Preparing for College

Planning for college should start early. Saving for college can start at birth, but thereafter you and your parents should always keep an eye on certain key events, such as planning your high school course schedule, so that you are college ready. We’ve outlined some of the steps you’ll need to keep in mind to prepare you for college.

See our "Reach Higher" college preparation guide for high school students.

Before High School

Start saving for college if you haven't already.
Talk to key people, such as teachers, parents, friends or a mentor about what interests you and explore those interests.
No matter what you think you want to be when you finish school, work hard now so you’ll be prepared for the challenges that high school will present as you continue to prepare for college. If you are having difficulty, don't give up - get help from a teacher, tutor or mentor.
Become involved in school - or community-based extracurricular activities that enable you to explore your interests, meet new people and learn new things.

During High School

Continue to save for college.
Take challenging classes in core academic subjects: most colleges require four years of English, at least three years of history, three years of mathematics, and three years of science, and many require two years of a foreign language. Round out your course load with classes in computer science and the arts.
Stay involved in school or community-based extracurricular activities that interest you or enable you to explore career interests. Consider working or volunteering. Remember - it's quality, not quantity that counts.
Save copies of your report cards, awards, honors and best work for your academic portfolio.
Athletes, artists, scholars and others should start collecting items for their portfolios (such as game tapes, newspaper clippings, stats, awards, artwork, photographs, school papers, etc.).
During 10th grade, take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Register early. See if you qualify for reduced or waived fees by talking to your guidance counselor. For more information on the PSAT/NMSQT, click here.
In the 11th and 12th grades begin taking the SAT/ACT exams. For more information on these exams, click here.
Meet with your counselor regularly to help select the colleges that will best suit your needs.
Visit colleges that interest you whenever possible.
Complete your college applications carefully and early. Pay close attention to deadlines and make sure to ask your counselors and teachers for any necessary documents (transcripts or letters of recommendation) early in the process to give them enough time to respond.

For more information on Applying to College, Click here.