Next Steps

Here are some other things to consider for each grade in partnership with my colleague Ethan Sawyer, College Essay Guy: 

9th-graders

• Learning How to Learn + The Science of Well Being: These free Coursera courses will help you understand how your brain works and what you can do to optimize your productivity and happiness.

10th-graders

• Learning How to Learn + The Science of Well Being: These free Coursera courses will help you understand how your brain works and what you can do to optimize your productivity and happiness.

• Explore colleges with 800+ lists: Curious about what colleges have to offer? Use this fun online, searchable database from CollegeXpress, which covers everything from academic environments to school spirit.

• Social media cleanup: This is a good time to clean up your social media profiles. If you have any questionable photos or language, delete them now before you start your college search in earnest.

11th-graders

• How to complete the Common Application, section by section:  Schooling Doula AXS Companion by Topic, With Videos

• Things Students of Color Should Know When Applying to College: Listen to this solid advice spanning the college search, financial aid, and how to advocate for yourself in the process.

• Tips for Planning a College Visit: Make a plan to visit a couple schools based on your college research, if you’re able. If getting to the campuses isn’t possible, learn as much as you can online via virtual information sessions.

• Get organized and kick off your application process: Research the admission requirements and deadlines for schools on your list, and create a spreadsheet to organize information.  

• How to write a successful Common App Activities List/How to write a college resume: Learn more about these pieces of the application process.

• How to use the Common App Additional Information Section: Find out why this optional section can be one of the most important aspects of your application. And think about whether you want to answer the optional COVID related question.

• If you’ve excelled academically despite financial challenges, consider applying to QuestBridge or the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program, and check in with your counselor on the Posse Foundation nomination process. 

• Create a spreadsheet of all usernames and passwords: Keep important login information here for college applications, applicant portals, and scholarships.

• SAT Study Group: Consider starting a study group to prepare for your upcoming exams. Even if you’re applying to test-optional schools, you might want a test score for scholarship eligibility.

12th-graders

• Study tips in college (from MIT): You’ll soon be sitting in your first college class, so take the time to read up on some suggestions on time management, testing, and study skills.

• Get familiar with college lingo: College brings a ton of new vocabulary, so keep this glossary handy while you navigate registration, housing, and student services.

• The Shovel Study Planner: Get ready for college with this simple, low-cost app for building an effective study plan and developing strong study skills.