--- title: "College Planning" description: "Help students plan for college using these resources" url: https://help.upchieve.org/en/articles/65-college-planning collection: "Quiz Study/Training Materials" updated: 2026-08-31 language: en --- # College Planning Help students plan for college using these resources [College Prep review material for coaches!](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1mqqhFoBzyWh51hw9Z2M907Ub9ZEjw_oA_a1AQIVtFvw/edit?usp=sharing) Review this article to understand your role, learn how to help 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students prepare for college. You’ll also learn how to help 12th grade students prepare (and apply) for college. ➡ Share the information below with students! ### College Planning: 9-11th Grade **9th & 10th Grade** - **Academics:** Choose rigorous and college-prep courses - Make sure you know which high school courses are required by colleges and that you’re taking those classes - **Career:** Explore potential careers and majors through extracurricular activities and elective courses - **College Research:** Attend free [college fairs](https://www.nacacfairs.org/), watch videos online or look at college websites - **Extracurricular:** Choose 2-5 extracurricular activities to be involved in and stick with them! Maybe even take on a leadership role - **School Staff:** Meet with your school counselor at least twice (they’ll come in handy later on) - **Summer:** Explore [summer opportunities](https://airtable.com/shrmiKZATs4yLIxdg), especially free local (city or college) programs **11th Grade** - **Academics:** Continue to choose rigorous and college-prep courses (most important step) - **Career:** Take career interest quizzes - **College Research:** Use [https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search](https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search) to narrow down your list. Do college representatives come to your school? Be sure to sign up for these visits if they do. Visit at least one college campus (virtual counts too) - **Testing**: Take the PSAT to qualify for National Merit Scholarship (only counts in 11th grade, given in October) Determine if you need to take the SAT or ACT for scholarships or college and take one in March or April. - **Extracurricular:** Take on a leadership role in 1 or 2 of your extracurricular activities - **School Staff:** Meet with your school counselor again and be nice to your teachers-especially English and Math because you’ll probably need a recommendation letter from them! - **Financial:** Have a conversation with your family about what you can afford to pay for college, but keep in mind that scholarships and financial aid are available! Apply for [raise.me](https://raise.me) and the [Collegeboard Opportunity Scholarship](https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/?excmpid=vt-00248) **Summer:** Explore [summer opportunities](https://airtable.com/shrmiKZATs4yLIxdg), especially free local (city or college) programs and apply for college visit (all expenses paid) programs called “[fly ins](https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/mycoalition-counselor-all/fly-in-programs-visits)” ### College Planning: 12th Grade Timeline

Aug-Oct	1. Building a College List	Decide on 8-10 colleges; include likelies, targets and reaches and at least 2 in state public school
		Sign up for college campus visits
		Register to join college mailing lists through admissions websites
		Use the Net Price Calculator to compare college cost
		Find deadlines and create your application timeline
Aug-Nov	2. Take Standardized Tests	Register for SAT and ACT
		Check out SAT/ACT prep books and online resources (UPchieve 1:1 SAT tutoring)
		Review scores and retake if necessary
July-Sept of senior year	4. Personal Statement & Essays	Use brainstorming resources to outline your personal statement
		Brainstorm and outline Common App prompts
		Complete supplemental Common App questions/essays
Varies	5. Scholarships	Apply for state scholarships
		Search for local scholarships
		Search for National scholarships (Questbridge, Posse, Horatio Alger, etc)
Aug-Jan	6. Applications	Contact schools and your counselor about application fee waivers
		Ask teachers + counselors for letter of recommendations if needed
		Complete applications
October	7. Financial Aid	Complete FAFSA
		Complete CSS Profile if required
		Send tax forms to financial aid offices of colleges who request them
Jan-May	8. Comparing offers and making decisions	Review and compare financial aid awards, accept an offer of admissions by May 1!