April College Planning Checklist

Start Planning Courses For Next Year, Seniors Send Enrollment Deposits By May 1 The spring semester is flying by, and pretty soon students across the country will be closing out their academic years and enjoying some much-needed time off this summer. Even though there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, there’s still plenty more that students need to be doing this month to prepare for summer, next semester, and the college admissions process. Here’s what students need to do this April to stay on track: Freshmen Meet with your counselor this month to discuss planning a challenging Sophomore year course load. Have you decided how to productively spend your summer, yet? If not, brainstorm some ideas with your counselor. Want to learn more about a subject you’re interested in? Consider expanding your outside reading list. Haven’t found a club you’re in love with yet? Create your own. Sophomores Look for opportunities to deepen your involvement in your extracurricular activities. Take a leadership position within a club or organization. Now is the time to begin seriously preparing for the ACT or SAT. Develop a test-prep strategy with your counselor or tutor and begin exploring test prep resources. Start planning a challenging Junior year course load. Juniors If you’re taking the ACT April 12, be sure to brush up on problems in the days leading up to the test. Get a good night’s sleep the day before and relax! You’ll do great. Continue researching schools and building your balanced college list. If you’re going on college visits this month, be sure to come prepared and ask good questions. Start planning a challenging Senior year course load. Seniors Don’t forget to send in your enrollment deposits by May 1! If you’re still not sure where to enroll, plan a visit or attend an admitted students weekend before May 1. Fight off senioritis! If you were waitlisted, be sure to rethink your options and follow these steps if you choose to stay on the waitlist. What do you plan to do this month to stay on track for a successful school year and prepare for the college admissions process? Tell us in the comments below!