See part 1 of my College help here

Here are the things you should be doing at each age if you have aspirations of playing in college.

In Grades 7 & 8

  • Begin thinking about the high school classes that will prepare you for college. Take the most difficult classes you can handle.
  • Ask your parents or teachers to help you develop good study habits.
  • Practice setting and reaching goals.
  • Volunteer in your community.
  • Take interest and skills assessments to help you think about possible career options.
  • Talk with your school counselor and parents about careers that interest you.
  • Create a tentative high school class plan.
In Grades 9 & 10
  • Take interest and skills assessements to help you explore careers options.
  • Talk with your school counselor about career options and the education required for those careers.
  • Talk with your parents about saving and paying for college
  • Talk with friends, teachers, counselors and your parents about college.
  • Check if your school requires 10th graders to take the plan to prepare for the ACT.
  • Participate in extracurricular activities.
  • Review your high school class plan. Take the most difficult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork.
  • Sign up for classes that will earn college credit during your junior year through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Postsecondary Enrollment Options or College in the Schools
  • Explore internships and apprenticeships.
  • Enroll in a summer enrichment program.
In Grade 11
  • Attend college and financial aid events
  • Mentor others and have a mentor for yourself.
  • Take the PSAT in the fall to prepare for the SAT, and to identify areas where you need improvement.
  • Consider possible career options and investigate the type of education that is needed.
  • Request materials from schools that interest you and visit their websites.
  • Arrange visits to those schools that interest you. Participate in extracurricular activities.
  • Request admissions and financial aid forms.
  • Sign up for classes that will earn college credit during your senior year through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Postsecondary Enrollment Options or College in the Schools.
  • Register for and take the ACT/SAT in the spring.
  • Review your high school class plan.
  • Take the most difficult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork.
  • Make sure you are meeting your high school graduation requirements.
  • Enroll in a summer enrichment program.
  • Get a job to earn and save money for college, explore your skills through an internship or apprenticeship.
  • Research private scholarship options.