College-prep checklists

Take classes that prepare you for education after high school, especially in math, English, science and social studies. Plan carefully with your high school counselor.
Visit your school career center or counseling office to explore information about careers and various colleges and universities.

Call the admissions office and ask for a brochure.
Explore college and university Web sites.
Request more information from the colleges and universities that interest you.
Schedule campus visits this year and in the fall of your senior year.
Take the ACT or SAT test if you might attend a four-year university. One of these standardized tests is required for admission to a fouryear state university. (No ACT or SAT tests are required for admission to a two-year state college, but after you are admitted, you will need to take a test for placement in the appropriate classes based on your reading, writing and mathematics skills.)
Consider taking some college courses beginning in 11th grade if you are eligible.

Make campus visits to colleges that interest you most.
Apply to college. For a four-year university, apply in the fall. For a two-year college, applications are accepted until the college semester begins, but applying early gives you a better chance of getting into the programs and courses you want. You can get an application:
- From your high school counseling office.
- on this Web site
- By mail by calling toll-free at 1-888-667-2848.
Apply for financial aid after Jan. 1 of your senior year even if you're not sure which college to attend. Get the free federal financial aid application from your high school counselor, college admissions offices or on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Look for scholarships. College admissions offices and high school counselors can help you.

Last updated: 10/07