High School
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Every Year 9th Grade 10th Grade |
11th Grade Summer Before 12th Grade 12th Grade |
Every Year in High School
Students
To Do:
- Work with one of your parents to update your information in FAFSA4caster at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov, and continue to save for college.
- Take challenging classes in core academic subjects. Most colleges require 4 years of English, at least 3 years of social studies (history, civics, geography, economics, etc.), 3 years of mathematics, and 3 years of science, and many require 2 years of a foreign language. Round out your course load with classes in computer science and the arts.
- Stay involved in school- or community-based activities that interest you or let you explore career interests. Consider working or volunteering. Remember—it’s quality (not quantity) that counts.
- Talk to your school counselor and other mentors about education after high school. Your counselor can answer questions about what classes to take in high school, how to sign up for standardized tests, and where to get money for college.
To Explore:
- Check out KnowHow2Go: The Four Steps to College, which suggests some actions you can take as you start thinking about education beyond high school. The online version of the brochure is at www.knowhow2go.org.
- Learn about managing your money in the “Financial Literacy” section of www.studentaid.ed.gov/preparing.
Parents
To Do:
- Continue to talk to your child about college plans as if he or she will definitely go to college.
- Keep an eye on your child’s study habits and grades— stay involved.
- Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement or other challenging classes.
- Watch videos for parents on the “News Parents Can Use” page at www.ed.gov/parents.
- Add to your child’s college savings account regularly.
To Explore:
- Explore www.studentaid.ed.gov/parent for information on academic preparation, homeschooling, financial literacy, saving, and borrowing for college.
- Learn from Help Your Child Improve in Test-Taking.
