College Center » Student Four-Year Timeline 9-12

Student Four-Year Timeline 9-12

Developing a plan for college isn't just an activity for seniors. To prepare for your future, there are a number of steps you can take as early as your freshman year. Below, you can find a loose guideline for your college preparation pathway throughout all four years of high school.
 

Freshman Year

  • Develop good study habits. Grades are the most important factor that most colleges consider
  • Learn about extra-curricular activities and choose to participate in some. North Hollywood High School has a lot of great clubs to be a part of. Many colleges consider talent and leadership in the admissions process so it is important to show them you have been involved in extracurricular activities. Besides, they are the fun part of school!
  • Visit the NHHS College Center
  • Develop a 4-year academic plan. You can do this with your Guidance Counselor or the College Counselor
  • Attend college info sessions and sign up to meet college and university representatives. Also, attend national and regional college fairs. Check https://www.collegefairguide.com/ for more information
  • Attend after-school and evening workshops on College Planning for parents and students sponsored by the College Center

Sophomore Year

  • Meet with college representatives in the College Center when you can
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT test
  • Update your 4-year academic plan
  • Be certain you are fulfilling all course requirements to graduate
  • Consider taking a practice SAT or ACT exam
  • Attend the NACAC College Fair in April
  • Attend after-school and evening workshops on College Planning for parents and students sponsored by the College Center
  • Begin to research some college choices. A great way to do this is by using https://collegesearch.collegeboard.org/home This website has an interest inventory that allows you to answer questions about yourself and then get suggestions about colleges that might be a good fit for you. You can also use https://roadtripnation.com/edu/careerfinder for majors and career options

Junior Year

  • Visit with college representatives in the College Center throughout the year
  • Research college choices - use the resources in the College Center!
  • Register to take the ACT/SAT exam - you can find out more on the school website at this link
  • Attend after-school and evening workshops on College Planning for parents and students sponsored by the College Center
  • Attend the NACAC College Fair in April
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT test in October. In your junior year, you can qualify for scholarships through the PSAT/NMSQT
  • Prepare for the SAT/ACT
  • Take the FREE SAT provided by NHHS
  • Take the ACT in June
  • Review your 4-year academic plan, as well as graduation and college entrance requirements
  • Schedule an appointment in the spring with your counselor - invite your parents
  • Take AP exams in May
  • During the summer, work on your college essay, take a college class, attend a summer program. Remember, the summer before your senior year is the last time you can take a class that will be included in your GPA when applying to college

 Senior Year

  • Finalize the list of colleges and universities to apply to by August
  • Visit with College Representatives all of Fall semester
  • Register for SAT & ACT (if necessary) no later than October, latest December
  • Pick up financial aid form to register for the “profile” if required by college
  • In December, notify Counselor if 2nd-semester grades are to be sent to colleges
  • Register for AP exams 
  • Request final transcript to be sent to the college you will be attending June
  • Notify College Center of all college decisions
  • Apply for housing early - check the refund policy
  • Don’t develop “senioritis” - colleges have been known to revoke admissions
  • Graduation, baby!!!


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