College Planning

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College Planning

Planning for college requires different steps during each of a youth’s years in high school.  Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors each have different to-do lists associated with their journey to college. What actions should youth take as they look to begin a new school year?

In the Professional Development Program (PDP) training, “Preparing Youth in Care for the College Experience”, participants explore a variety of resources and tools to assist youth as they explore and plan for college. One of these resources is from the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). HESC is the New York State higher education student financial aid agency which oversees the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), over 20 NYS scholarships, loan forgiveness, and college savings programs.

HESC also provides college planning checklists for youth in high school. There are  checklists for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. These checklists outline the steps youth and their supports should take at different times of the year.

Here is a sample of what HESC recommends for juniors and seniors as they look toward starting the new school year.

Juniors: July-August

  • Tell family, friends, and teachers that you are going to college. Get your support system in place.
  • Start researching colleges and consider all the types of colleges. Look through materials at your guidance counselor's office or at the library, check out college websites, and talk with family, friends and teachers.
  • Explore careers. Think about what you might want to study in college.
  • Start researching how to pay for college, and how to get financial aid.
  • Start looking at scholarships and grants – FREE money.

Juniors: September-October

  • Register for and take the PSAT and/or the PLAN. This test is given in October. Check with your counselor.
  • Talk with your counselor and teachers about SAT Subject Tests for this year.
  • Attend college fairs. Check out the college fair schedule and tips to make the most of your visit.
  • Start a college application file. Keep all your papers organized and at your fingertips.
  • Get a better idea of how the college application process works.

Seniors: September

  • Finish High School
    • Meet with your college advisor/high school counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate and meet college admission requirements.
    • Find out what options you have if you are not going to be able to meet the requirements.
  • Choose A College
    • Narrow down your list of colleges to 5-8 colleges.
    • If you haven’t yet decided which colleges to apply to, attend the college fair in your area. Be sure to go prepared.
    • If you haven’t already, visit the colleges to which you are applying.
  • Get Ready for Your FAFSA
    • Know the different application types and deadlines.
    • Decide if you want to apply for an “early action” or “early decision” at any college and check the application due dates.
    • Register for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests and/or the ACT.
    • Consult your college advisor/high school counselor and college websites about any other required tests.
    • Request letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, employers, and others to include in your college applications.
    • Write a strong essay.
    • Ask teachers, family members and friends to read your college application essay draft and give consideration to their suggestions.
    • Continue participating in and tracking your extracurricular activities.

Seniors: October

  • Financial Aid Application
    • Complete the FAFSA as early as possible after October. Visit www.startheregetthere.ny.gov to find a local FAFSA completion event and help with the FAFSA.
    • File your TAP application at the end of the FAFSA.
    • See if any of the colleges you’re applying to require any other financial aid forms, such as the CSS Profile.
  • College Application
    • Make a final check and review of your school records.
    • Work on college applications - know what application to use and when the deadlines are.
    • Request transcripts from your high school to be sent to the colleges to which you are applying.
    • Apply for any applicable scholarships/awards from local organizations.
    • Check college application deadlines.
    • Meet early decision/early action deadlines, if desired.

Go to https://www.hesc.ny.gov/prepare-for-college/your-high-school-path-to-college/checklists.html to view checklists for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors to stay on top of the actions needed at different times of the year.

For more information and support, reach out to the Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) in your region and check out the PDP training “Preparing Youth in Care for the College Experience”.