College Prep

• Start thinking about college and career possibilities.

• Plan to take the following courses in high school (2 credits = one year):

- Bible: 4 credits (optional)

- English: 8 credits

- Fine Arts: 1 credit

- World Language: 4 credits

- Mathematics: 4 credits (more if going into STEM)

- PE/Health: 5 credits

- Science: 4 credits (more if going into STEM)

- Social Studies: 6 credits

- Electives: 12 credits

• Get involved in some extracurricular activities. Colleges prefer students who are well-rounded in their activities.

• Talk to your parents about your future plans and how you can get the most out of high school experience.

• Create a high school resume. Include:

- Awards and certificates presented to you.

- A list of awards and honors you receive.

- A list of all community organizations you join.

- A list and brief description of paid and volunteer work.

• Consider talking an AP course next year. 

• Update your resume each semester throughout high school.

• Practice taking standardized tests by taking the PSAT in October.

• Consider attending a college fair and talking to college representatives when they visit CAJ. If you live close enough to CAJ to do this, please contact the SSS Director to let her know the types of schools you’re interested in.

• Consider whether or not you should take AP courses during your junior or senior year and which classes.

• Update your high school file.

Summer - October

• Self-evaluation: Consider your personality, interests, values, abilities and spiritual direction. Talk with parents and consider online interest inventories.

• Visit colleges if possible.

September - November

• Begin researching colleges.

• Prepare for the SAT or ACT.

- Most colleges accept either the SAT or the ACT.

- Look at both ACT and SAT prep material to determine which format you prefer.

December

• Request more information from interest colleges and learn admissions standards.

• Work on improving weak areas in the PSAT to prepare for the SAT or ACT.

• Consider registering for the SAT in January or the ACT in Februrary or April.

March - April

• Select courses for your senior year (remember college admissions standards).

• Register for the May or June SAT (general or subject).

- You may take up to 3 subject tests on one test date.

May - June

• Plan summer visits to colleges if possible.

• Consider volunteer or internship summer jobs.

• Take the ACT or SAT (general and/or subject).

Summer between junior and senior years

• Continue your college research process throughout the summer and begin to narrow down your list.

• Visit colleges if possible.

• Update your high school resume with your accomplishments, activities, and work experience.