7 College Planning Tasks for Underclassmen

It’s never too early to start the college planning process. In fact, the spring and summer months are a perfect time for high school freshmen and sophomores to initiate a plan and start working toward their goals. Although it may seem like there is plenty of time, the sooner students begin to focus on their future, the less stressed they will be when senior year rolls around. The final year of high school is filled with college admission applications, essays, entrance exams and final college visits, all while trying to maintain a solid grade point average and complete the required credits to graduate on time. To avoid being overwhelmed, students can begin to chip away at their college to-do list and stay ahead of the game by starting these seven tasks now.

1. Create a Course Plan

The first step in preparing for college should include a solid course plan for all four years of high school. Students should meet with their guidance counselor and review the various options they may have, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) programs. It’s also important that students register for the minimum core classes that are required by most colleges and are needed for graduation. At least once a year, students should check in with their counselors to review their progress and tweak their plan, if needed.

2. Develop Good Study Habits

Students can significantly increase their chances for success in college by developing good study habits early on in high school. By understanding which type of learner they are (visual, verbal, etc.), students can determine which study aids will work best for them. For example, visual learners may benefit from note cards, whereas audio learners may have more success listening to taped sessions of their classes or lectures. Students should also get in the habit of scheduling their study time and removing distractions from the areas where they plan to work, as this will help them focus on their tasks.

3. Explore Extracurricular Activities

Colleges are interested in finding well-rounded students who can add some diversity to their campuses. Students should seek out activities that will enhance their transcripts, but also highlight their passions and talents, too. Sports, academic clubs, drama, music and other organized activities are all good choices, but students should keep in mind that quality is much more important than quantity.  Colleges will be more impressed with students who participate in one or two activities over an extended period of time than those who participate in several clubs and organizations, yet do not make a considerable commitment to any of them. Students can also stand out by stepping up and taking on leadership roles within their selected activities, such as running for an officer position or being captain of a sports team.

4. Search for Volunteer Opportunities

Another item colleges look for in an admissions application is volunteer work or community service. Many high schools now require students to complete 50, 75 or more hours before graduation, so it should not be too difficult for them to find opportunities on campus and in their communities. Students can often gain hours through organizing donation drives, holding fundraisers and helping out with events. Some good resources for locating volunteer opportunities include guidance counselors, local non-profits, city websites, and national databases, such as the HandsOn Network. Students should keep in mind that it looks better to commit time to a few organizations over several years, instead of cramming in all their hours during senior year.

5. Prepare for College Entrance Exams

Test scores are still an important aspect of the college admissions process. Students can start preparing for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and ACT by using several free resources and taking the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) and/or PLAN® as soon as possible. Those who do well on the PSAT may also receive special recognition through the National Achievement Scholarship Program or the National Hispanic Recognition Program, as well as scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Although students may take the PSAT during their freshman and sophomore years, they will not be eligible for the recognition programs or scholarships until junior year. Similar to the PSAT, the PLAN® is a warm-up for the ACT and is taken during sophomore year.

6. Visit College Fairs and Campuses

Freshman and sophomore year is a great time for students to explore nearby college campuses and attend area college fairs. Those who take the time to research their various options, look into available degree programs, and dip their feet into the college experience may find that they are more focused and can quickly narrow down their choices before senior year. When attending college fairs, students should make an effort to meet with representatives, especially if they are unable to visit the campuses in person, as well as exploring the lesser-known colleges.

7. Apply for Scholarships

Many students are surprised to learn that they can start applying for and winning scholarships as early as elementary school. Although many programs are targeted to high school seniors, there are still plenty of scholarships open to underclassmen, too. Students should get in the habit of setting aside a few hours each month (or week) to search for available opportunities and complete scholarship applications. Those who put forth the effort and keep working at it typically find more success than those who submit just a few applications or wait until the spring of senior year to start applying. Students can find scholarships through a variety of resources, including their guidance counselor, local organizations and online scholarship search tools.

As students get further along in high school, they may find that their time is increasingly filled with the demands of classes, outside activities and even work; trying to balance those demands while working on college admission applications can be overwhelming for many students. Tackling college planning tasks early will not only save students the stress of trying to fit everything in during their senior year, but also allow them the time they need to make an informed decision about their future.

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