Early College Application Checklist: The First Steps to College Admissions

October is the best month for autumn enthusiasts as it’s filled with pumpkin spice, fall foliage, and flannel jackets. But did you know it’s also one of the most important months for your college application? Deadlines for college applications begin next month, which makes now a perfect time to focus on the key details of your application. This college admissions checklist walks you through the initial stages of the college application and ensures you start the process with everything you need.

Planning for College as a High School Student?

No matter what high school grade you’re in, it’s never too early to start planning for college. Each year offers a unique opportunity to double down on academics, extracurricular activities, volunteerism, and leadership opportunities. A college admissions checklist shows you exactly what you need to do each month during high school, keeping you on track for admissions success.

Preparing for college in high school can help you in a number of ways, including:

• Identifying your strengths and weaknesses early
• Getting involved in extracurricular activities
• Pursuing a leadership role with an activity you feel passionate about
• Raising your grades and GPA
• Identifying your dream schools
• Brainstorming new interests, college majors, and possible career paths

How High Schoolers Can Prepare for College

College planning starts early, and this admissions checklist will help you refocus your goals, refine your college expectations, and learn what needs to be done between now and when you submit your application. Check out each section for a complete checklist of the actions you can start taking this month depending on your grade in high school.

Freshman Year of High School

Your freshman year is all about building the foundation for success throughout your high school years. Think about the actions that can help develop your skills. For example, do you want to improve your writing? Then consider applying for a pre-college program in the summer. You’ll also want to prioritize reading, so you can build your vocabulary, expand your horizons, and learn as much as possible.

• Kick-start your spring semester reading list
• Think about projects during winter break
• Practice college essay writing
• Join an extracurricular activity
• Choose a passion and begin developing skills
• Brainstorm pre-college programs
• Begin applying for summer pre-college programs
• Consider elective courses for the following year

Sophomore Year of High School

While you may think sophomore year is the calm before the storm, a time to relax before gearing up your application activity during your junior and senior years, you can find ways to enhance your high school resume. Look into prospective honors or AP classes for the coming year and start joining extracurricular activities. If you’re already involved in an after-school activity, think of ways you can take on additional responsibilities, such as a leadership role on your debate team or taking charge of an activity or special event.

• Think about your preferred college location
• Research colleges in your preferred area
• Sign up for honors or AP classes
• Keep up with summer and semester reading lists
• Start any pre-college summer course applications
• Set up an account on the College Board website
• Begin thinking about potential career paths
• Take a college application/personal essay writing course

Junior Year of High School

It’s crunch time! The start of your junior year is when you should reflect on the main themes of your college application, whether it’s a focus on your volunteer experience or exceptional GPA and academic track record. Take the time to identify your strengths and look for new opportunities to build on them. Likewise, if you see areas that need improvement, this is the time to resolve them.

• Research colleges
• Take the PSAT
• Meet with your college counselor
• Start any pre-college summer course applications
• Find a tutor for SAT/ACT
• Consider joining an SAT/ACT study group
• Begin formulating ideas for your college essay
• Set up college visits during winter break
• Sign up for honors or AP classes
• Search for scholarships and grants
• Start compiling a folder of important documents for college:
• Medical records
• Report cards
• Parent information
• Personal documents

Senior Year of High School

High school is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to start coasting through the remainder of the year. Instead, many experts insist that now is the best time to score high and finish strong. Plan ahead for your homework assignments, essays, and final exams.

• Write your college essays
• Choose your top colleges
• Set up an account on the Common App website
• Create an action plan with your college counselor
• Begin your college applications
• Note college application due dates on your calendar
• Gather your personal information
• Fill out financial aid applications
• Apply for grants and scholarships
• Register for the SAT/ACT
• Fill out college application waiver fees
• Join an AP exam study group
• Explore potential college majors

Key Takeaways for a College Admissions Checklist

While each year in high school presents the opportunity for different developmental actions, students should always stay motivated and follow through on their academic and extracurricular efforts. Showing consistency in details such as grades, after-school activities, and community involvement, indicates a strong sense of character. Positive character traits usually include:

• Self-direction
• Resilience
• Motivation
• Empathy
• Honesty
• Passion

Prospective admissions advisors may favor college applications from high school students who have a sense of direction. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you must choose your college major or know what you want to do for the rest of your life before you attend college. Your actions throughout high school may depict these core traits and the potential to perform well in college.

The emphasis on valuable personality traits and deep involvement throughout high school will express these character traits more effectively than any written college essay. The best way you can set yourself apart from the competition is to create a college road map for yourself in high school. This will contain these actionable checklist items, along with other tasks, goals, and plans specific to your interests.