Skip to main content
x

How to prepare for college

Smiling graduates of Pacific University

 

It’s a plan! No matter what grade you’re in, you can get ready for your future.

College preparation timeline

Getting ready for college starts now. Here's an overview of what you should be doing in each grade.

Your college preparation checklist

Here's what you need to do to get ready for college.

 ACHIEVE

Build good habits now that will help you be successful.

  • Go to all your classes and turn in all assignments.
  • Discover how you learn best and adopt strategies to support your preferences. Learn how to take notes, make outlines, and do research.
  • Find a system that works for you to keep track of class material, assignments and deadlines.
  • Determine the place that you study best (at home or at the library, for example). Practice good study habits.
  • Ask for help from your teachers, parents, counselors, tutors, or friends. Use online resources like Khan Academy.

 

Take a full schedule of classes, including ones that are interesting, challenging, or ideally, both. Colleges would rather see respectable grades in challenging courses than amazing grades in easy classes.

  • Take challenging classes, including those that may offer college credit.
  • Take as much math as possible, especially if you are interested in STEM fields. Math helps you learn new ways to think and solve problems.
  • Take a foreign/world language. Public universities in Oregon require at least two years of the same language.
  • Take as many classes as your schedule allows. Explore new interests with electives including career and technical education (CTE) courses.
  • JUNIOR FALL: Take the PSAT/NSMQT to qualify for scholarships.
  • JUNIOR FALL: Take free practice tests and learn helpful tips for the SAT or ACT.
  • JUNIOR SPRING: Sign up for and take the SAT or ACT.
  • SENIOR FALL: Sign up for and take the SAT or ACT if you haven’t yet or want to re-take it.

 ENGAGE

Although not required, colleges like to see how you are involved in your school and community.

  • Participate in school and community activities. Try something new! You may spend your time in sports, school clubs, volunteer work, part-time jobs, and/or family responsibilities.
  • Quality is better than quantity. Colleges like to see you do the same activity for many years and/or take on a leadership role.

Who you hang out with matters!

  • Choose friends that share positive goals and interests.
  • Find a mentor – a parent, teacher, counselor, coach, other trusted adult or older student that you can talk to. Talk about your future dreams and plans with them.
  • Be a role model and mentor for younger students.
  • Take care of your physical and mental health. Exercise, eat healthy, and get enough sleep.
  • Be safe online and on your phone.
  • Avoid risky behaviors like drinking, doing drugs, and having sex.
  • Be kind; treat others with respect.

  EXPLORE

You can go to college. There are countless possibilities when it comes to both college and career.

  • Explore careers that match your interests. Learn what type of education you will need to be successful.
  • Get to know the different types of colleges. Take a virtual tour or if possible, visit a college campus. Go with your family, on a school field trip, or attend a summer program. You can also meet with admissions representatives online, at your high school, or during a college fair.
  • Think about what is most important to you in a college. Create a list of 5-10 colleges that match your needs.

Knowing how to get to college can be confusing.

  • Use Oregon Goes To College’s checklists and templates to stay organized.
  • Create a file of important documents and list of activities. Include copies of report cards and lists of awards and honors.
  • Create and use a professional e-mail for all college-related activities.
  • Connect with a counselor, teacher, mentor, or other program in your school or community.

  MAKE YOUR PLAN

Stay organized with our Google Docs worksheets

12th grade students: Make a copy and fill out the worksheet templates with the information you will need to apply, pay, and go to college.