FRESHMAN TO DO LIST:
Standardized testing
Where are you in the college search process? I have no idea what I want to do…
- Get to know your guidance counselor. We are here to answer any questions you might have about high school and to help you reach your goals. Stop by to say hello.
- Check the guidance website and your class page periodically.
- Time management is crucial in high school. You’ll have more homework and more activities to balance- get organized!
- Use your assignment notebook EVERY DAY. Stay on top of your homework and see your teachers for extra help. They are happy to schedule time to meet with you during your free mods and/or after school.
- Use your free mods wisely- go to the library to get a head start on your homework, sign up for a peer tutor (see your guidance counselor), or meet with your teachers for extra help.
- Get to know your teachers! They want you to be successful in high school.
- Set short and long term goals. Discuss your goals with your parents and/or your guidance counselor.
- Get your summer reading completed- work on your note taking skills while you read. Summer Reading List
- Attend the activities fair in September to learn about the clubs and activities offered at your local high school. Get involved! Play a sport, join a club, and do the things you love best! Be an active participant in the community
- Get to know your guidance counselor. Stop by to say hello.
- Check the guidance website and your class page periodically.
- Keep improving on your academics. Stay on top of your homework and see your teachers for extra help.
- Get to know your teachers!
- Set short and long term goals. Discuss your goals with your parents and/or your guidance counselor.
- Get your summer reading completed - work on your note taking skills while you read. Summer Reading List
- The PSAT will be offered in October.
Standardized testing
- Do you plan on taking the SAT, ACT or both?
- Which test dates will you register for?
- SAT : March/May/June
- ACT : April/June
- Do you plan on taking 2-3 SAT Subject Tests?
- Which SAT Subject Tests have you taken or will you take? Which test dates (May/June)?
- Which teachers will you approach in the spring to write a letter of recommendation?
- When will you meet with your guidance counselor to discuss college planning this winter/spring? Be sure to invite your parents!
- Have you completed and submitted your student questionnaire?
- Talk to your counselor about your senior year course selection. Challenge yourself, but don’t overload! Applying to college is like taking a seventh class.
- Check out the guidance website.
- Size: Small (1,000-3,000) Medium (3,000-8,000) Large (8,000-20,0000) XL (20,000 +)
- Geographic region(s): Where do you want to be?
- Academic Programs: What major(s) are you considering?
- Campus Life: What are you looking for outside of academics?
- Cost: What is your price range?
- Diversity: What kind of student body are you looking to live and learn with?
- Create a resume of your activities and achievements.
- Brainstorm potential essay topics. Write a draft of your essay(s) over the summer.
- Complete the common application online over the summer.
- Be productive over the summer: volunteer, get a job, take a class.
Where are you in the college search process? I have no idea what I want to do…
- Research - Continue to research and refine your list of potential colleges. You should know between 6 & 8 colleges you would like to apply to when return on the fall.
- Visit - Get out and visit schools that catch your interest. Take a trip, a tour, and the time to see if a college is a good fit for you.
- Draft - Write a draft of your personal essay/statement. The common application web site is a great place to start.
- Create- Create a resume of your activities and achievements. Boost your resume by getting involved over the summer; volunteer, take a class, and follow your passions.
- Register - Register for fall SAT, and ACT to increase your scores by taking the time to study this summer.
- Advantage: Applications can be done on the computer and therefore revisions can be made easily, multiple copies may be printed, work can be saved quickly, and the application looks professionally done.
Common Application is an application that is accepted by many private colleges. Those colleges that accept the Common Application are listed at the top of the application’s first page. There is a paper copy and a computer version of the Common Application. You can also download the common application or apply online by visiting http://www.commonapp.org/
Advantage: Students can complete one application but can use it for multiple colleges. Therefore, filling out the Common Application should save students time, energy, and effort. Remember: if using the paper copy version, always be certain to keep the original and send photocopies to the colleges.
College's own Application
Each college should have their own application. Generally, these are available on the Apply Disc; on the Internet; or can be sent to your home directly.
Advantage: Some schools, in particular state schools, accept only their own application.
Early Decision Or Early Action ApplicantsIf you are considering applying Early Decision or Early Action to a college and have not spoken to your counselor, you MUST see him/her as soon as possible.
Student Profile Forms/Resume Please complete the Student Profile/or Resume as part of the college application process. Be as detailed as possible. This form is extremely important in helping your counselor write your letter of recommendation.
Grade Point Averages - Seniors who wish to know their grade point averages should see the guidance secretary to complete a GPA request form. All students are given both a weighted (gives extra credit for honors/AP courses) and an unweighted (all courses given same credit regardless of level) grade point average.