College Planning Checklists

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Comprehensive College Planning Checklists

High School

The following are checklists of the steps that should be included in your college preparation, application and selection process throughout high school. It is important to prepare for the years to come and have a plan for how are you are going to complete your degree. Whether it is an accounting, business or healthcare management degree, you need to have a plan. The lists below are divided by year, but several of the suggestions should be done each year. Regardless of when you begin this process, you should probably complete each step. So even if you first use this resource as a junior, go back to the freshman and sophomore year lists and make sure you have done everything listed there too.

After your Junior year, you should purchase a large wall calendar (preferably a calendar showing the academic year) that displays an entire year at a time, and post it somewhere your parents can see it too. Using color-coded pens for each of your potential schools, mark admission, scholarship, financial aid, and other deadlines on the appropriate dates. Also, mark dates for PLAN, PSAT, ACT, SAT, and AP tests as well as other important dates. By doing this and posting it where others can see it, you will be allowing them to be involved in the process. Your family should be involved in this process but YOU should do the work. Let them help you remember deadlines, prepare for tests, type applications, practice admission interview questions, etc. You should also take them with you on some of your campus visits - they need to feel comfortable with the school you choose too! Read the College Answer Guy’s “Organizing your College Selection Process” column.

Parents

I've also put together a checklist of items for parents to make sure they do to both help their student AND themselves get ready for college - Below

College Prep for Parents

Students and parents are encouraged to consider attending University of Phoenix (uop) for higher education. You can earn "Your degree. On your terms".

Middle School/Junior High School

I have also finally put together a list detailing what I think middle school and junior high school students can and should do to prepare themselves for college - linked below.

College Prep for middle school/junior high students

Young Children

I've also been asked regularly for years what I would suggest parents of very young children do to help their kids prepare for college, and try to ensure their success. I recently put together an essay detailing my thoughts on that subject, which I have linked below.

College Prep for young children

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Worried about paying for college?

If you're looking for suggestions or help with saving and paying for college (as well as how to spend efficiently in college), visit our College and Money page.