📘 ITEMS YOU’LL NEED (2025 Edition)
Before diving into your college planning journey, there are a few key tools that will help you stay organized — which is absolutely essential when juggling deadlines, paperwork, and financial aid.
✅ Must-Have Supplies:
- Labeled File Folders (or a digital equivalent): Organize documents by category: college research, academic transcripts, extracurricular activities and awards, FAFSA and state aid materials, scholarship applications, tax returns, and college savings accounts (like 529 plans). Consider going paperless by using a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox, with well-labeled folders for each category.
- Wall or Desk Calendar: Write down every important date — college and scholarship deadlines, FAFSA and CSS Profile open/close dates, standardized testing, and volunteer events.
- Digital Calendar with Reminders (e.g., Google Calendar): Set alerts years in advance to stay on top of long-term goals and deadlines.
- File Box or Cabinet: Whether digital or physical, your system should be easy to access, so you can add and reference information often.
🎓 FRESHMAN YEAR
Parent Tip: Start saving now. Even modest contributions to a 529 plan or savings account can add up — and colleges often expect families to contribute something.
Key Focus Areas:
- Get Organized Early: Attend your school’s freshman-parent night and ask questions about academics, financial planning, and post-secondary options.
- Start Strong Academically: A GPA of 3.2 or higher opens the door to many merit-based scholarships. Challenge yourself with courses you can handle, but don’t overload.
- Well-Rounded Matters: Colleges love students who show leadership and involvement. Join clubs, sports, or volunteer in your community.
- Create Your Own Volunteer Club: Recruit friends to launch a local service group — help seniors, organize clean-ups, or run fundraisers. Leadership and initiative are always scholarship-worthy.
- Get a Part-Time Job: If time allows, even a few hours a week teaches responsibility — and counts on some scholarship applications.
- Take the PSAT (For Practice): It’s early, but this is a great warm-up. By junior year, PSAT scores can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- Career Exploration: Have open, nonjudgmental conversations about career goals. Use tools like O*NET Online, MyNextMove.org, or YouScience to explore.
- Career Prep Classes: If your school offers career readiness or life-skills classes, take full advantage.
🎓 SOPHOMORE YEAR
Everything from freshman year still applies — but now it’s time to get more serious about college options.
Sophomore Year Checklist:
- ✅ Retake the PSAT for additional practice
- ✅ Continue extracurricular and leadership involvement
- ✅ Stay focused academically — keep GPA strong
- ✅ Begin researching colleges and programs
- ✅ Explore summer enrichment programs — many are free or funded
- ✅ Start a basic college list (public, private, in-state, out-of-state, 2-year, 4-year)
- ✅ Research scholarship opportunities for underclassmen (Ayn Rand Essay Contest, HOBY Youth Leadership, etc.)
Digital Tools Tip: Use platforms like CollegeBoard’s BigFuture, RaiseMe, or Niche to explore colleges and scholarship matches.
Scholarship Scams Warning: Be wary of services that “guarantee money.” Legitimate scholarships don’t charge application fees. Research with your guidance counselor and check organizations via the Better Business Bureau.
Early Testing: Some students take their first SAT or ACT as a sophomore to gauge strengths — but it’s optional at this stage. If you’re a strong test-taker, it can help frame your prep.
Campus Visits: Summer before junior year is a great time for casual tours — nearby schools, public vs. private, big vs. small — just to get a feel.
🎓 JUNIOR YEAR
This is your most important prep year. Everything you do now helps position you for success.
Must-Do List for Juniors:
- ✅ Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October (this one counts for National Merit!)
- ✅ Begin preparing for the SAT/ACT — take the real test in spring
- ✅ Research colleges in-depth: programs, costs, size, location
- ✅ Attend college fairs, info sessions, and visit campuses
- ✅ Build a résumé of activities, honors, leadership, and work experience
- ✅ Continue challenging coursework, including AP or dual credit classes
- ✅ Research scholarships seriously — many open in junior year
- ✅ Consider summer programs or internships — these build networks and experience
- ✅ Start narrowing your college list to 6–8 choices
Military-Interested Students: Explore Junior ROTC, Civil Air Patrol, and take the ASVAB test. These experiences boost ROTC and academy applications.
Parent Involvement: Help organize your school’s college resource room or host college planning events. The more plugged-in you are, the more options your student can uncover.
Junior Conference: Schedule a 1-on-1 meeting with your school counselor to review academic progress, testing, and college options.
🎓 SENIOR YEAR
The finish line is in sight — but this year is packed with deadlines, applications, and big decisions.
Fall Semester:
- ✅ Finalize college list (3–6 schools is ideal)
- ✅ Apply early — many deadlines fall between October and January
- ✅ Register for final SAT/ACT attempts, if needed
- ✅ Ask teachers for letters of recommendation (at least 3–4 weeks before deadlines)
- ✅ Draft and revise your college essay
- ✅ Complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens (usually in October) at https://studentaid.gov
- ✅ Apply for institutional scholarships — many have separate applications!
- ✅ Use scholarship databases (Fastweb, Going Merry, Scholarships360)
Spring Semester:
- ✅ Compare financial aid award letters
- ✅ Make your final college decision by May 1
- ✅ Notify schools you aren’t attending
- ✅ Send thank-you notes to recommenders
- ✅ Finish strong — senioritis can hurt offers
- ✅ Attend college orientations and file housing, course selection, and health paperwork
Final FAFSA Tip: Even if you “think” you won’t qualify for need-based aid — always file. The FAFSA is required for federal loans and many institutional awards.
Grad Prep: Your school should offer sessions on college life topics — money management, safety, legal tips, health resources. If not, help organize one.
🎓 FINAL THOUGHTS
College planning is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay organized, start early, and keep communication open with your family and counselors. Whether you’re aiming for a university, community college, or trade program, the key is preparation. Believe in your ability, and don’t be afraid to aim high.
You’re not just applying to college — you’re investing in your future.