Grade 8

• do your best in Regents courses because they will appear on your HS transcript that gets sent to colleges

• meet with your counselor about the transition to HS

Grade 9

• welcome to HS! Start strong academically: every grade counts toward your Grade Point Average.
• don't fall behind academically: HS moves faster than middle school. You'll need more self-discipline and better time management.
• get involved in activities like sports, arts, community service, or social events to meet others with similar interests
• meet with your counselor to discuss course selection for sophomore year and college/career plans

Grade 10

• take the most rigorous courses that are appropriate for you. Keep your grades up.
• stay involved in a variety of activities
• meet with your counselor to discuss course selection for junior year and college/career plans

 Grade 11

• keep your grades up while taking challenging courses
• plan to attend the Financial Aid night with your parents (summer/fall)
• attend the WNY College Consortium at school in October
• take the PSAT/NMSQT in October
• meet with your counselor when PSAT scores arrive in December
• create a College Board account and link your scores to Khan Academy for free test prep
• take free full-length practice tests available for SAT or ACT. Time yourself through each test and check your answers
• consider signing up for a test prep course
• consider what you are looking for in a college: major? location - local or out of town? size - small, medium, large? setting- urban, suburban, rural? price?
• plan senior year course selection
• register to take a spring ACT and/or SAT
• plan to attend the National College Fair at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center in March
• prospective college student athletes (Division 1 or 2) should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
• create a resume to list your qualifications (academics, awards, athletics, activities, service, employment, etc.)
• meet with your counselor to discuss college plans and which application system to use, review grades and test scores to identify realistic options
• create your account on Common Application (if that is the application system you are using)
• visit campuses with your parents
• apply for summer employment, community service, camps, or pre-college programs
• finish strong to maximize your cumulative three-year average

Summer

• AP scores arrive in July
• continue visiting campuses with your parents
• continue working on your section 1 of Common App; start section 2 after August 1^st
• register to retake fall ACT and/or SAT
• consider taking a test prep class
• be aware of application deadlines for your colleges

Grade 12

• meet with college representatives in your school's counseling office
• attend financial aid night with your parents (summer/fall)
• attend the WNY College Consortium at school in October
• sign up for fall college fairs and campus open house events
• ask teachers for letters of recommendation; email your counselor and teachers through your Common App
• if not using Common App, contact your counselor to request official transcripts
• update your resume; use it to facilitate completion of your college applications, be sure to meet all deadlines
• with your parents, submit FAFSA beginning October 1st. Submit CSS Profile if necessary
• create account on scholarship search sites; apply for local scholarships
• meet with your counselor in the fall for your senior status meeting
• continue to meet with your counselor as needed throughout the process
• review all acceptance and award packages with your family, ask your counselor for assistance if necessary
• National Candidates' Reply Date is May 1. Pay one deposit; thank other schools that accepted you.
• formally accept your financial aid offer and complete other campus-specific aid documents
• finish strong academically: colleges will see your final transcript
• stay in touch with your college to meet their deadlines regarding: admissions, financial aid, housing, meal plans, parking, health, academic advising, athletics, and orientation
• Congratulations!