By: Yara Oliveira
For me, as a freshman, I didn’t even know I had the possibility of going to college. While this process may feel so far away for you, the earlier you prepare, the more time you have to adjust your plan. If you’re a sophomore or junior, don’t worry you can still you this checklist! As a first generation college student, I was lost when it came to figuring out what I should aim to accomplish each year. I wish a had a plan like this to guide me while deciding which activities to join or which classes to take. While none of these items are necessary, take this four year plan as a starting off point and customize it to fit your style. Everyone’s process will be different, and you’re not expected to be an expert so: ask questions!
Freshman year
- Join different clubs explore what you might like and get leadership experience
- Join the band, play sports, or start volunteering/a job to get a sense of long term commitments
- Try your best to get good grades and take challenging courses
Summer
- Do something meaningful (ex: volunteering/community service)
- Do something productive (ex: take an interesting class online)
- Do something lucrative (ex: get a job)
Sophomore year
- Run for leadership positions in clubs you really love; if you do not find a club you like – start it!
- Get involved in school (ex: a student government position)
- Get the best grades you can, take challenging courses
- Take a practice test for the PSAT
Summer
- Do something meaningful (ex: volunteering/community service)
- Do something productive (ex: apply for a summer program in a subject you’re interested in)
- Do something lucrative (ex: get a job)
Junior year
- Take challenging courses and get the best grades you can
- Run for leadership positions in clubs you enjoy (be consistent with your commitment)
- Wintertime: take ACT and SAT for the first time to see which you like best
- Springtime: take the test you did better on again (ACT or SAT)
- Pick 20 colleges you like and write them down and research them a little (attend college fairs/events)
- Find two close teachers you want to ask for letters of recommendations
- Start applying for scholarships (essays and local ones are best because less people apply to them)
Summer
- Plan college visits or do online tours
- Start narrowing down college list
- Take ACT or SAT again if needed
- Take SAT subject tests in 2 subjects
- Look at Common app and write rough drafts for essays
- Start applying for scholarships
Senior year
- Take challenging courses and get the best grades you can
- Run for leadership positions in clubs you enjoy (be consistent with your commitment)
- Request letters of recommendations, transcripts, and test scores
- Apply for scholarships
- Finish college essays and supplements
- October 1st: Complete financial aid forms
