Plan Ahead With a College Search Checklist

FRESHMAN YEAR

It's important to remember as you enter high school that this is not just a four-year audition for college. Still, for anyone planning to go to college, it will help to know what will be important to colleges three (short!) years from now.

The philosopher Aristotle observed that excellence is not an act but a habit. Your grades reflect what you do day after day and month after month. Take your studies seriously. And remember that colleges like people who are successful, whether as students, athletes, musicians, or community volunteers. Most colleges also like test scores but, by and large, that is not a big deal for another year or so.

[Read more about a college search timeline.]

Grades:

—Grades are important in ninth grade, as they will contribute to your overall GPA. So is academic rigor. Seek advice from someone you trust when choosing your classes.

—Writing will be central to nearly every class in high school and college. If you don't write as well as you think or speak, work at it.

—How many times have you groaned over a bad essay grade, then stuffed it into a binder without another thought? Stop! Accept that C as constructive criticism, really read your teacher's comments, and seek advice on doing better.

Scores:

—If your school offers an ERB (a skills and knowledge test) or the PSAT in the ninth grade, use these scores to identify academic strengths and weaknesses. Don't worry about preparing for these tests, but do talk with a parent or guidance counselor to better understand any underperformance and get extra academic support in areas where you were weaker.

—Read voraciously (look that word up if you don't know it)—books, newspapers, magazines, blogs, whatever. As with any skill, you can't improve without practice, and strength with words is key to success.

Activities:

—Get involved. Not only are you developing talents and interests that will catch a college's eye, but school is more fun when you have activities to look forward to.

—When planning for summer, don't think "no more pencils, no more books..." Find programs that build on favorite subjects, extracurricular activities, or hobbies.

Legwork:

—Establish good sleeping habits and stick with them. Studies show that well-rested students complete academic tasks better and in less time than those who are tired, meaning you'll have more time for the things you enjoy doing—like sleeping!

—Talk to your parents about the family budget. Is there a plan for college?

—It's not too soon to look into requirements for honors or scholarship programs at colleges. Your freshman year could affect your candidacy.

—Are you a good athlete? If so, learn about the NCAA Clearinghouse requirements if you plan to pursue athletics in college.

[Start researching how to pay for college.]

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Now that the dust has settled, begin thinking about scores and continue to focus on grades. While you might not be required to take the PSAT or PLAN this year, any test taken seriously can help you gauge strengths and weaknesses.

Grades:

—While registering for 10th-grade courses, also check out your options for 11th grade. Take note of classes you are very likely to excel at or are interested in and whether they have prerequisites. If so, sign up for them now.

—Watch out for academic overload. You want the best grades you can get, but you also want to stay sane.

—Work on study skills and writing. You are still exploring how you learn best.

Scores:

—You will get info in September from your counselor about the PSAT. You don't have to take the test in 10th grade, but it's not a bad idea as a diagnostic tool.

—Consider taking an SAT subject test at the end of 10th grade. You don't have to take one at this point, but if you are enrolled in an AP or honors course now and have the information fresh in your mind, the timing may be good. The College Board, the firm behind the test, also makes practice versions. Take one.