1. Take High School Courses at a college preparatory level.
Did you know that high schools offer courses at different levels – honor, college preparatory, business, and vocational? The college preparatory courses are the ones most colleges require. If you don’t take these, you may limit your college opportunities. Even if you’re not sure you want to attend college, these courses will keep your options open and prepare you for both college and work. Meet with your advisor to plan your schedule. Keep in mind that the courses listed below are the minimum requirements for most four-year colleges.
|
High School Course Work
|
||
| English | 4 yrs | With some College prep English. |
| Mathematics | 3-4 yrs | Including Algebra I & II and Geometry. |
| Science | 3-4 yrs | Usually, Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & 2 lab courses. |
| Social Studies | 3 yrs | For example: World History, U.S. History, and Government. |
| Foreign Language | 2 yrs | Of the same language (many schools require three years). |
| Electives | 3 yrs | Courses of your choice – select courses that will enhance your skills. |
Electives that will help you include computer science, fine arts, typing, and especially honors and advanced placement courses if they are offered. Also, check with your advisor about taking college level courses at KPC.
2. Have a monthly planning schedule in place.
| Junior Year | |
| September | Sign up to take the PSAT/NMSQT. Check for scholarships or internships offered to Juniors. |
| October | Take the PSAT/NMSQT. |
| November | Start searching for colleges. |
| December | Check your PSAT/NMSQT scores online. |
| January | Register online for the spring SAT tests. Check for scholarships or internships offered to Juniors. |
| February | Continue to look for potential colleges. |
| March | Line up a summer job for more college money. |
| April | Study for the May SAT. |
| May | Take the SAT. Check for scholarships or internships offered to Juniors. |
| June-Aug | Work at a job, internship or do course work to help you prepare for college. Narrow down your list of colleges and/or go visit college campuses to see what they have to offer you. |
| Senior Year | |
| IMPORTANT: Check for scholarships, student aid, grants and loans all year long. Many opportunities come along at different times and throughout the entire school year, so check back often with your advisor. | |
| August | Check with Counselor about test requirements. Pick up SAT/ACT exam applications, complete and file (mail or online). |
| September | Meet with counselor about plans for post-secondary training. Check for scholarships and grants. Look into student loans (if needed). |
| October | Request college applications. Get recommendations from teachers, counselors or community members at least 2 weeks prior to scholarship deadlines. Continue to get recommendations and check into scholarships, grants and loans. |
| November | SAT/ACT tests. Narrow list to 2-3 schools. Request college applications. |
| December | SAT/ACT tests. Complete and mail college applications. Parents: organize your taxes. |
| January | Pick up and complete FAFSA. Have school send 7th semester transcripts to colleges. The last SAT that can be used for admissions purposes is given this month. |
| February | Check for any Local Scholarship Applications. Apply for an Alaska State Student Loan. Parents: get information about loans. |
| March | Colleges will notify about acceptance. Some colleges will send a financial aid offer to the student and family. |
| April | Colleges will notify about acceptance. Colleges will send a financial aid offer to the student and family. Make decisions about which college to attend, respond to colleges with yes or no. |
| May | Concentrate on graduation! Send final transcript to colleges after grade have been processed. Get a summer job! |
