College Planning Tips
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1) Take the right classes. Always look over your schedule, since there are basic courses you will need to take if you are planning to go to college.
Courses you should take if you plan to go to college:
- English – 4 years College Prep. English
- Math – 3 years or more Algebra I & II, Geometry, Advanced Math
- Lab Science – 2 years or more Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.
- Social Science – 2 years or more U.S. History, World History, Government, Economics, etc.
- Foreign Language – 2 years or more Spanish, French, Portuguese, etc.
- Computer – 1 year Intro. to Computers, Word Processing, etc.
- Electives – 3 years Arts, Typing, Music, etc.
2) Do your best in school – every grade counts.
3) Work at developing good study habits.
4) READ! Anything and everything.
5) Become involved in school and community activities such as volunteering, sports, clubs, student government, etc. Remember, colleges notice what you do both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. However, don’t over-extend yourself!!
6) Let your parents, friends, teachers and counselors know that you are planning to go to college after graduating from high school.
7) Put together a “Freshman Portfolio” containing the following:
- A copy of your final report card
- Any awards you earn
- Papers or projects you’ve done well on
- Any other important information
You should have this folder with you when you meet with your guidance counselor and when you select courses. Use it to keep track of any part-time jobs or community service you perform
8) Meet with your Crusade Advisor on a regular basis to discuss your plans for the next four years.
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1) Visit as many colleges as you can. Your Crusade Advisor will let you know when The College Crusade has college tours coming up; however, you should make plans to do this with your parent/guardian for specific colleges that interest you.
2) Begin to look at college catalogs and view books.
3) Learn about college entrance exams, such as the PSAT and the SAT. Talk with your guidance counselors, teachers and Crusade Advisor to find out ways you can prepare for these exams.
4) Keep track of all the activities you participate in, both in and out of school.
5) STUDY HARD!!!
6) Meet with your guidance counselor to review your report card and make sure it is accurate.
7) Meet with your Crusade Advisor at least once a month.
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| September |
Check with your guidance counselor to see which colleges will be visiting your high school. If possible, schedule appointments with college representatives. |
| October |
Plan to attend the Regional College Fair. |
| November |
Begin reviewing college information and list the schools you may want to consider further. |
| December |
Consider signing up for the February ACT test. |
| January |
Continue to narrow your list of schools. Write or email them to request additional information. |
| February |
Sign up for the March SAT I. |
| March |
Plan to visit colleges during your spring break. |
| April |
Register for the May/June SAT I and SAT II. |
| May |
Consider taking the Advanced Placement Exams. |
| June |
Consider enrolling in an academic course at a local college. |
| July |
Consider volunteer work as another way to build your resume. |
| August |
Begin to assemble writing samples, portfolios and audition tapes (if needed). |
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| September |
Ask teachers, employers and/or coaches to write you letters of recommendation. Write your application essays. |
| October |
Get all your application materials to your guidance office well before the application deadlines. |
| November |
Make sure your transcripts and test scores are sent to the colleges you are applying to. |
| December |
File the last of your college applications. Complete, sign and return your “12th Grade Exit Information and Crusader Pledge Affirmation” form. |
| January |
Send your first semester grades to the colleges you are applying to. Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1 and before February 14. |
| February |
Monitor your college application status to be sure all your information has been received. |
| March |
If you have not decided on a favorite school, try to arrange second visits so you can make your decision. |
| April |
Decide on the school that you will attend and send your tuition deposit. If you were notified that you are eligible for the Crusade Scholarship but it doesn’t appear on your college’s award notice, contact the Office of Financial Aid and ask how the Crusade Scholarship will affect your aid package. |
| May |
If you are planning to live on campus, complete the housing application and send it out along with any necessary deposits. |
| June |
Apply for a summer job. Plan to save a portion of your earnings for college. |
| July |
Carefully read any information you receive from your school regarding housing, orientation, etc. |
| August |
Pack for college and look forward to a great experience! |
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