• Take tough classes
• Become concerned about your grade point average
• Get to know your high school counselor.
• Take the ACT or the SAT test
• decide to go to college.

Freshman Year College Checklist

Academics

1. Be sure the courses you sign up for are part of the college preparatory curriculum. 
   You should plan to take 4 or 5 college prep courses per term. Consider AP courses, not only are your grades important, so are the classes you take.
2. Learn keyboarding and computer skills
3. Meet with your school counselor at least once a year
4. Review your high school coursework and activities. Colleges will look for challenging coursework, a good grade point average, and extracurricular activities such as sports, volunteer work, and community involvement.
5. Study hard and do well in school - From now on your grades will count toward college and will show up on your permanent record
6. Study for May AP Exams.
7. Set academic plan for next year
8. Start a summer reading list. Ask your teachers to recommend books.

Choosing a College

1. Find out why you should go to college
2. Become familiar with college entrance requirements
3. Find out about the different types of schools and decide which characteristics are most important to you.
4. Attend events at local college campuses (plays, concerts, sporting events, etc.)
5. Find out about college from college friends who are home for the holidays.
6. Pick college campus to visit. Start with colleges near you.
7. Visit colleges while they're in session.
8. Go to college fairs in your area

Career Choice

1. Begin to explore careers and talk to people in jobs that interest you. Do they like what they do? Do you like what they do?
2. What education do those jobs require? You can research information at libraries, career centers, and online.

.Financial Aid

1. Start saving for college. A college education is expensive (though worth every penny!).
2. Learn about college costs and how financial aid works.
3. A summer job will give you extra cash for college and help you develop skills.

Testing

1. Sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT, which is given in October.
2. Ask your counselor which date is offered at your school.
3. Get free online PSAT/NMSQT practice. (check your local library website)
4. Take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) in preparation for the standardized tests (either the SAT or ACT) which you'll need to take as a junior or senior.
5. If you do particularly well on the PSAT, you may be eligible to receive a National Merit Scholarship. That's quite an honor, and it means money for college that you won't have to pay back!

Extracurricular Activities

1. Get more involved with your extracurricular activities.
2. Develop leadership skills. Involvement may lead to scholarships and/or summer jobs.
3. Look for volunteer or service opportunities in the community.
4. Are you getting involved? If not, participate in student government, join the debate team or try out for athletics.
5. College admissions officers will factor in these activities when evaluating your application.