Free College-Prep Checklist — What to Do, Grade by Grade

Grades 7–8

Middle school — start the search

It’s early on purpose. A few habits now make everything in high school easier.

0/8

Take the most challenging classes you can handle — a strong middle-school track sets up a strong high-school schedule.
Build real study habits and daily reading time now; they compound for years.
Try a lot: clubs, a sport, music, coding, volunteering — explore before you specialize.
Start a simple list of colleges you’re curious about and look them up. College search
Walk a college campus if one is nearby — just to picture yourself there.
Learn what a "major" is and explore a few careers that sound interesting. Majors & earnings
Talk as a family about saving for college and how aid works later. 529 planner
Keep a folder of your activities, awards, and projects — start the habit early.

Grade 9

Foundation

Freshman year — grades and habits start counting now.

0/6

Take the most challenging courses you can handle well — rigor matters as much as the grade.
Introduce yourself to your school counselor and map your four-year course plan.
Start ONE activity you can grow into over four years — depth beats a long list.
Keep a running "brag sheet": activities, roles, hours, and awards, updated as they happen.
Explore careers and majors that match your interests. Majors & earnings
Open the college-savings conversation at home. 529 planner

Grade 10

Explore

Sophomore year — widen your view before you narrow the list.

0/7

Take the PSAT / pre-ACT to get an honest baseline.
Deepen one or two activities toward real responsibility — not more clubs.
Start a rough college search and save schools you are curious about. College search
Visit a nearby campus — even one you won’t apply to — to learn what to look for.
Research two or three possible majors and what they typically earn. Majors & earnings
Do something real over the summer: a job, a course, or a program tied to an interest.
Run a first net-price estimate so cost is never a senior-year surprise. Net price by income

Grade 11

Build the list & test

Junior year — the busiest and most decisive year.

0/8

Take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring; register 5–6 weeks ahead.
Pick SAT vs ACT from your diagnostic, and plan one retake for the fall.
Build a balanced list: 2–3 reach, 3–4 match, 2 safety. College search
Check what your AP scores are actually worth at the schools on your list. AP credit calculator
Ask two teachers for recommendation letters before summer break.
Start the scholarship search and log every deadline. Scholarships
Draft your personal statement over the summer, not in October.
Compare real net prices across your list, not sticker prices. Net price by income

Grade 12

Apply & decide

Senior year — execute, then choose with the numbers in front of you.

0/9

Finalize your list and each school’s exact deadlines in one tracker. Application tracker
File the FAFSA when it opens Oct 1; add the CSS Profile if a school requires it. FAFSA & aid
Submit early applications by Nov 1 / Nov 15 if you are applying ED or EA.
Send official test scores to each college that requires them.
Confirm your recommenders actually submitted their letters.
Submit regular-decision applications (often Jan 1 – Feb 1).
Compare aid offers side by side before you commit. Net price by income
Appeal a weak aid offer if your circumstances changed. How to appeal
Decide and submit your enrollment deposit by May 1.

Parents & family

The money & logistics track

Run this alongside your student’s year — the parts that are yours to own.

0/8

Have the honest "what can we afford" conversation early — before the list is set.
Create your own FSA ID now; each parent contributor needs their own. FAFSA & aid
Gather the tax and income records the FAFSA will ask for.
Run a net-price estimate for every school on the list. Net price by income
Remember the FAFSA opens Oct 1 and some aid is first-come, first-served.
Track scholarship and aid deadlines next to the admissions deadlines.
Read each aid offer for loans vs grants before celebrating the "award."
Know you can appeal aid after a job loss, a medical event, or a stronger competing offer.

Dates reflect the typical annual cycle for the 2026–27 admissions year. Always confirm each college’s exact deadlines and requirements on its own admissions page.

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The college-prep checklist, grade by grade