Planning for college begins as soon as you enter high school. Use this checklist to stay on track as you strengthen your 
academic profile, explore your interests, and build the support you need to become a strong college applicant.
Start Planning 
 Use a planner to track your assignments, test dates, 
and extracurricular activities, and to organize and 
prioritize your work (p.10).
 Create a college file to save all your notes,  
correspondence, and important paperwork.
 Take time out to try new things, explore new  
interests, and find out what is important to you  
(pp. 7-8).
 Begin to build your resumé (pp. 12-13).
 Find out if you have access to Xello through your 
school and learn how it can help you through  
the college admissions process (p. 23).
Assemble Your Success Network
 Talk to your parents or guardians about your college 
plans (p. 6). Begin to research colleges together.
 Meet with your school counselor and teachers.  
Discuss your post-high school goals and plans  
together. Ask about college prep programs in which 
you might participate.
Prepare Financially 
 Start learning about financial aid and ways to pay 
for college (pp. 41-58). Understanding financial aid 
options early on can help you down the road.
 If possible, begin to save money for college  
expenses.
 Explore the College Board’s tools and webinars: 
bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/ 
get-help-paying-for-college/how-does-financial-
aid-work.
 Visit www.educationplanner.org provided by 
PHEAA to learn about educational costs and  
student aid.
Challenge Yourself Academically
 Make sure you are enrolled in the most challenging 
academic courses available at your school (p. 9).
 Learn about college prep supports for high  
schoolers, like Advance at College, Summer  
Search, and Upward Bound (p. 68).
 Read books and newspapers to build your  
vocabulary and knowledge base (p. 10).
Learn about Standardized Tests
 Take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) as practice  
for taking the SAT (p. 30). Ask your school  
counselor about PSAT scheduling at your school.
 It is never too early to start preparing for the  
SAT or ACT (p. 32).
Explore Opportunities and Interests
 Join clubs or teams that interest you and take  
on leadership roles (p. 9).
 Find opportunities to do community service.
 Begin to explore different careers and  
visit the U.S. Department of Labor website,  
www.mynextmove.org or  
www.miproximopaso.org (pp. 7-8).
 Explore the “Roadtrip Nation” website for videos  
of people who have turned their interests into  
their life’s work. www.roadtripnation.com
 Research volunteer jobs and internships in fields 
that interest you (p. 9).
 Visit colleges with your parents or guardians  
(pp. 24-25). Try to visit two schools each year,  
either virtually or when students are on campus.
64
Activity   9th and 10th Grade Checklist
Holy Family University

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