Preparing For College: A High School Timeline

 
 

Fall/Winter

Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your interests and plans for the future.

Find out what classes you need to graduate. Take some challenging or advanced placement courses.

Get involved in extracurriculars. Try at least one new sport or activity (or both) each semester.

Start a conversation with your parents about college. Get their input on your plan and finances.

 
 

Spring/Summer

Talk to people who have gone to college and get their perspective on higher education.

Get a job and start a college fund.

Volunteer or get an internship that interests you. All of this will go toward bulking up your college application.

 
 
“Students should participate in activities they are passionate about, not solely focus on what might look good on an application. Don’t wait until your senior year to start building your resume. You have the opportunity to showcase 4 years of clubs, sports, community service and work experience. Take advantage of that!”
--- Lauren Covington – Bozeman High School College and Career Center Coordinator
 
 

Fall/Winter

Talk to your guidance counselor about the SAT and ACT. Determine which test to take and start a study plan.

Make sure you are on track to graduate.

Try new extracurricular activities.

Study hard and make good grades.

Shadow a professional who is in a field you are interested in.

Take every opportunity to volunteer/get involved with the community.

 
 

Spring/Summer

Study for the ACT or SAT

Work and save money.

Take the time to do in-depth research about several colleges.

 
 

Fall/Winter

Take challenging classes and keep your grades up. Seek out extra help and support from students and teachers.

Make a list of all the colleges you are interested in. Find out exactly what you will need to accomplish as far as test scores, grades, letters of recommendation, and financial requirements.

Visit as many schools on your list as possible. Attend college and career fairs.

Hold leadership positions in any extracurricular activity you are involved in.

Register to take the ACT or SAT.

Have a serious discussion about financial support with your parents or guardians. This could narrow down your college list even further.

 
 

Spring/Summer

Take the ACT or SAT. Get your scores, evaluate where you can improve, whether or not you are satisfied with your score, and plan on taking the test again.

Apply for a summer job or internship.

Continue to visit colleges, attend college fairs, and do research

Begin searching and applying for every scholarship possible.

 
 
“Check, double check and have someone else proof your essay before submitting it.”
--- Sally White – Bozeman High School Workforce Readiness Coordinator
 
 

Fall/Winter

Senioritis is real and it will getcha! Keep your grades on track, find out your class ranking, and know that it is never too late to improve.

Continue to apply for every scholarship possible.

Acquire letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches and employers.

Take the SAT or ACT again.

Apply for college. Make sure you provide all of the required information.

 
 

Spring/Summer

By mid-March to April, you will begin receiving decision letters from schools. Weigh options, look at all financial packages, and continue to discuss your future with your family and peers.

File a FAFSA if you have not already done so, including all colleges you were accepted to.

Complete any enrollment paperwork.

Mark your calendar for important dates, like orientation, and begin pulling together all of the supplies you will need for college.