Step by step, you can help your child make informed decisions about his or her education, do well academically, learn about colleges, and find the best possible opportunities for a college education.
Following are two checklists that are designed to help you and your child, year by year, progress toward preparing for college -- both academically and financially. The first list speaks directly to your child, although he or she may need your help. The second list speaks directly to you.
College Preparation Checklist for Students
Pre-High School:
Take challenging classes in English, mathematics, science, history, geography, the arts, and a foreign language.
Develop strong study skills.
Start thinking about which high school classes will best prepare you for college.
If you have an opportunity to choose among high schools or among different programs within one high school, investigate the options and determine which ones will help you-
further your academic and career interests and
open doors to many future options.
Start saving for college if you haven't already.
Investigate different ways to save money - buying a U.S. Savings Bond or opening a savings account in a bank, investing in mutual funds, etc.
Find a mentor who will support your positive goals and help you with questions about plans for your future.
High School:

9th Grade
Take challenging classes in English, mathematics, science, history, geography, a foreign language, government, civics, economics, and the arts.
Get to know your career counselor or guidance counselor, and other college resources available in your school.
Talk to adults in a variety of professions to determine what they like and dislike about their jobs and what kind of education is needed for each kind of job.
Continue to save for college.

10th Grade
Take challenging courses in English, mathematics, science, history, geography, a foreign language, government, civics, economics, and the arts.
Continue to talk to adults in a variety of professions to determine what they like and dislike about their jobs, and what kind of education is needed for each kind of job.
Become involved in school- or community-based extracurricular (before or after school) activities that interest you and enable you to explore career interests.
Meet with your career counselor or guidance counselor to discuss colleges and their requirements.
Take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). You must register early. If you have difficulty paying the registration fee, see your guidance counselor about getting a fee waiver.
Take advantage of opportunities to visit colleges and talk to students.
Continue to save for college.

11th Grade
Take challenging classes in English, mathematics, science, history, geography, a foreign language, government, civics, economics, and the arts.
Meet with your career counselor or guidance counselor to discuss colleges and their requirements.
Continue involvement in school- or community-based extracurricular activities.
Decide which colleges most interest you. Write these schools to request information and an application for admission. Be sure to ask about special admissions requirements, financial aid, and deadlines.
Talk to college representatives at college fairs.
Take advantage of opportunities to visit colleges and talk to students.
Consider people to ask for recommendations - teachers, counselors, employers, etc.
Investigate the availability of financial aid from federal, state, local, and private sources. Call the Student Aid Hotline at the U.S. Department of Education (1-800-4FED-AID) for a student guide to Federal financial aid. Talk to your guidance counselor for more information.
If you are interested, learn more about AmeriCorps by calling 1-800-942-2677 or TDD 1-800-833-3722. Via the Internet, go to www.americorps.org.
Investigate the availability of scholarships provided by organizations such as corporations, labor unions, professional associations, religious organizations, and credit unions.
If applicable, go to the library and look for directories of scholarships for women, minorities, and disabled students.
Register for and take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), the ACT, SAT Subject Tests, or any other exams required for admission to colleges you might want to attend. If you have difficulty paying the registration fee, see your guidance counselor about getting a fee waiver.
Continue to save for college.

12th Grade
Take challenging classes in English, mathematics, science, history, geography, a foreign language, government, civics, economics, the arts, and advanced technologies.
Meet with your counselor early in the year to discuss your plans.
Complete all necessary financial aid forms. Make sure that you fill out at least one form that can be used for Federal aid.
Write colleges to request information and applications for admission. Be sure to ask about financial aid, admissions requirements, and deadlines.
If possible, visit the colleges that most interest you.
Register for and take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT), SAT Subject Tests, or any other exams required for admission to the colleges to which you are applying. If you have difficulty paying the registration fee, see your guidance counselor about getting a fee waiver.
Prepare your application carefully. Follow the instructions, and PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES! Be sure to ask your counselor and teachers at least two weeks before your application deadlines to submit the necessary documents to colleges (your transcript, letters of recommendation, etc.).