College Checklist

• Take challenging classes in core academic courses.
• Work with school counselor to create a yearly schedule that meets graduation requirements.
• Talk to an advisor or school counselor about taking AP and honors courses.
• Get involved with community-based and leadership-oriented activities.
• Explore and identify career fields of interest through online research and by attending career fairs.
• Develop a running list of accomplishments, awards, and recognitions to use in preparing a résumé and college applications.

• Attend college and career information events.
• Research funding for college, including scholarships, grants, loans, etc.
• Reach out to mentors in the fields of interest.
• Continue exploring college and career options.
• Consider taking a practice test to prepare for the PSAT.

Fall semester...

• Take the PSAT. Students must take the PSAT in 11th grade to qualify for National Merit scholarships and programs.
• Attend in-person or online college fairs and college-prep presentations.
• Explore careers and their earning potentials online.
• Register for college admission exams such as the SAT and ACT; take practice tests to prepare.

Spring semester...

• Research ways to pay for college.
• Identify scholarship opportunities to pursue; note deadlines on calendar.
• Contact colleges to request information and applications.
• Schedule a visit and tour with an Iowa private college. You can schedule private tours right from this website. Learn more about visiting an Iowa private college.

Summer before senior year...

• Start visiting colleges.
• Narrow down the colleges being considered.
• Make decisions regarding early decision or early action programs.
• Work with parents to complete and submit FAFSA.

Fall semester...

• Register for and take (or retake) the SAT and/or ACT, if not already done.
• Complete and submit college applications prior to deadlines.
• Complete and submit scholarship applications prior to deadlines.
• Request transcripts and letters of recommendation.
• Request a FAFSA User ID and password. 
• Meet with a counselor to verify that graduation requirements will be met on schedule.

Winter months....

• Review and make any necessary changes/corrections to the Student Aid Report.
• Finish submitting scholarship applications.
• Attend scholarship events/auditions.

Spring semester...

• Visit colleges on your or the “short list.”
• Consider college acceptances; compare financial aid packages offered.
• Call college financial aid representatives with questions.
• Decide on the college to attend and contact its offices.
• Make informed decisions about student loans.