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College Readiness Timeline
This guide walks you through the college application process, from exploring what you want from higher education, to finding the funding to pay for it. Though college planning will look a little different for everyone, this guide will help you stay on track each year of high school. Most information is from Philadelphia Future's Step up to College Guide - see the full guide here. For more help, check out https://phillygoes2college.org/or this popular college blog. Also-check out Get Schooled for text help and college essay or resume feedback from trained advisors!
12th grade
It's finally time to apply to college! Applying may seem scary, but once you're done you can sit back and enjoy your last year at Saul. And don't forget, your counselor, teachers, and mentors are here to help. Here are your final steps before the finish line:
Decide where to apply
-Keep touring colleges on your list
-Talk to admissions, students, and professors from colleges to learn what it's like to attend
Write your college essay(s)
Ask for recommendation letters at least one month before the deadline, two is even better
Submit your application!
Complete the FAFSA
Keep applying for scholarships
Track your applications and follow up
When you receive your financial aid packages, make sure you understand what's being offered
Congratulations, you're in! Make your decision and get ready for the next step in your life
11th grade
Half way there! It's no lie, junior year is a busy one. But there are lots of resources and support at Saul, in the community, and online to help you take those next steps towards college. Here are the highlights, but check out this comprehensive month by month guide.
Seek leadership positions in extracurriculars
Visit colleges: Most colleges have virtual tours, and some allow in person. Register on your own on college websites
Start thinking about which teachers to ask for your recommendation letters: It's best to ask a teacher from your junior year, so build those relationships now!
Narrow down your "interested" list to an "apply to" list
Decide if you should take the ACT or SAT (regular and subject tests)
-Register for testing- SAT, ACT
-Study to raise your score
Talk to your family about how to pay for college
-Look for scholarships based on your interests, background, and goals
Start your college essay
Get a job, internship, or volunteer position over the summer. Colleges look for this!
10th grade
One year of high school down. You picked your major, you know your way around campus, and you mastered the block schedule. Now it's time to think more seriously about college. Start learning about different possibilities post-high school, noticing where you shine, and thinking about how to cover tuition.
Attend extracurriculars activities regularly, and think about volunteering
Explore college majors - Use the Reading Major Profiles guide to find ones that are right for you
Explore colleges and add ones that interest you to your list on Naviance. Start asking questions about what you need to get into the schools and programs you like.
Learn about what careers fit your personality type: Complete "Do What You Are" in Advisory
Explore local colleges: Take a walk around CCP, Temple, Penn and Drexel with friends or family. What do you think?
Start saving! Get a summer job or internship
9th grade
You just got to high school, and college seems far off in the future. You haven't even picked your Saul major yet! Even though it may feel like a long time from now, it's not too early to start thinking about what you want to do after Saul. Here are some simple ways to get started thinking about your options: