Planning for college starts long before your senior year of high school. The sooner you start planning, the better, even as early as 9th grade -- colleges will look at your academic record beginning then. While the thought of attending college may seem distant or difficult, there are steps you can take now, and people and resources to support you! 

Tips to help you prepare throughout high school:

  • Meet with your school counselor regularly.

    Keep your counselor informed of your college plans so she or he can offer suggestions and help you explore options.

     
  • Choose challenging courses.

    Include advance placement (AP), Running Start and honors courses. Just meeting the minimum requirements to graduate may not get you into the college of your choice.

     
  • Maintain good grades.

    Your GPA isn’t the most important part of your college application, but it counts.

     
  • Pay attention in English class.

    Solid writing skills will help you with your admissions essay and are important in many of your college classes.

     
  • Get involved in extra-curricular clubs and activities.

    Volunteer in your local community. In the admissions process, colleges will consider what you did outside the classroom.

     
  • Love the math.

    Take high school math at least through intermediate algebra as most colleges will require this for admission. Many degree programs will also require a course in statistics, and it wouldn’t hurt to get that out of the way in high school. If you plan to study any kind of science or engineering, you should take as much math and science as you can in high school.                                 
  • Consider what type of school fits you best.

    There are lots of colleges and universities out there (more than 2,300 in the U.S. alone), each one a little different. Think about what factors are most important to you, including size, location, setting, type of school, degrees offered and campus activities or sports.

     
  • Apply early and often.

    Most schools will accept applications at the start of your senior year and deadlines are often in December or January. Also, remember the saying about eggs and baskets — apply to more than one school or have a back-up plan in case you don’t get into your first-choice school.

     
  • Don’t forget financial aid.

    You should start researching scholarships and financial aid before your senior year and keep track of deadlines.  Be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid  (WASFA) by February 28 of your senior year even if you’re not sure you qualify for financial aid. Almost every school will require you to complete a FAFSA to be considered for any kind of aid.

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  • Enjoy your senior year, but don’t slack off.

    You’ll be required to submit a final high school transcript and, if your grades took a nosedive, a college can retract its offer of admission.