It’s never too early to start planning for college. These are the things students and parents can do at each grade level to ensure post-graduation readiness.
6TH GRADE
Students interested in math/science fields are encouraged to practice math/science skills everyday adn maintain good grades. Be sure to strive to be in Accelerated Math in 6th grade. The course will enable your child to progress to AP Math in high school.
Focus on developing good study habits, organizational skills and time management skills.
Take an interest inventory to explore careers based on your personal interest through OK Career Guide.
Visit a college campus or career tech.
7TH GRADE
Students interested in math/science fields are encouraged to enroll in Pre-Algebra or higher. The course will enable your child to progress to AP Math and Science courses in high school.
Focus on developing good study habits, organizational skills and time management skills.
Re-take an interest inventory to explore careers based on your personal interest through OK Career Guide.
Visit a college campus or career tech
8TH GRADE
Students interested in math/science fields are encouraged to enroll Algebra 1 or higher. The course will enable your child to progress to AP Math and Science courses in high school.
Consider enrolling in other high school classes offered at your middle school.
Re-take an interest inventory to explore careers based on your personal interest through OK Career Guide.
Visit a college campus or career tech.
Begin to make a list of colleges or career techs you would like to attend.
Take the PSAT/NMSQT for practice.
11TH GRADE
Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
Scholarship money is available through this exam your 11 th grade year.
Make sure you answer all relevant questions to enter the scholarship program.
Make sure you are on track to take the required courses needed to graduate high school.
Take the SAT and/or ACT.
Students on Free & Reduced Lunch can receive fee waivers from their
counselor.
Research college entrance requirements for schools you are interested in attending.
Start collecting letters of recommendation or recommendation forms from teachers, counselors, principals, etc.
If the form is to be mailed, make sure to include stamped, college-addressed envelopes, making certain all portions are filled out completely and accurately.
Research and apply for scholarships.
Scholarships can be found in many places. Make sure to check with your counselor, their website and/or principal emails on a regular basis for scholarship information.
Focus on developing good study habits, organizational skills and time management skills.
Stay involved in extracurricular activities.
Maintain good grades.
Make sure you are appropriately challenging yourself with concurrent courses.
Start collecting letters of recommendation or recommendation forms from teachers, counselors, principals, etc.
If the form is to be mailed, make sure to include stamped, college-addressed envelopes, making certain all portions are filled out completely and accurately.
Research and apply for scholarships.
Scholarships can be found in many places. Make sure to check with your counselor, their website and/or principal emails on a regular basis for scholarship information.
Start on any essays to be included with your applications.
Watch the mailbox!
Early decision replies usually arrive between December 1 and 31.
Stay involved in extracurricular activities.
Maintain good grades.
Make sure you are appropriately challenging yourself with Honors and/or AP classes.
Re-take an interest inventory to explore careers based on your personal interest through OK Career Guide.
SPRING SEMESTER
Continue to check financial aid options and scholarships, APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!
Request that your official high school transcript be sent to your colleges to which you are applying.
Contact the colleges to which you applied to make sure all your required information has been received and if anything additional is needed.
Most colleges will notify you if you have been accepted or not by April 15th.
If you are living on campus, submit your housing deposit.
Compare college acceptance letters, financial aid and scholarship offers to select the best choice.
AFTER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
Ask your school to send your final transcripts to the college you will be attending.
Ensure all concurrent coursework transcript has been sent to Mercy School and is on high school transcript. Be sure all ACT scores and transcritps are sent to the college you will be attending