Preparing for College
Your future – thinking ahead in order to succeed
Life beyond high school is officially on the horizon. Whether you just started and are learning the ropes of the college search process or are further along, it’s important to stay organized and focused.
We’ve put together some key information you’ll find handy as you continue mapping out your future, and we encourage you to contact us with any questions or information you might need.
We want you to succeed!
First things first: What are you looking for?
Thinking about the energy of an urban campus? Have your heart set on a private school or specialized training? Or are you looking for a particular academic environment? When it comes to your next steps, there’s nearly no end to the choices available. It’s all about personal fit.
Set priorities
Create a list of all the things that matter to you in terms of your education. Be specific. Do you want to stay close to home? Do you want to earn a four-year degree? Do you want to live on campus? Your list will serve as a valuable tool when you begin looking at schools and colleges and studying the different programs and services they offer.
Know your resources
Visit different school websites. Read their publications. Attend events and talk to admissions representatives. Go to information sessions. There’s no substitute for first-hand research. Learn as much as you can about the top schools on your list and size them up based on your list of priorities.
Consult trusted advisors
Parents, siblings, friends, teachers, school counselors…these are all people who want the best for you. Make sure to include them in your search.
Talk to us and let us help you put Michigan on your list! Find the Admissions counselor for your high school at admissions.umich.edu/contact-us.
Year-by-Year Planning Guide
9th and 10 th Grades
Sharpen your organizational skills by developing a system to keep track of assignments, tests, events, and appointments. Time management and organization are key to succeeding in college.
Meet with your school counselor early and determine the courses that will best prepare you for college, even if you’re uncertain if college will be your next step. Map out a core curriculum that will allow you to meet college entrance requirements.
Take rigorous classes with accelerated, honors, or advanced sections when available. Make sure to balance your schedule by selecting classes that are also the right fit.
Volunteer and get involved with clubs that develop leadership skills. Colleges look for students with more than tests scores — they want to admit well-rounded individuals who show character.
Keep a log of your activities, awards, and accomplishments. When it’s time to apply, you’ll have all of this information in one place.
Start talking with your family about financing your education and create a financial plan together. Begin researching scholarships, grants, and affordability programs like U-M’s Go Blue Guarantee.
Check online with ACT and College Board (SAT) to find additional resources and practice tests. Khan Academy (khanacademy.org) also offers practice tests.
11th Grade
Continue challenging yourself with Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors classes whenever applicable and work with your counselor to ensure a good fit.
Start building your list of preferred schools. Check out their websites and publications to see if they align with your priorities and goals.
Attend a college fair and find out from your school counselor when representatives from the universities you’re interested in will be interacting with your school.
Find out which standardized tests are required, if any, by the schools you’re interested in. In the spring semester (or sooner), take the SAT or ACT if you are able to.
If possible, visit the colleges, universities, and schools that interest you in the spring and summer before your senior year. Many schools offer virtual tours and events, as well.
Considering a future in art or design? Start organizing a portfolio of your creative work, if you haven’t already.
12th Grade
Keep those grades up.
If applicable, request to share your SAT and/or ACT results with your schools of interest; while some schools require them, others give you the option to share.
Plan to apply to several schools and take note of their application deadlines. Apply to your “dream” school(s), but also apply to a few other schools on your list that meet your qualifications.
Complete and submit your applications as early as possible. Include all the materials that are requested. (Application fee waivers are available for those students who are unable to pay. Contact the U-M Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 734-764-7433 for more information.)
If applicable, submit your financial aid applications as early as possible. At U-M, applicants who submit their financial aid applications early, and are admitted, will receive a preliminary aid package as soon as it is available. (See dates and deadlines at myumi.ch/792b3)
• Submit the FAFSA to be considered for all federal grants, loans, and Work-Study. Use UM-Ann Arbor’s Federal School Code 002325.
• Submit the CSS Profile for consideration of all grants (money that does not have to be repaid) from the University of Michigan. Use U-M’s School Code 1839.
U-M was rated as a five-star Best College for quality, affordability, and student outcomes by Money.com.
Read more about the value of a U-M degree, with our strong graduation rate, earning potential, and alumni network:
» admissions.umich.edu/value
U-M Students Graduate
Grads
$41,800 Median earnings of H.S. grads, 2012-2022 (Full-time, year-round workers, ages 25-34; NCES)
