College Planning

Freshmen & Sophomore Year

Challenge yourself academically and take a variety of classes to explore different academic and elective areas.
Grades are important from day one! Find a study strategy that works for you!
Visit www.ruready.nd.gov to discover your interests and research careers.
Meet with your counselor or career advisor and discuss your four-year plan.
Get involved with extra-curricular activities.
Ask for help and take advantage of school resources if you are struggling with a class.
Talk to your teachers!
Learn how to manage money.

Volunteer for community groups and events.
Begin planning your college finances.
Look for ways to improve your writing skills.
Research colleges (courses and majors you are interested in, locations, size, cost).
Visit with adults who went to college and ask questions about what to expect, how they chose their major, etc.
Sophomore year – start preparing for the ACT.
Read as much as possible!
Practice your social skills and become comfortable visiting with adults.
Be careful with your texts, posts and tweets.
Summer jobs help you learn important life skills and how to manage your money. www.tinyurl.com/mustangstudentjobs

Take rigorous courses to prepare for your post-secondary plans.
Meet with your school counselor or career advisor to discuss your post-secondary plans.
Practice good study habits.
Visit www.ruready.nd.gov to take career interest assessments.
Go on MULTIPLE college campus visits!
When choosing a college, FIRST choose a Major, THEN find a college that has that major!
Attend a college fair.

Start your scholarship search. www.tinyurl.com/mustangscholarships
Take the ACT.
Create a list or resume with your extracurricular activities, past/current jobs, volunteer activities and awards to use when applying to college, for scholarships, or full-time employment.
Talk to your career advisor about a job shadow.
Go on MULTIPLE college campus visits.
Discuss options for paying for college with your family.
Be careful with your texts, posts, and tweets.

Continue taking courses that challenge you and electives to help explore and solidify your interests.
Retake the ACT if you are unhappy with your score.
Visit www.ruready.nd.gov to research interests and careers if you are still undecided.
Sign up for an FSA ID at www.fsaid.ed.gov so you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in October. Both the parent/guardian and the student will need their own FSA ID.
Complete the FAFSA at www.studentaid.ed.gov to qualify for grants and loans to help pay for college.
Apply to several colleges you would like to attend and make note of upcoming deadlines.
Check the Scholarship link weekly! www.tinyurl.com/mustangscholarships

Meet scholarship deadlines.
Review your financial aid package and make final decisions on the college of your choice.
Submit all forms necessary for your colleges, including housing and orientation.
Request your final transcript to be sent to the college you will be attending.
If you are not attending college after high school, meet with the career advisor to explore 18+ employment options.