Recommended College and Career Preparation Schedule

GRADE 9

September – June

• Build strong academic skills by taking challenging core subject courses
• Study hard!
• Increase the quantity and quality of your reading.
• Join sports teams, arts groups and other extracurricular activities.
• Pick one college/university and learn what it takes to be accepted.
• See the college counselor regarding National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requirements regarding sport scholarship information. www2.ncaa.org
• Research a career path.
• Obtain work permit application from the college counselor.

June-August                          

• Read books of choice to increase reading comprehension.

GRADE 10

September-November          

• Meet with appropriate visiting college representatives and military recruiters.
• Register for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). Please visit www.collegeboard.com for additional information. 

October                                  

• Take the PSAT.

December                              

• Receive PSAT results. Discuss scores with the college counselor and your family.

January                                  

• Review grades with parents and your advisor. Assess whether or not you are working up to your full potential.

February        

• Consider becoming a volunteer in the community. Please see your advisor for additional information.

March                                    

• Research a college, university or career.
• Devise summer plan (PSAT/SAT class, job, volunteer).

April                                       

• Register for The SAT II: Subject Tests. Please visit www.collegeboard.com to register online or for additional information. 

May                                       

• Attend Career Day.

June -August 

• Take SAT II

• Read a variety of books to develop critical reading skills.

GRADE 11

September-November          

• Meet with appropriate college representatives.

September-May                    

• Participate in AKFCS-sponsored college trips.

October                                  

• Take the PSAT.
• Attend local New England Association for College Admissions Counseling College Fair at Assumption College, Sunday October 3, 2004, 1:00-4:00 p.m. www.assumption.edu
• Attend Boston Visual and Performing Arts College Fair at  Boston University,  Tuesday, October 19, 2004 7:00 -9:00 p.m. www.bu.edu/visit

November-June                    

• Register for and take appropriate junior year SAT I and II.
• Attend Abby Kelley Foster Charter School Financial Aid Night.

December                              

• Research financial aid options.
• Receive PSAT results. Discuss scores with college counselor and your family.

January-February                 

• Schedule and complete family meeting with college counselor to determine college and/or career options.

March                                    

• Devise summer plan, making sure to include time for college visits and planning.

April                                       

• Consider visiting colleges and universities during spring vacation.

May                                       

• Attend Career Day.
• Contact colleges and universities for admissions, application and financial information.

June                                       

• Take the SAT II

June-August

• Read books of your choice to prepare for college interviews and essay.

            Visit colleges and universities of interest.

• Begin working on college essays.

GRADE 12

June-September                    

• Obtain admissions applications.
• Visit colleges with family and friends.
• Begin working on applications, especially essays.
• Keep a copy of all applications, tests score reports, and financial aid forms

September                             

• Establish admissions and financial aid deadlines.
• Students applying to in-state colleges and universities should be completing their application (given rolling admissions, scholarship deadlines, and housing priorities.)
• Register for senior year SAT I
• Determine your choices for teacher recommendations.
• Plan college visits for the fall.

September-November          

• Meet with visiting college representatives and military recruiters.
• Begin applying to all colleges and universities.

September-May                    

• Participate in AKFCS-sponsored college trips. Yes, it would be local.

October                                  

• Attend Boston Visual and Performing Arts Fair.
• Attend local NEACAC College Fair.
• Order test scores sent to colleges

November                              

• Attend Abby Kelley Foster Financial Aid Night.
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA) applications are now available. www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Check with your college or university, or the college counselor, about College Scholarship Service (CSS) financial aid profile and college-specific forms. For additional information regarding financial aid visit www.finaid.org

January - May                      

• Keep focused on academics, as final grades will be sent to your college.           
• Parents: Complete your taxes early, so you have the appropriate information to complete the financial aid process, starting with the FAFSA.
• At the end of the first semester, submit transcript request form to the college counselor.

June                                       

• Take SAT II

MA State College Admissions [PDF]

College Essay Writing Tips [PDF]