Countdown TO COLLEGE
An interactive, step-by-step guide to finding your future.
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8TH GRADE
The more clearly you understand what matters most to you, the better prepared you will be to make meaningful college and career choices. From personality traits and interests to skills and experiences, taking a look at all of the elements of you can be a gamechanger.
Grab your notebook and pen, phone or laptop and spend some time thinking about what makes you you.
1. What do you love to do?
2. What subjects or topics interest you?
3. How would you describe yourself in five words?
4. What is something you would like to get better at doing?
5. What is a challenge you faced and overcame?
6. What do you wish people knew about you?
10TH GRADE
College is all about finding the right match—you want to appeal to the schools that appeal to you. Your sophomore year is the ideal time to explore which colleges interest you and how you can stand out to them. This chart can help!
9TH GRADE
Freshman year is the perfect time to prioritize your class schedule, study skills and extracurricular activities.
This four-step freshman-year checklist will help you build habits that will serve you for years to come.
Meet with your school counselor to discuss the ideal class schedule for your college plans
Purchase a planner and regularly update it with due dates, tests and projects
Block off study sessions on your calendar and stick to them
Participate in extracurriculars such as athletics, student government or band
Talk to your school counselor about taking the PSAT and PreACT tests, as well as study guides and prep classes for the ACT and SAT
Whether you’re entering your junior year proud of your past or worried about your future, the time is now to believe that you can move mountains. It’s not too late to improve your grades or try something new. Colleges aren’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for students committed to growth
This mini-bingo card will help you take positive steps toward the future of your dreams. Make it a goal to knock out every box this year!
11TH GRADE 12TH GRADE Fill Out College Applications
High school graduation is just around the corner! The year before you walk the stage is a special and important time to focus on your dreams. Now is the time if you haven’t completed your junior year bingo card
From there, it’s all about finishing strong and finding your fit. Fill in the progress bar for each category as you get closer to your goals
Enroll in an AP or dual credit course
Tour a college or university
Ask a college three questions via email or DM
Attend a college fair Set and reach a goal in class
Take the SAT and ACT
Meet with your counselor & talk next steps
Talk to an alumni of a school that interests you Refine and rank your list of college options
