Preparing for college is not a sprint — it’s a marathon that starts earlier than many students realise. With competition rising and admissions becoming more holistic, laying a strong foundation during each year of high school is more critical than ever. This guide breaks down what students should do from freshman through senior year to stay on track for college success.
Freshman Year: Build Your Foundation
Your ninth-grade year is about exploration and habit formation. Start by getting familiar with the academic environment and identifying the skills you need to succeed.
Focus on developing strong study habits, time management, and organisational skills. This is also the time to try new extracurricular activities to discover your interests. Whether it’s drama club, robotics, or community volunteering, consistency in involvement will matter later.
Establish relationships with your guidance counsellor and teachers. They’ll be important allies in helping you navigate high school and can provide early mentorship. Start a digital file where you record all achievements—this will come in handy later.
Explore future career options through job shadowing or online courses. Sites like the Occupational Outlook Handbook offer useful insights into career outlooks, salary expectations, and required education levels. You don’t need to choose a career now, but having awareness helps you select meaningful electives and activities.
Also, begin understanding what colleges look for in applicants. Research general admission criteria and consider taking virtual tours of campuses. Spark your curiosity now so you’re not overwhelmed later.
Don’t overlook reading and writing. Developing strong language skills improves your ability to write application essays and understand college-level texts. You can strengthen these skills by reading widely and engaging with different types of content, including biographies, articles, and essays.
And finally, take a look at early college prep strategies for high school freshmen to help you align your goals with your academic journey from the start.
Sophomore Year: Strengthen and Expand
Tenth grade is the time to deepen your commitment to academics and extracurriculars. Start by challenging yourself with higher-level courses, such as honours or AP classes, if available. Colleges will look at your course rigour in addition to your GPA.
Continue participating in clubs and organisations, but now aim for leadership or expanded involvement. Consider summer enrichment programs or internships that provide hands-on experience in a field you’re interested in.
This is also the ideal year to begin preparing for standardised tests. Take the PSAT if offered—it’s not just a test run for the SAT, but it can also qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Start researching colleges more actively. What types of schools match your learning style, social preferences, and career goals? Keep a running list of schools you might be interested in, and track their admission requirements.
Consider meeting with your counsellor to ensure you’re on track for graduation and college eligibility. Begin exploring scholarship databases like Fastweb, which can help you discover financial aid opportunities early.
Also, don’t forget to look into dual enrolment or concurrent credit courses. These options allow you to earn college credit while still in high school, demonstrating initiative and saving time later.
Junior Year: Focus and Plan
Eleventh grade is often the most critical year in college prep. Your grades from this year will likely be the last full set colleges see before applications are due.
Sign up for the SAT or ACT, and consider retaking the test if needed. Use online prep tools or tutoring to boost your scores. Continue participating in extracurriculars, aiming to showcase leadership, commitment, and achievement.
Start drafting your personal statement or college essay. It’s never too early to brainstorm topics and write a few versions. Reflect on personal growth, challenges, and meaningful experiences that shaped your journey.
Visit college campuses — virtually or in person—to get a sense of campus culture and fit. Attend college fairs, admissions webinars, and Q&A sessions with current students.
Ask for teacher recommendations before the end of the year. Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your growth, character, and contributions in class.
Start building your college list based on academic fit, campus culture, cost, and other key factors. Make note of deadlines and essay requirements.
Explore summer pre-college programs or research opportunities at nearby universities. These can provide a taste of college life while enriching your resume.
Senior Year: Execute and Reflect
Twelfth grade is all about applying and finalising your plans. Begin by finalising your college list and preparing application materials. Use a spreadsheet or tracking tool to manage deadlines, fees, and required documents.
Submit applications early if applying for early decision or early action. Keep your grades up—colleges can revoke acceptances based on a poor final transcript.
Work on your FAFSA and other financial aid applications as soon as they become available. Apply for scholarships throughout the year. Keep using tools like Fastweb or your school’s scholarship database to find opportunities.
Once you begin receiving acceptance letters, compare financial aid packages and other important details to make your decision. Talk to current students, visit campuses, and trust your instincts about where you’ll thrive.
Notify your chosen school and send your final transcript. Then, take time to celebrate your accomplishments—you’ve earned it.
Preparing for college doesn’t start in senior year — it starts with every decision you make from freshman year forward. By understanding what steps to take during each year of high school, you’ll stay ahead of deadlines and feel more confident about your choices.
The journey may feel long, but each phase builds on the last. Whether you’re reading new books, leading a club, or figuring out how your passions align with careers, you’re shaping a story colleges want to hear. Stick to the timeline, stay curious, and trust that preparation pays off.
