10 Steps Closer to College

1. Know Your Requirements. Find out exactly what academic standards and credits you need
to meet to go to college. Visit your PA Challenge College Access Center for more information.

2.  Make a Plan. Meet with your PA Challenge Campus Coordinator to plan classes that follow a college preparatory track. Set up a four- or six-year plan. 

3. Challenge Yourself. Take rigorous courses in English, Mathematics, Science, History, Art, and Foreign Languages. Aim for honors, Pre-AP, and AP courses.

4. Do the Math. Take Pre-Algebra and Algebra. Studies show these are connected to college success.

5. Study. Study for school as if your future depended on it. It does.
• Take notes in class.
• Study for tests.
• Start long-term projects early.
• Check over everything before turning it in. Is it your best effort?

6. Read. College-bound students read at least one book each month.

7. Organize Your Past. Create a “High School” file and save:
• Report cards
• Certificates and awards
• List of all school and community activities you are involved in
• A list of offices held in these organizations
• A list of jobs held (both volunteer and paid)

8. Organize Your Future. Set up a second folder called “Colleges.”
• Create a checklist, listing each college that interests you with its entrance requirements, such as application essay, SAT, high school transcript, teacher recommendations, etc.
• Note the deadlines for each item above.
• Create a master calendar, with all important deadlines.
• Add dates to your calendar from this useful college planning calendar.
• Save any brochures or other information you receive about each college.
• Check in weekly to be sure you’re on track.

9. Look for Scholarships. 
• Begin with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which you can complete online. Submit as soon as possible after January 1 of your senior year.
• Pennsylvania students should also complete the PA State Grant application.
• Consider filling out the College Board CSS/Financial Aid Profile form, which more than 600 colleges
and universities use to determine nonfederal student aid. There is a small fee for processing.
• Visit your PA Challenge College Access Center to ask which scholarships might fit you.

10. Visit colleges and college fairs. Check the PA Challenge Calendar for dates.

BONUS Find a mentor. Is there a teacher, relative, employer or older student who inspires you?
See if you can check in with that person once a month. He or she might be flattered to help...
and offer a push when you need it.