Road Map to College

Earn good grades in all your classes. 

Improve your English skills. Read interesting books, magazines and newspapers. Keep a journal and write daily. Speak English with your friends even if they speak your native language. 

Get involved in extracurricular activities. 

Create a personal file with items such as:

• Copy of report card. 

•  Certificates presented to you. 

• Awards and Honors you receive. 

• List of extracurricular activities and volunteer work in which you participate, including length of service.

• Summer: Volunteer, work or do a meaningful activity.

Keep grades up. 

Take the PSAT 

Think about joining two or three activities after school. Colleges are looking for a commitment to and passion for an activity outside of the academic setting. 

Do volunteer to something that interest you. 

If you feel ready, Take an SAT II subject test. 

Update your personal file with materials and information at the end of each semester. 

Summer: Join a summer program, do volunteer work or pursue and internship in an area of interest. 

Maintain a strong academic average. Very important!!! 

Continue with your extracurricular activities and volunteer service. (Try for leadership positions). 

Attend college fairs. 

Ask your teacher about their college experience and what college they attend. 

Meet with your counselor to discuss college plans. Develop an initial list of 10-15 colleges you may be interested in applying. 

Read major and careers. 

Take the SAT I in May. 

Take SAT Subject Test in June. Pick two subjects in which you feel you will excel in. 

Pass the English Regents. 

Take the TOEFL exam if you feel that your SAT score is too low. 

Summer: Continue with your volunteer work, attend a college summer program for high school students or get a job or internship 

Follow your 12th Grade Checklist. 

Your grades will continue to count this year. Work hard! 

Meet with your counselor to finalize your college list. 

November is your last chance to take SAT I. 

Continue with your extracurricular activities and volunteer work. 

Meet with college representative and make college visits. 

Schedule campus or alumni interviews. 

Finish college applications by you counselor’s deadline. 

File for financial aid after January 1st. 

You will receive college decision letter by April 15th and deposits are due May 1st.