The August College Prep Checklist
I know we say this every time, but I genuinely can’t believe it’s the beginning of another school year. Jumping in and starting off right is often our intention: We order all the school supplies and organize our planners, but we don’t always keep up with the right rhythms because students often don’t really know what those rhythms should look like.
Stick around for our monthly blog series as we unpack many of those intentions and goals. We’ll share information about how to navigate high school and what it looks like to set yourself up for success after graduation–starting gradually and early. We’ll provide a quick list each month for each grade level to help you stay on track on your journey to college. Read below to learn more about how to focus your time this August.
Freshmen and Sophomores
Many students in this group aren’t thinking about college at all, and that’s okay! Here are some quick things that can be done in the month of August to help with planning and reduce stress down the road.
Sign up for extracurriculars that interest you! These grade levels are great times to try new things, join a new club, and continue in the areas you already love (like continuing in your favorite sport!).
Stay on top of schoolwork during your first week. Figure out where all homework is being posted (FACTS, Canvas, etc.) and create a rhythm that works for YOU as a student. If you need help, please let us know. We’d love to give you personalized ideas and recommendations.
Register for the October PSAT. Many schools offer this for free during the fall of the school year. In these years, this test doesn’t count towards anything, but it will help prepare you for the PSAT your Junior year when it can count towards scholarships!
Juniors
This is the year when college feels like it’s arriving soon… and it is, but there is still time! Start preparing now, and by the time you’re ready to apply, it will hopefully feel less stressful.
Start working on a college list. This month is a great time to start exploring different options you might be interested in. Do you want to go to a large state school? A small liberal arts university? A school with a good study abroad program? Small or large class sizes? All these questions can help you find universities to explore and check out.
Update your resume. Take a moment to update your resume if you have done any service hours, worked a job, or completed an internship over the summer.
Register for the September ACT/SAT/CLT. If you haven’t already, register for one of each test. (Skip the CLT if you are applying out of state, or reach out to determine if you should take this test.) Take one of each to determine which test you prefer by reflecting on your test-taking experience. After taking them, if you are still unsure which test to focus on, check out our blog: How to Choose Between the SAT and ACT
Seniors
The time has come! College application season is here, and we want to help reduce the chaos that can come with it. Here are the top priorities for the month of August.
Refine your college list. Before you apply to colleges, identify if your current list reflects the type of experience you hope to have while in college. Review your experiences with college admissions counselors and your time on campus. Which universities are the right fit for you?
Check application and financial aid deadlines. Many universities have an earlier deadline if you are applying for scholarships. Create a master timeline and list of essays/requirements so you know what to do and when to do it.
Finish writing your essay, update your resume, and start filling out applications.
Register for a fall ACT/SAT/CLT. Registration deadlines close about a month before the test. As you are preparing and pushing for those final points on your test of choice, be sure to sign up as early as possible to avoid fees for the September tests.
Helpful Tools
Free Grade-Level Checklists: Our grade-level checklists show the full year of tasks for each grade.
ACT Score Calculator & SAT Score Calculator: These score calculators can help you determine which test might be the best fit for you.
How to Choose Between the SAT and ACT: If you are a junior and aren’t sure which test should be your focus after taking it in September, read this article!
Questions about where to begin?
If this information feels new or overwhelming, we completely understand. Our 30-minute consultations are always free, and we would love to provide more detailed recommendations and personalized advice for your student. Contact us today!
