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College Planning Timelines

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9th Grade

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  • Classes: Choose a courseload that is challenging, yet balanced. High school will feel different compared to middle school.

  • College Requirements: Get familiar with the A-G college requirements and which classes will get you college ready, especially before Sophomore Registration in the Spring.

  • Explore: Check out a club, try a sport or extracurricular activity to explore your interests and get involved.

  • Grades matter: Earn good grades. Freshman year counts!

  • 4-Year Plan: Create a 4-year educational plan to map out your next 3 years of high school. Make sure you are on track to meet graduation and A-G requirements.
    This will be a classroom activity in the Spring.

  • Resources: Get familiar with resources on campus, including Link Crew, teachers, free tutoring and College/Career Center.

  • Self-care: The transition to high school can be tough. Make sure you have support and maintain good physical and mental health throughout the year.

  • Summer: Think of ways to make your summer purposeful, such as volunteering, reading, participating in summer programs and activities.

10th Grade

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  • Classes: Continue to take rigorous classes and earn strong grades. Grades starting 10th grade will count toward your UC/CSU GPA.

    • Meet with Guidance Specialist or Counselor if you need to retake a class (D or F grade)

  • Involvement: Continue your participation in meaningful extracurricular activities. Work toward leadership roles, if it’s an activity that you are passionate about.

  • 4-Year Plan: Update your 4-year educational plan to map out your next 2 years of high school. Make sure you are on track to meet graduation and A-G requirements.
    This will be a classroom activity in the Fall.

  • College & Career Exploration: Start your college search with online tools. Try taking a career interest inventory to explore possible career paths and majors. Visit College & Career Center for additional resources.

  • PSAT: Take the PSAT as a sophomore. It's a way to practice for the actual SAT. 

  • Self-care: Frequently assess where you are (mind, body, soul) and take care of your needs. Make sure you have strong social supports and maintain good physical and mental health. 

  • Ideas for Summer:

    • Visit college campuses

    • Take a course over summer.

    • Participate in meaningful activities (job, internship, summer program, volunteer, travel, etc.)
       

11th Grade

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  • Classes: Continue to take rigorous classes and earn strong grades. 10th and 11th grade coursework will count toward your UC/CSU GPA.

    • Meet with Guidance Specialist or Counselor if you need to retake a class (D or F grade)

  • PSAT: Take the PSAT as a junior, which, which qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship. It's a way to practice for the actual SAT. 

  • Involvement: Continue your participation in meaningful extracurricular activities. Work toward leadership roles, if it’s an activity that you are passionate about.

  • 4-Year Plan: Adjust 4-year educational plan, as needed. Make sure you are on track with A-G requirements if you plan to apply to a 4-year college/university.

  • Learn about Colleges: Use online tools to conduct your college search and evaluate your options. Attend college fairs and visit colleges. Be open-minded in this process and ask questions.

  • College List: Create a list of colleges that meet your criteria. Include Likely, Match and Reach schools so you have a balanced list.

  • SAT/ACT: Taking the SAT and ACT, if it is required or may be helpful for college admissions. You can choose the test that works best for you or even try both. Most juniors take it for the first time in the Spring. 

  • Teachers: Get to know your junior year academic teachers who could possibly write your college recommendation letters for you.

  • Counselor: You can meet with your counselor to discuss your future plans and plan for college in the Spring semester.

  • Parents: Have an honest discussion with your parents about your future plans.

  • Self-care: Make sure you have good support and maintain good physical and mental health

  • Ideas for Summer:

    • Visit college campuses

    • Take a course over summer.

    • Participate in meaningful activities (job, internship, summer program, volunteer, travel, etc.)
       

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