College Checklist: 11th Graders in High School

Are you an eleventh-grader? It’s crucial to actively prepare yourself for college.

Here’s your to-do list for your junior year of high school.

11th Grade Checklist To Do

All Year

• Explore careers and their earning potential online or the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search tool.
• Learn about choosing a college and create a list of your dream and target schools.
• Go to college fairs and college-preparation presentations by college representatives.

Fall

• Take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). You must take the test in 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Spring

• Register for and take exams for college admission. The standardized tests that many colleges require are the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT. Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.
• Find scholarships for which you might want to apply. Some deadlines fall as early as the summer between 11th and 12th grades, so prepare now to submit applications soon.

Summer Before 12th Grade

• Narrow down the list of colleges you are considering attending. If you can, visit the schools that interest you.
• Contact colleges to request information and applications for admission. Ask about financial aid, admission requirements, and deadlines.
• Decide whether you are going to apply under a particular college’s early decision or early action program. Be sure to learn about program deadlines and requirements.
• Start calculating the actual costs at the colleges to which you will apply. To supplement any aid be sure to research and apply for scholarships. Your goal is to minimize the number of student loans you’ll need.

To Explore:

• Read the Ultimate Guide to Financial Aid
• Read FAFSA for Beginners
• Learn how to avoid scholarship scams and identity theft as you look for financial aid and then attend college.

Remember: Register for all tests in advance and be sure to give yourself time to prepare appropriately! If you have difficulty paying a registration fee, see your school counselor about getting a fee waiver.

Parents

To Do:

• Take a look at your financial situation, and be sure you’re on the right track to pay for college.
• Talk to your child about the schools he or she is considering. Ask why those schools appeal to your child, and help clarify goals and priorities.
• Attend college fairs with your child, but don’t take over the conversation with the college representatives. Just listen, and let your child do the talking.
• Take your child to visit college campuses, preferably when classes are in session.
• Make sure your child is looking into or already has applied for scholarships.
• Ask your employer, bank, credit union about scholarships.
• Ask your church or other associations about grants and financial aid help.

To Explore:

• Get in-depth information on federal student aid programs.
• Read about Federal and Private Student Loans
• Learn how to complete the FAFSA

>> Read the College Checklist: 12th Graders in High School