NORTH LAMAR HIGH SCHOOL
PREPARING FOR COLLEGE TIMELINE

Grade 8
____Consult 8th grade counselor and teachers and review interest inventory results for appropriate course selections
____Choose the most appropriate graduation plan with endorsement for your proposed post-high school endeavors.
High school counselor will present this during the Spring semester
____Attend Student/Parent programs for high school/college planning

Grade 9 - Freshman Year
____Review your high school program of studies with your parents
____Request college catalogs from colleges of interest to you and plan your high school program of studies accordingly
____Begin researching your career choices and the educational requirements of each
____Parcipate in a variety of extracurricular activities
____Meet with college representatives as they visit your school
____Start a resume - include school & community activities, awards, extracurricular activities, etc.

Grade 10 - Sophomore Year
____Check credits to make sure you are on schedule for graduation requirements
____Check to make sure your courses meet college entrance requirements
____Plan to attend the College and Career Fair during the spring semester
____Explore dual-enrollment college credit and dual credit workforce opportunities
____Meet with college representatives as they visit your school
____Seek ways to develop your leadership skills

FALL OF JUNIOR YEAR
____Take the PSAT that is offered on campus (Counselors will announce for sign ups)
____Begin making a list of colleges to visit in the spring

SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR
____ Schedule your two allowed college visits for junior year.
____ Meet with college representatives when they are on campus
____ Register with the NCAAEligibility Center if you are planning to play college sports.
____ Take the SAT and ACT exams. (NL gives the ACT on campus)
____ Look for volunteer opportunities to include on your resume.
____ Create a list of people who you will ask to write a letter of recommendation for you.
____ Refer back to handouts and presentations received during counselor junior class visits.
____ See your counselor if you have any questions.

SUMMER AFTER JUNIOR YEAR
____ Begin Apply Texas application, if applicable.
____ Begin Common Application and/or Apply Texas, if applicable
____ Get started on your college application essays, if applicable.
____ Narrow down your college choices to a few schools.

FALL OF SENIOR YEAR
____ Plan to attend the College and Career Fair at Paris Junior College (many universities will be in attendance)
____ Meet with college representatives when they are on campus
____ Schedule your two allowed college visits for senior year.
____ Retake the SAT and ACT, as needed. You will need to send scores to the college(s) you choose through your College Board
or ACT account.
____ Request letters of recommendation in person, if needed for schools or scholarships.
____ Finish and submit all college applications.
____ Complete the FAFSA application beginning December 1. (NL will have a FAFSA workshop night for assistance with this)
____ Begin researching and applying for scholarships. This will be an ongoing process.
____ Refer to handouts and presentations from counselor senior class visits.
____ See your counselor if you have any questions.

SPRING OF SENIOR YEAR
____ Continue to research and apply for scholarships.
____ Request mid-year transcripts, if needed.
____ Make the final decision of the college you will be attending.
____ Request that your AP test scores be sent to the college that you will be attending, if you have not done so already.
____ See your counselor if you have any questions.