Preparing for college

High school timeline

Don’t be shy; get to know your school counselor. Stop by and introduce yourself and know that they are there to help.
Make sure you are enrolled in appropriate classes-the most challenging you can handle while keeping some balance in your life.
Work up to your potential. Grades count as much in ninth grade as in twelfth grade.
Participate in extracurricular activities that interest you. Get involved. Don’t forget community service. It’s important and it helps you develop good citizenship, compassion, and generosity.
Make good use of your summer. We understand that “it’s summertime and the livin’s easy”, but join a summer league team, volunteer, take an enrichment course, attend camp, read for pleasure, work.
When on vacation, drive by colleges in the area to check them out-for a casual, low-key view --- not a formal tour.

In October, take the PLAN assessment, offered at your high school, and get to know yourself better. The results will tell you your strengths and weaknesses, academic progress and potential career interests.
Become familiar with general college entrance requirements.
Take advantage of leadership opportunities. Seek them out.
Figure out those activities, clubs, and programs that are most important or interesting to you and stay involved.
Remember to give yourself and your time to community service. The rewards are immense!
Read all you can. (Cosmo and Maxim do not count!)
Work on your writing skills. Welcome constructive criticism on your writing. Practice the art of writing by doing multiple drafts, seeking advice from your parents and teachers, and pay attention to your grammar.
Keep those grades up! If you need help go see your school counselor
Investigate challenging coursework for next year when scheduling time comes around. Determine if Advanced Placement is an option.
Consider taking a June SAT subject test in Biology, if you are thinking of going into a science or health career.
Make your summer count by going to those informal tours and ask those nit-picky questions, such as, “Do some students really not have class on Fridays?”

In October, take the PSAT (the preliminary SAT).
Examine the reasons you want to further your education. Focus on your goals for life (Who wants to be a millionaire?)
Take a test prep course if you want to boost your scores. Take the course after you get your PSAT scores back and before the spring test dates.
Visit college fairs and gather information on colleges that interest you.
Think about factors in choosing a college, such as size, location, environment, selectivity, and campus opportunities.
Begin to build a resume of extracurricular activities.
Plan on taking the SAT and/or ACT in the spring of your junior year.
Talk to your school counselor about taking SAT subject tests in June.
Select senior year courses wisely, with your school counselor’s input. Now is not the time to take it easy...so perhaps you should reconsider registering for AP Gym.
Continue to read, volunteer, stay involved, and if employed—save money!
Begin formal campus visits and tours. Attend open houses on campus.
Begin thinking about your college essay—topic and theme ideas.
And at all times, keep your grades up, your academics first and your eye on the future.
See your school counselor for help or your buddies for support, if you are feeling stressed. It can easily get out of hand. Remember this is a journey and it should be interesting.

September:
- See your school counselor for a fall appointment to firm up application plans.
- Ask teachers to write you a recommendation. (Don’t forget to send them a thank you note!)
- Plan to take some fall SAT or ACT tests, unless you’ve aced them already.
October:
- Try to visit a few more colleges or revisit some while the campuses are in session.
- Keep yourself organized and an eye on deadlines this year.
- Begin the UNSH College/University application process, fine tune your resume, polish your essay and apply! Track your applications for receipt.
December:
- Attend a financial aid information session with your parents and begin filling out the FAFSA forms.
January:
- Submit FAFSA forms
April:
- Try not to get senioritis. Don’t let your grades drop significantly or you may hear from the college you wish to attend and the news won’t be good
May:
- By May 1, the Candidate’s Reply Date, make sure you have placed a deposit at the college of your choice.
- Enjoy your last few weeks as a graduating senior knowing you’ve planned well for your future and your hard work has paid off.
- College is all about the experience and what you make of it, so don’t get down if you don’t get into your first choice school!

New Hampshire Goes to College