Four Year College Prep Checklist—Gearing Up for College! (All Grades)

The looming stress of college prep on students can be daunting. After all, high school is a time of self-discovery, academic growth, and preparing for the future. But how can you ensure a student is thinking ahead to college during their high school years without stressing them out too much?

1. Be open with them about the stress you felt preparing for a pivotal life step.
2. Sit down and talk about what they can do now to prepare.
3. Discuss their future career and financial aspirations.
4. And most importantly, let them experience life as individuals.

To help, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist tailored to each year of your students' high school experience. Use it in discussions to help them feel prepared and excited for whatever steps come next with a ready-for-college mindset.

From freshman orientation to senior year college decision-making, this guide will help teens navigate the maze of college or alternative higher education planning with confidence and clarity. Print it off and check off tasks together as they conquer new achievements.

Freshman Year 

August or Early Fall

• Focus on building a strong academic foundation: set goals for grade achievements and academic standing.
• Participate in a variety of extracurricular activities. Consider joining clubs, sports teams, or community organizations that most align with existing interests and hobbies.
• Build relationships with teachers, high school counselors, and mentors who can provide guidance and support.

Summer after Freshman Year 

• Play through the Choosing a Career Field Quiz then gear future class schedules and academic plans towards requirements for that career.
• Speak with a school advisor or counselor so they can help plan current and future course schedules with college admission requirements in mind.
• If needed, consider advanced or honors classes in the upcoming years.

Helpful Links:

Access a more in-depth Freshman Year Checklist here.

Sophomore Year

August or Early Fall

• Narrow down which extracurricular activities are most enjoyable and consider taking on leadership roles within them.
• Continue exploring interests outside of academics including community volunteer work for a field you’re interested in such as a local newspaper, humane society, vet clinic, etc. Note: This isn’t necessary but could be helpful to see whether that field really is interesting and enjoyable.
• Research Advanced Placement (AP) or college courses you could take. Unsure? Ask your high school counselor, they should know what options are available.

January

• Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) and practice for standardized testing.

Junior Year

August or Early Fall

• Review your courses and extracurricular activities. Be mindful of the fact that colleges look for challenging coursework, healthy grades, and extracurricular activities.

September

• Take time to look through college catalogs and guidebooks; check out each college’s website to see a layout of the campus and get a feel for student life.
• Considering an alternative route to education that doesn’t necessarily require a traditional degree? Play through the College Alternatives Course for a deeper dive into those options. (Optional)
• List 10 colleges you would like to attend.
• Talk to your parents and guidance counselor about your college list and narrow it to your top 4-8 schools you’d like to attend.
• Sign up and study for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)
• Attend college fairs in your area.

October

• Take the PSAT.
• Attend your high school’s college night fair.
• Keep researching organizations that award college scholarships to graduating seniors.  Note the scholarships that interest you, their criteria (such as essay subject matter), and their deadlines for applications. You may already have a masterpiece essay written that could fit nicely with more than one scholarship application.
• Play through the Scholarships activity found in Paying for College/College and Careers.

November

• Learn about eligibility requirements for federal private and student loans.
• Play through the Cost of College game to get a feel for how much college might cost you.
• Openly discuss with your parents/guardians what cost is attainable for higher education and whether savings or alternative payment plans need to be addressed.
• Play through the Paying for College game to figure out ways you can realistically pay for higher education.
• Draft a savings and payment plan for future college costs.

January

• Practice for your next round of tests (the SAT and/or ACT).
• Attend financial aid night at your school or in your region.

February

• Research private scholarships and other aid programs. Check with your parents’ employers, local membership organizations for scholarship programs related to your intended course of study.
• Make Spring Break plans to visit some of your top choice campuses.
• Register for the SAT and/or ACT. Take an exam prep course to help increase your score.

March

• Attend any regional college nights offered in your area.
• Visit your top 3 to 6 colleges. If possible, schedule an admissions interview and stay overnight to get a feel for the campus and town. Stop by the financial aid office to collect additional information.
• Begin composing and editing your scholarship essays and prepare to apply; mark application deadlines on your calendar.
• Take the SAT and/or ACT now or later in the spring; be sure to mark each test date on your calendar.

May

• Take the SAT and/or ACT.
• Mark your calendar for future test dates if you plan to retake the SAT and/or ACT in the fall.

June

• Keep researching organizations that award scholarships while adding more potential scholarships to apply for to your list. Keep in mind you may need to apply for them the summer after Junior year.

Helpful Links:

Access a more in-depth Junior Year Checklist here.

Access a College Application Checklist here.

Senior Year 

August or Early Fall

• Finalize your college list: Narrow your list of colleges based on research and preferences. Consider factors such as location, size, majors offered, and campus culture.
• Application Prep:
  • Begin working on college applications, essays, and personal statements.
    • Personal Statement/Essays:
      • Start drafting personal statements and essays early.
      • Revise, edit, and seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers.
      • Tailor essays to each college's prompts or requirements.
• Request letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors.
  • Follow up with recommenders to confirm their willingness to write a letter.
  • Provide them with any necessary materials such as resumes, transcripts, and specific instructions from colleges regarding the recommendation process.

September 

• If necessary, gently remind recommenders of upcoming deadlines and provide any additional information they may need.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships:
  • Research and finalize your plan for financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other required financial aid forms.
  • Submit scholarship applications before their deadlines.
• Application Submission:
  • Submit college applications well before their deadlines. Most colleges ask for applications to be submitted between January and February of your senior year, however some early-decision applicants need to apply as early as November.
  • Double-check application materials for accuracy and completeness. Here’s a list of important application docs you’ll need when applying. If needed, here’s a link to Banzai’s college application checklist.
• Ensure that your recommenders submit their letters of recommendation directly to the colleges by the specified deadlines.
  • Follow up with colleges to confirm receipt of recommendation letters if possible.
• Interviews (if required):
  • Prepare for college interviews by researching the college and practicing common interview questions.
• Portfolio (if applicable):
  • Prepare any required portfolios for art, design, or performance programs.

January-March

• Make a Decision:
  • Evaluate acceptance letters, financial aid offers, and other factors.
  • Make an informed decision about which college to attend.
  • Submit deposits by the specified deadline to secure your spot.
• Deadlines:
  • Keep track of application deadlines for each college.
  • Submit applications well before deadlines to avoid any last-minute issues.
• Follow-Up:
  • Confirm that all application materials were received by the colleges.
  • Follow up with colleges if any materials are missing or if you have questions.
• Final Transcripts:
  • Make sure your high school sends final transcripts to the college you've committed to attending.
• Transition Planning:
  • Prepare for the transition to college by attending orientation sessions and completing any required tasks (e.g., housing applications, course registration).
• Orientation and Preparing for College:
  • Attend any orientation sessions offered by your college.
  • Prepare for college life by arranging housing, purchasing necessary items, and familiarizing yourself with campus resources.

Helpful Links:

Access a more in-depth Senior Year Checklist here.

Access a College Application Checklist here.