track:
  • Meet with your college counselor to ensure you are on track for graduation!
  • Follow up on college application status. Send in mid-year grades, if required or requested.
Follow your plan:
  • File for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by Jan 31st. Check your Student Aid Report (SAR) as soon as it comes and make corrections as necessary.
  • Watch for fat envelopes in the mail!
  • Visit colleges during spring break.
  • Review college acceptance letters and financial aid award letters with your parents and/or guardians, counselor
    • and college advisor.
  • Accept/decline the financial aid packages offered.
  • Inform schools of your acceptance or decline offers by May 1st.
  • Send in housing contracts, any deposits, etc. by their due dates.
Get ready:
  • Attend Time to Get SERIOUS.
  • Carefully review materials received from the college you plan to attend. Read any books on the summer reading list. Attend summer orientation if offered.
  • Save money for college.
  • Open a checking account.
  • Take a workshop on managing your finances.
  • Create a budget for first semester.