Complete your EDU, Inc. Application to 36 Black Colleges for only $35!
High School Education Planning Guide
In addition to a strong academic plan, students should participate in school-based and non-school-based extracurricular activities throughout their education. Join the business, science or chess clubs. Try out for the cheerleading squad, basketball or debate teams. Run for class president. Work as a volunteer in a community or church-based organization. Any outside interests and activities you participate in while in high school will better prepare you for college and for life. College admissions directors look favorably upon students who demonstrate an interest and a willingness to have positive experiences and learn from activities outside the classroom.
The following section presents a year-by-year guide of recommended courses and planning activities that high school students should follow in preparation for enrolling and succeeding in college.
Freshman Year
Recommended Courses:
English
Algebra I
Earth Science/General Science
Civics
Spanish I
Elective
Planning Activities
Register with the DC-CAP advisor in your school.
Consult your guidance counselor
Familiarize yourself with school resources.
Outline academic courses for the next four years, ensuring the classes are college preparatory in nature.
Take the PSAT.
Sign up for extracurricular activities.
Explore interests and hobbies.
Take a career interest inventory.
Research and apply for Summer Enrichment Programs and jobs.
Sophmore Year
Recommended Courses:
English
Geometry
Biology
World History
Spanish II
Elective
Planning Activities
Register with the DC-CAP advisor at your school. Consult you guidance counselor
Sign up for extracurricular activities, including that involve community service.
Take the PSAT and PLAN.
Research and apply for Summer Enrichment Programs and jobs.
Take SAT1.
Start building a “recommendations file”.
Junior Year
Recommended Courses:
English
Algebra II/Trigonometry
Chemistry
U.S. History
Spanish III
Elective
Planning Activities
Fall Semester
Consult your guidance counselor.
Take the PSAT.
Sign up for SAT Prep courses.
Contact colleges to request catalogs, books and other materials.
Attend College Fair.
Spring Semester
Take the SAT and ACT.
Review college publications to refine your search.
Review admissions criteria to colleges.
Research private scholarship opportunities and resources.
Begin requesting applications from colleges/universities.
Collect recommendations from teachers or counselors.
Begin preparation of personal statement.
Participate in summer enrichment activities.
Senior Year
Recommended Courses:
English
Elementary Functions
Physics
U.S. Government
Spanish IV
Elective
Senior Planning Activities
September
Consult with your guidance counselor
Request applications for admissions from the colleges you have listed as possible choices
Register for SAT and ACT tests.
Create portfolio or file to organize admission and financial aid information.
October
Attend a college fair.
Check college catalogs for admission criteria and deadlines.
Visit colleges that interest you.
Determine if you want to apply for early admission.
Research private scholarship opportunities and resources.
Obtain application fee waivers from your counselors.
November
Obtain personal recommendations.
Complete and submit college admission applications.
Request High school transcript
December
Pick up a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at your high school.
Collect information needed to complete financial aid application packet.
January
Complete financial aid packet and mail in after January 1.
Secure, complete, and forward LEAP (Leveraged Education Assistance Program), and TAG (Tuition Assistance Grant Program) applications.
Ensure all scholarship applications are in process.
February
Receive Student Aid Report (SAR) from Federal Student Aid Programs. Make copies and send to all schools you have applied.
March
Follow up with colleges from which you have requested information.
If you have not applied to a four-year college, talk to your college advisor about community colleges.
April
Receive financial aid award letters from colleges and make comparisons among offers.
Return acceptance letters before deadlines.
Complete community college applications.
May
Send deposit to the college.
June – July
If you have a summer job, be sure to put aside savings for college.
SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse this product. ACT® is the registered trademark of ACT, Inc. EDU, Inc. has no affiliation with ACT, Inc., which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse this product. Test names and other trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with EDU, Inc. or this website.
EDU, Inc. Common Black College Application
