8th Grade
• Students may take a few high school classes this year. Physical science, computer, and Algebra I are typically the high school courses 8th graders may take.
• It is important to realize that high school courses taken in the 8th grade count on the high school GPA. In addition, high school credit is awarded per semester; each semester is independent. If students do not have a passing score at the end of the first semester, the entire semester is lost regardless of how well the student scores the second semester.
• At the end of the 8th grade, students work with the principal or counselor to select their freshman courses and develop a four-year plan for high school.
• Parents may want to begin to investigate colleges at the end of 8th grade.

9th & 10th Grades
• Each spring students meet with the principal or counselor to revisit the four-year plan to be sure that students are on track for college success.
• The PSAT, a practice for the SAT, is given at the school on a Saturday morning in October that has been determined by the College Board. Any high school student may take the test, but it is highly recommended that all Sophomore students plan to take the test. Scores with the test booklet are released to the student in January. Students should use this information to determine where extra work and skill improvement is needed.
• Students should get informed about college costs and financial aid options. Use the online College Savings Calculator.
• Students should read as much as possible throughout these years because it has been shown that being well read tends to raise SAT scores. Get ideas from the College Board’s website 101 Great Books. Summer reading is also important to help raise SAT scores.
• Students should start a file for information about school activities, honors, awards, leadership positions, community service projects, etc.
• Students should begin to gather information about colleges through visiting websites, attending college fairs, and visiting specific colleges.

11th Grade
Fall
• It is very important for students register with the school to take the PSAT this year even if they took it in the 10th grade because this is the year that the scores are used to determine National Merit Scholars. In addition, this year is the last practice test before taking the SAT. When the scores and booklets are returned, students should use this information to determine where extra work and skill improvement is needed.
• Learn about colleges at www.collegeboard.com and www.campustours.com. Browse catalogs and guides; visit college fairs. If there is a particular college that interests you, call the admissions office and ask to be put on their mailing list. Pay particular attention to the college entrance requirements. Discuss these requirements with parents and the high school principal to make sure your high school experience will meet all the college’s demands.
• Students should plan a testing schedule for taking the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and/or the ACT.
Winter
• Study for the SAT using the information from the PSAT.
• Students should register for the SAT in late winter or early spring. Information can be found on the College Board website.
• Consider taking the ACT. It is recommended that students take both the SAT and the ACT if they are planning to apply for a scholarship. Students may register for the ACT at www.act.org.
Spring
• Visit some colleges in the spring while classes are in session.
• Think ahead about possible AP or Dual Credit classes for your senior year.
Summer
• Visit college campuses and try to meet with admissions officers.
• Establish a permanent e-mail address to use when communicating with colleges.
• Update your “Activities and Awards” file and create a resume of your high school accomplishments including activities, awards, work experience, and community service.
• Mark your calendar with key dates and deadlines for senior year. Use the online College Application Calendar and the Financial Aid Calendar from the College Board website.
• Look for scholarships. Most scholarship applications are completed during the first half of a student’s senior year.

12th Grade
Fall
• Up date your calendar for the year with dates that include test dates, application deadlines, college visitation days, etc.
• Register online for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, or the ACT.
• Ask for recommendation letters from teachers, counselors, coaches.
• Finalize your list of colleges and visit as many as possible.
• Work on application essays.
• Assemble all the application materials you need. Use My College List from the College Board website to manage your final list of colleges and universities online.
• Continue to research scholarships and grants.
• Complete and send in college applications (keep copies). You can also use the College Board’s Apply to College to apply online.
Winter
• Complete the FAFSA forms. These forms must be completed if you plan to apply for financial aid or scholarships. Submit the forms as early as possible after January 1 at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
• Complete and send in all scholarship applications.
Spring
• Admissions decisions arrive—note all reply deadlines. Do not make a final decision before making a college visit.
• Send your enrollment form and deposit to the college or university you will attend. Notify the other colleges of your decision.

Additional Information and Resources
• Students who want to go to college should work hard at making good grades each year. A student’s GPA is very important when applying to college.
• The College Board offers a wide array of college planning publications, including The College Handbook and The Scholarship Handbook. College Scoop magazine is designed for middle-school students. You can visit the website or call 800.323.7155 .
• MyRoad provides comprehensive education and career-planning resources. This resource is available to every student who takes the PSAT, but he/she must sign up before the end of the school year.
• You will find many of the resources mentioned by grade level at collegeboard.com. This is where your students can search for colleges and scholarships, explore career opportunities, register for the SAT, practice on SAT and AP exam questions, apply to college, and learn what they need to know and do to put the “on the road to college.”
• Study tips and practice questions for the ACT exam can be found at http://www.actexampracticetests.com.

Resources:
An Instruction Booklet for College Bound Students: Woodburn Press
www.collegeboard.com