Middle School
- Take English, Science and Algebra I.
- Take a World Language in addition to English.
Helpful Tips
- Challenge yourself and take courses that will prepare you for college.
- Research careers and complete a career inventory.
- Read! Read! Read!
- Involve your parents, especially on parent conference nights.
- Get involved with school activities and community service.
- Keep track of your awards and achievements.
- Review the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADARs).
- Visit a college with the Educational Talent Search program.
High School
9th Grade
- Make sure you are on track to meet the CADARs.
- Take Algebra I, Or Geometry, college-prep English, World Language, and a Social Science course.
Helpful Tips
- Meet with your counselor and let them know you want to take a rigorous curriculum that goes beyond the minimum requirements.
- Get involved in activities at your school (sports, clubs) and in your community.
- Aim for A’s in all your classes.
- Research careers and college programs that interest you.
- Keep track of your awards and achievements. This will be helpful when you create your resume and apply to college.
10th Grade
- Take Geometry, or Algebra II.
- Take college-prep English, Biology and Art.
- Take classes from the CADR course list (Social Sciences, World Languages, Performing Arts, and Academic Elective).
- Sign up and take the PSAT.
Helpful Tips
- Meet with your academic counselor.
- Explore ways to earn college credit while in high school: Research “Running Start,” Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Visit apcentral.collegeboard.com and ibo.org.
- Stay involved in your school and in your community.
- Learn what the colleges you are interested in are looking for.
- Sign up for a college campus visit with your ETS counselor.
11th Grade
- Take Algebra II, or an advanced math course (e.g. Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus), Chemistry, and college-prep English.
- Register for AP exams.
- Take the SAT and, or ACT. Make sure you research the registration deadlines, exam dates, list your intended colleges as test score recipients, and take Free practice exams on both the SAT and, or ACT websites.
Helpful Tips
- Meet with your counselor and revisit the CADR courses you still need to take for college admissions.
- Ask your ETS counselor about fee waivers for the SAT, and or ACT.
- Calculate your Grade Point Average and continue to aim for A’s.
- Stay involved in school and in your community.
- Visit the Admissions websites of four year and community colleges you are interested in and research requirements, deadlines, and academic programs.
- Look for scholarships and complete the FAFSA Forecaster.
- Sign up for a college campus visit with your ETS counselor.
12th Grade
- Meet with your counselor and make sure you take all your final CADR course requirements – and more!
- Take college-prep English and Senior Year Math-Based Quantitative Course.
- Meet with your ETS counselor for assistance in completing your college applications and to review your personal statement.
- Retaking you’re the SAT or ACT? Make sure to take it by December. Remember to list the colleges you are applying to as score recipients.
- Register for AP exams and list the colleges you are applying to as score recipients.
- Submit the FAFSA by February 1st. Visit fafsa.ed.gov.
- Complete the ETS Senior Survey with your ETS counselor.
Helpful Tips
- Apply for scholarships.
- Stay involved in school and in your community.
- Commit to a four year, or community college.
- Enroll in summer new student orientation.