When Do I Start Planning for College?

Start Early

Many families think that college planning begins just before the senior year. On the contrary. Good study habits and involvement in extracurricular activities can begin as early as middle school. Although college seems like a lifetime away, it is beneficial to begin planning by ninth grade. Early planning gives families a chance to get guidance from experts and to begin setting long-term goals while learning the value of good grades and extracurricular involvement. It gives students time to develop a passion for sports, art, animals or other hobbies and activities. Let’s look at some specifics per grade level. 

Middle School

Middle School is the time to begin to develop the skills that will help with college admissions after high school. It is a time to explore interests and extracurricular opportunities.

  • Read a Lot-The more you read, the more you will develop your writing, comprehension and verbal skills.
  • Take Challenging Courses-If you have the option of taking a higher math route, do so. It will pay off later.
  • Develop Good Study Habits-This is the time to develop time management skills and to set a study schedule. Even if you do not have homework, set aside some time that is earmarked for school work. No homework? Read a book!
  • Explore Extracurricular Activities-What do you enjoy? Music, drama, government, church, business, athletics? Once you find your passion, you can begin to develop leadership skills in high school.
  • Do something productive during the summer: Travel, community service, work, volunteer, sports or music camp are all good options. read at least one book of your choice.

9th Grade-Freshman Year

It is hard to think about college when you have just started high school, but you need to start thinking about it seriously now. The reason is simple — your 9th grade academic and extracurricular record will be part of your college application. Low grades in 9th grade can seriously jeopardize your chances of getting into the country’s most selective colleges. Star a journal to keep track of all your activities!

  • Read a Lot-The more you read, the more you will develop your writing, comprehension and verbal skills.
  • Meet with your counselor to develop a 4 year plan.
  • Take challenging courses-Math, science and foreign language are important to your transcript.
  • Get good grades-Get help if you need it!
  • Start to determine a path for your extracurricular activities. Think of something unique.
  • Visit colleges

Don’t waste your summer. Do something productive. Here are some ideas: volunteer work, a summer music program at a local college, a bike tour down the West Coast, apprenticing with a local politician, living with a host family abroad, working in the family business… Whatever your passions and interests, try to plan your summer to tap into them.

10th Grade-Sophomore Year

Although your college applications are still a couple years off, you still need to keep your long-term goals in mind. Work on keeping your grades up, taking challenging courses, and gaining depth in your extracurricular activities. Begin to take leadership roles. Is your journal updated?

  • Read a lot!
  • Begin to review the A-G list for your school. Take approved classes.
  • Keep your grades up.
  • Take the PSAT in the Fall
  • Stick with extracurricular activities.
  • Decide if you will take the SAT/ACT.
  • Start thinking about your future plans. What subjects do you like best? Which ones are you best at?
  • Continue to build your resume with your summer. Take a college course?


11th Grade-Junior Year

Now things begin to heat up! Start becoming aware of deadlines and application requirements. This is the time to get serious about developing a college list. Although you don’t need to choose exactly where to apply yet, you do need to have a plan mapped out for achieving your broad educational goals. The journal should be getting thicker.

  • Keep reading!
  • Take the PSAT in October.
  • Keep your grades up.
  • Keep up in Foreign language.
  • Assume a leadership role in an extracurricular activity.
  • Research colleges. Try to finish a college list by summer.
  • Take the SAT/ACT if you planned to take it. You will need to study!
  • Take AP Tests as appropriate.

This summer, continue to be productive. Visit colleges and get more involved in summer programs. Job shadow or find a mentor. Start college applications, essays and resumes. Start to research scholarship opportunities. Know your financial aid status; will you get need-based aid?


12th Grade-Senior Year

Senior year is a busy and extremely important time in the college admissions process. This is your last chance to get the test scores you need. You need to know where you will apply and what is required from each college. You’ll need to get your college essay up to snuff, line up your letters of recommendation, and apply for financial aid. During the application process, you’ll need to stay active in extracurricular activities and maintain high grades.

  • Do not get “Senioritis” and slack off in class rigor or grades
  • Your college list should be finalized.
  • Be sure you have all the classes you need. You should try to have at least 3 lab science courses, especially if you plan to apply out of California.
  • Take as many math classes as you can, especially if you are interested in engineering.
  • Begin the application process. Try to finish CSU/UC before Thanksgiving.
  • Confirm that your colleges have all materials they require on time
  • File FAFSA and CSS Profile if required
  • Keep your grades up! A college can withdraw your acceptance if you do not keep your grades up
  • Take AP Tests.
  • Last chance to get a good SAT/ACT score if you decided to take the test.
  • Notify your college of choice by May 1. be sure they receive your final transcript.
  • Summer: Pack your bags!