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A Comprehensive Guide to College Planning: Steps from Freshman to Senior Year

College planning is a multi-year journey essential for high school students aiming for higher education. Start early by focusing on grades and challenging classes in your freshman year. In sophomore year, explore careers and scholarship opportunities. Junior year is critical for standardized tests (ACT/SAT) and college research. Senior year involves creating a resume, applying to colleges, and managing finances through FAFSA. With proper planning and resource utilization, you can streamline your journey to college success.

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A Comprehensive Guide to College Planning: Steps from Freshman to Senior Year

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  1. Planning for College

  2. Overview • Think of each year as being a building block • Don’t get stressed over process- already off to good start • Use resources available to you

  3. Sophomore Year • Keep your grades up! • Take challenging classes • Explore Careers • Start to explore postgraduate options by attending college fairs, college presentations and through informal college visits • Talk to your parents about your goals • Explore career opportunities in more depth through classes, Naviance and/or independent research • Get to know your high school faculty • Talk to your Guidance Counselor about Scholarships • Take leadership roles: at work, clubs, volunteering, at church in sports • Maintain running list of accomplishments throughout high school • Save Money!!

  4. Admission Index for Freshmen

  5. Freshmen Tuition Merit Awards Early Action: application received before January 15 Financing your education Regular Decision: application received after January 15 Transfer Tuition Merit Awards

  6. Higher Ed Admission Requirements 4 years of English 4 years of Math 3 years of Social Science (1 unit of US or World History) 3 years of Science (2 years must be lab-based) 1 year of a world language

  7. Junior Year (Fall) • Most Important Year Academically! Start taking AP/Honors classes- Be sure to sign up for Exams • Continue to be involved in worthwhile activities • October: PSAT (necessary for anyone wishing National Merit Recognition) • ACT prep • December: ACT • Attend Jr. Seminar if it is offered • Research colleges- keep information organized! Start looking into what is required in application packet/deadlines • Ask about scholarship opportunities • Attend College Fairs offered by High School/ Denver area- get on mailing lists

  8. Junior Year (Spring/Summer • April: State ACT • Make sure you register for appropriate college admission tests (ACT/SAT) • Take AP Exams if enrolled in classes • Plan a summer internship: PinHead-science, Colorado AHEC-health, Colorado Health, FASTWEB-list • Spring: Visit a few colleges- start building relationships with Admission Staff • Schedule individual conference with HS counselor to discuss your “plan” & begin college planning • Spring: Complete & Return NCAA Clearinghouse form for Div. I & II Sports. Understand recruiting process • Ask for letters of reference • Apply for early admission consideration at some colleges • June: ACT • Summer: Visit Colleges (to help narrow list)! Work, TRAVEL, volunteer, remain involved

  9. Senior Year: September • Consider/Apply for Concurrent Enrollment • Take ACT or SAT • Write College Essay • Gather Letters of Reference • Create a Resume • Apply to all colleges

  10. College Admission Resume • Highlights accomplishments during high school • Used for writing recommendations, college interviews, & scholarship evaluation • Looking at scholastic & other achievements, awards, activities, athletics, leadership, community service, special talents • In Reviewers’ eyes, “What are you going to bring to our Institution?”

  11. Senior Year: October • Gather any missing documents • ACT or SAT • Check to make sure your college applications have been received and are complete

  12. Senior Year: November • Ask about scholarship opportunities at colleges you applied to. • Ask your guidance office about scholarships • Work on scholarship applications • Look at cost for schools, create a budget with your parents

  13. Senior Year: December • Early decision accept letters • Complete any remaining interviews • Research summer plans

  14. Senior Year: January • Submit FAFSA (Jan 1-Feb 15): www.fafsa.ed.gov • Check other Financial Aid options • Attend Financial Aid workshop

  15. Senior Year: February • February 15: Finish FAFSA • Complete Scholarship Applications • Call colleges to make sure your Financial Aid info is complete

  16. Senior Year: March-April • Relax • Look for remaining Accept letters • Review Award Letters • Review your Scholarship offers • Talk to your mentors about schools you are considering • Look at your budget • Make an Enrollment Deposit

  17. Senior Year: May • If you have not decided on a school decide by May 1. • Pay your enrollment deposit • Contact Wait List Schools • Request that your Graduation Transcript be sent to your college • Contact your college to: • schedule classes • Apply for housing, • pay bills, • request payment plans

  18. Senior Year: Summer • Wrap up loose ends • Attend Orientation • Buy School supplies/books • Health Insurance and other adult things • Make a plan to stay in touch with your family and friends • Go over your budget, again • Move

  19. Advice • Students • Listen to your parents! • Keep your grades up • It is never to early to think about finances • Use counselors on both HS & College end- it is always better to ask! • DO NOT WAIT TILL LAST MINUTE • Stay organized • Parents • HS years go by fast- attend workshops/ info sessions provided by schools • Allow your kids to visit campuses • Be realistic with possibilities • Start collecting info on financial aid options early on • Sit back and let your kids talk! • It will all work out 

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