High School Checklist
9th Grade (Freshmen)
Begin a Four-Year Plan
- Talk to your counselor about graduation requirements
- Become familiar with the UC/CSU a-g subject requirements
- Work on your grades! Aim for As and Bs in all of your classes
- Start thinking about your academic and career goals. Use the internet to do career searches to find your interests
- Take PSAT 8/9
10th Grade (Sophomores)
Review your four-year plan.
- Keep your grades up
- Make preliminary inquiries about college - for college searches. California Colleges provides great information on CA colleges and universities.
- Take the PSAT (pre-SAT) test in the fall. This is required for all 10th graders.
- Khan Academy Practice for SAT
11th Grade (Juniors)
- Take PSAT/NMSQT Merit Scholarship Program
- Take honors or AP courses.
- Take the SAT and/or the ACT in the Spring. Number2 and Test Pre-preview offer helpful study guides.
- Refine your list of possible college choices and their entrance requirement. Use Access Bridges and/or College Board Search. Visit individual college websites. Visit College Campuses!!!
- Develop a resume. Visit this page if you need help.
- Apply for scholarships. Register with Fastweb.
- Start talking to teachers, coaches, administrators, counselors, people in the community about letters of recommendation.
- Athletes: Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
Interested in the military? Not sure about what career to choose? Take the ASVAB.
12th Grade (Seniors)
Must have the SAT and/or the ACT by December for UC/CSU admission
- Turn in your Senior Resume to your counselor. Read the scholarship bulletin.
- CSU Application period: October 1st to November 30th.
- UC Application period: November 1st to November 30th. Talk to your counselor to review your application before you submit !
- Check each private school and out of state school’s websites for application deadlines and requirements. Many colleges and universities use the Common Application.
- Apply for Financial Aid.
- Attend the Financial Aid Workshop in October.
- Complete and file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 2. Make sure your counselor reviews your FAFSA application before you submit!