Get ready for college - 12th Grade

Grades and Classes Are Just Part of the Equation
Steps you can take outside the classroom at each grade level to get ready for college.

Students:

There are many things to accomplish this year, but each step gets you closer to your goal of going to college.

• Review class schedules with your school counselor to ensure you are meeting college prep and graduation requirements.
• If offered, consider taking advanced math such as trigonometry or analytic geometry/calculus, English, an additional year of a foreign language, and other courses required for college admission.
• Spend a day with a parent at work or look into other job-shadowing opportunities.
• Think about your college application essay. Write a practice essay and ask your school counselor or teacher to make suggestions for improvement. For free proofreading, email them to NHHEAF at collegeplanning@gsmr.org.
• Visit the colleges/universities you are interested in attending.
• Early September: Register for the SAT, SAT II, or ACT. See your school counselor for details or register online at www.collegeboard.com.
• Request written teacher recommendations to use as part of your college applications.
• November: Consider early admission. Review the college/university application process and be sure to check application deadlines.
• December: Attend a financial aid night, if your high school has one, to gather more information about college costs and financial aid.
• January: Work with your family to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Check out www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information and an online application.
• February: Ask your school counselor about local scholarship opportunities. Visit www.nhcf.org, www.nh93.com, and www.fastweb.com to get free scholarship information.
• May 1: This is the date when all students must choose their college and reply to that college to confirm acceptance. Also in May, take advanced placement (AP) exams for any AP subjects you may have taken. Scoring well will give you college credit.

Families:

• Visit the campuses your student is interested in and meet with admissions representatives.
• Attend college information programs and talk with college representatives when they visit your student’s high school.
• Check with high school counselors or career center directors for scholarship opportunities.
• Call the Center for College Planning at NHHEAF (1-800-525-2577, ext. 119) for help with any questions relating to the college process. Or make a FREE appointment with a college counselor for assistance.
• October 1 to November 30, very important: Have your student apply to colleges/universities for the next fall during this initial application filing period. Be sure to find out the college or university’s application deadline.
• January: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submit the FAFSA to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
• May: Have your student take AP exams for any AP subjects she/he has taken.
• June: Work with the financial aid office to determine the best college financing strategy.
• Summer: Make sure your student takes part in summer orientation programs for freshmen.

What Classes Do I Need to Take?

Different colleges have different expectations of the courses you should take and many admissions offices prefer students who have taken more than just the minimum requirements. The NH Scholars Program (www.nhscholars.org) suggests the following:

• English: 4 years of college preparatory English composition and literature.
• Math: 3 years (4 is recommended), including algebra I, geometry, algebra II, or higher mathematics. 
• History and Social Science: 3 and ½ years, including 1 year of US history and 1 year of social studies.
• Laboratory Science: 3 years, including 1 biological science and 1 physical science.
• Foreign Language: 2 years of the same language.
• Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year of dance, drama, theater, music, or visual art.
• College Prep Elective: 1 additional year of any college prep subject.

Remember: you want to keep up a good overall grade point average (GPA) by working to your potential in every class.

You will have plenty of time to complete these classes if you start planning early. Don’t worry if you feel you are behind—check with your school counselor and she/he can help you. 

What Skills Will Help Me to Succeed?

Reading, writing, math, and science form the foundation of your education. It is important to master the skills in these areas, as they will give you the tools you need to succeed in college and beyond.

• Reading: Literature, fiction, and nonfiction—(and lots of it!) helps to improve vocabulary, verbal skills, and writing ability.
• Writing: Expressing yourself well is important in every field. Practice good research and writing techniques. Get feedback and give yourself plenty of time to rewrite and edit your assignments.
• Making Calculations: Having an understanding of math and science in today’s technological world is a must. Progressing from basic math to algebra, geometry, calculus, and trigonometry will give you the tools to new ways of thinking and problem solving.

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