Prom is over, the summer is beginning. It's time to relax and get ready for the move to College. You've taken all your entrance exams, sent off your applications, got accepted to your first choice, and now the fun begins!

At least that's how every high school senior hopes their final year in High School goes. But, for many, it means last minute cramming and hoping that it all works out. 

At LA College Counseling, we know the College Countdown starts way before Senior Year and we're here to help you . . . .

Click on your year below to find out what you need to do!

Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year

Freshman Year

  • Create a four year plan by mapping out the sequence of your classes for through your senior year
  • Take challenging classes and study hard to get the best possible grades
  • Pursue extra-curricular activities in and outside of school. Focusing on a few activities is better than spreading yourself too thin
  • Make a financial plan regarding how to finance college costs
  • Keep an academic portfolio of papers and projects
  • Keep a record of your extra-curricular activities
  • Work on developing your vocabulary through reading and using one of the free web sites such as freerice.com
  • During the summer pursue academic or extracurricular interests by attending a camp, working, or volunteering

 

Sophomore Year

  • Take the PSAT in October
  • Evaluate December PSAT score report and how it relates to future SAT scores
  • Continue to pursue extra-curricular activities in and outside of school. Think about how you can take on additional responsibilities within your activities that include leadership experiences.
  • Start to think about college majors and potential careers. Take interest assessments, personality tests, and explore majors that relate to the results.
  • Register and take any SAT II subject tests that relate to courses taken during your sophomore year
  • Be thoughtful about choosing your classes for junior year. Continue to challenge yourself and take at least five solid academic classes per semester.
  • Plan summer activities that will further develop your interests whether academic or otherwise.
  • Visit a college or two in your local area, one private, one public of varying sizes and locations
  • Develop your standardized test plan for junior and senior year
  • Stay organized! Make a notebook to keep all your college information. Keep a file box with printed material from colleges. Organize your emails from each college.
  • Consider a summer internship in an area that relates to a major you are thinking about

 

Junior Year

 
  • Consider test prep for the PSAT if you have the potential to be a National Merit Scholar. If you do prep for the PSAT, sign up for the October SAT as well.
  • Take the October PSAT. Take the PLAN as well if offered at your school.
  • Keep a journal of your experiences and potential essay ideas.
  • Add to your academic portfolio by saving papers and projects.
  • Continue with your chosen extra-curricular activities developing leadership skills.
  • Develop a preliminary college list including “likely”, “50/50”, and “reasonable challenge” schools.
  • Attend a college fair in your area speaking to college admissions officers at colleges on your list
  • Visit colleges and set up interviews when possible. Remember to follow up with personal emails thanking the college representative.
  • Begin prep for the SAT or ACT approximately two months prior to your test date.
  • Take the SAT and ACT in the spring of your junior year. Select two or more subject tests to take in May or June.
  • Decide which two teachers you will ask to write your teacher recommendations
  • Make plan for your summer; an internship, job, community service, or program
  • Keep all your college information well organized

 

 

 

Countdown to the UC Application
   



Our comprehensive college-planning program includes:

  • College Readiness
  • Self-Discovery
  • College Search
  • Application Assistance/Essay Work
  • Information on how to pay for college
  • Assessing college choices
  • Transition to College
 
Test Prep Center
PSAT
SAT
ACT
Subject Tests
Eprep online test prep		 eprep





Summer following Junior Year

  • Prep for your final SAT or ACT test
  • Work on your personal statement for the UC application, and your essay for the common application
  • Begin filling in the information in the common application
  • Make a decision whether you are prepared to apply early decision or early action to any of your colleges on your list.
  • Review your time line for all application submissions
  • Discuss college options and costs with your parents
  • Submit scholarship applications
  • If you are male, when you turn eighteen, register with the US selective service

 



Senior Year

 

  • Prep for and take your final ACT test in September or the SAT in October.
  • Do your very best in each and every class!
  • Order your transcript and check for accuracy.
  • Determine if interviews are required or needed and schedule them as early as possible.
  • Ask your teachers if they can write an excellent teacher recommendation for you.
  • Visual and Performing Arts students prepare additional materials and schedule auditions.
  • After October 1st submit your Cal State applications
  • After November 1st submit your UC applications
  • Prepare the CSS profile in the fall
  • Register for your pin number for the FAFSA
  • ROTC scholarship application is due in December
  • Submit any early decision, early action, or priority applications by their deadlines
  • Submit the CSS profile to private colleges
  • Submit your test scores appropriate to all your colleges.
  • Send in all applications
  • Confirm that applications are complete
  • Complete and submit FAFSA after January 1st and apply for state financial aid
  • Send in mid-year grade reports
  • Send in deposit to one college by May 1st
  • Plan to visit colleges where accepted
  • Maintain good grades and good behavior through the end of the year.