MLK 11th Grade Student Checklist
Continue to build on successes at school
Colleges look closely at your grades during your sophomore and junior years to determine the “current you.” Take advantage of AP, other upper-level course offerings and CCA classes if available.
Prepare for and take the ACT
Write a draft of your personal essay
Most scholarship applications require a personal essay but not all colleges require an essay, however, it is always good to send one in. Your essay will help you to stand out from other applicants.
Create/update personal resume
Update your personal resume so that it highlights your accomplishments and involvement, which should include school activities, work, and volunteering/community service activities.
Consider who to ask about letters of recommendation
Build a resume and/or complete a letter of recommendation request form and keep them on file so that you can give to teachers, coaches, counselors and/or advisors during your senior year.
Attend College Nights and College Fairs
This is the ideal time to gather college information. Find info on fairs at www.coloradocouncil.org.
Find 10 colleges that match your interests (By summer before senior year, narrow your list to maximum 6-10 colleges)
Research your colleges and place them into three categories:
Understand all the necessary parts of the college application
Not all the college applications are the same, so make sure you pay close attention to the application requirements for each school to which you plan to apply.
Begin scholarship and financial aid search
Use tools such as the online FAFSA Forecaster (www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/) to help calculate how much financial aid your student will receive and to estimate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Student-Athletes Register for The NCAA Clearinghouse
Register for the NCAA Clearinghouse by logging onto www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.
Finalize Summer Plans
Visit Your Future Center: ROOM 237A
College and Financial Aid Advisor: Jasmine Rainey
Email: [email protected]
Colleges look closely at your grades during your sophomore and junior years to determine the “current you.” Take advantage of AP, other upper-level course offerings and CCA classes if available.
Prepare for and take the ACT
- Take a practice test! You can get these in your school’s Future Center.
- Go to www.collegeincolorado.org for FREE Test Prep online.
Write a draft of your personal essay
Most scholarship applications require a personal essay but not all colleges require an essay, however, it is always good to send one in. Your essay will help you to stand out from other applicants.
Create/update personal resume
Update your personal resume so that it highlights your accomplishments and involvement, which should include school activities, work, and volunteering/community service activities.
Consider who to ask about letters of recommendation
Build a resume and/or complete a letter of recommendation request form and keep them on file so that you can give to teachers, coaches, counselors and/or advisors during your senior year.
Attend College Nights and College Fairs
This is the ideal time to gather college information. Find info on fairs at www.coloradocouncil.org.
Find 10 colleges that match your interests (By summer before senior year, narrow your list to maximum 6-10 colleges)
Research your colleges and place them into three categories:
- SAFETY SCHOOLS: your grades and test scores are well above the college’s average.
- TARGET SCHOOLS: your grades and test scores are about the same as the college’s average.
- REACH SCHOOLS: your grades and test scores are below the college’s average.
Understand all the necessary parts of the college application
Not all the college applications are the same, so make sure you pay close attention to the application requirements for each school to which you plan to apply.
Begin scholarship and financial aid search
Use tools such as the online FAFSA Forecaster (www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/) to help calculate how much financial aid your student will receive and to estimate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Student-Athletes Register for The NCAA Clearinghouse
Register for the NCAA Clearinghouse by logging onto www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.
- The NCAA Clearinghouse is a requirement for student-athletes who plan to play collegiate sports at the Division I or Division II level.
- The clearinghouse, which is a separate organization from the college you plan to attend, evaluates your academic record to determine if you are eligible to play as a freshman in college. (You still have to apply to the college separately for admission, just like everyone else).
Finalize Summer Plans
- Explore summer jobs, academic enrichment and volunteer opportunities.
- Be aware of application requirements and deadlines.
- Look into workshops offered by college preparation programs at local colleges
Visit Your Future Center: ROOM 237A
College and Financial Aid Advisor: Jasmine Rainey
Email: [email protected]