Freshman:

• Get to know your school counselor.

• Check college admission requirements. Plan a college preparatory course schedule for all 4 years of high school.

• Plan ahead for courses which require prerequisites.

• Recognize that class rank and grade point average (GPA) are calculated beginning in 9th grade.  These are based on final grades in all weighted courses completed.

• Participate in extracurricular and community activities.  Colleges are looking for students who have achieved in more than academics.

• Watch your absences....Even if you are able to maintain your grades, a large number of absences and tardies may negatively impact you.  

Sophomore Year-

• Select challenging courses which will maintain your GPA.  Take the hardest courses in areas where you excel. 

• Considering taking an Advanced Placement course.

• Investigate college course requirements.

• Plan an interesting summer, possibly participating in a summer enrichment or summer activity through a college or university or NYSSCA (NYS Summer School for the Arts). We list many of these on our website!

• Continue getting involved in school activities.

• Take the PSAT exam when it is offered in October.

Junior Year-

• Continue taking courses which will sharpen your skills for college and enhance admission prospects.

• Visit with your school counselor

• Attend the NACAC college fair in March

• Meet with college admissions representatives when they are at LJ Bennett

• Attend College open house dates

• Take the PSAT in October.  National Merit semifinalists are selected from students who take this exam in the 11th grade.

• Ask your parents to check on scholarship opportunities which may be offered through their employers.

• Begin to investigate specific college possibilities- request college catalogs or applications or sign up to be on their email list

• Check for specific entrance requirements (courses, tests, and dates)

• Take the ACT or SAT in May or June(over the past few years the district has covered the cost of the SAT May exam for all first time junior students).

• Student Athletes:  Register with the NCAA Eligibilty Center and have transcripts sent.

• Visit college campuses over the summer. Call ahead so that you receive a guided tour.  If possible arrange for a meeting with an admissions representative. Ask about financial aid and scholarships.

Senior Year-

• Continue investigating various school options in the fall.  Become familiar with deadlines.  Request applications, catalogs, and financial aid information.

• Take the ACT or SAT again in the fall, if needed.

• Take the SAT II Subject test if required by your college or university.

• See your school counselor. Ensure that you are registered for all courses that you need to graduate. 

• Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors,and administrators.

• Prepare college application essays as required...and proofread them!

• Attend the WNY College Consortium in the fall.

• Narrow down your choices of colleges and rank them in order of preference and likelihood of acceptance.

• Complete applications by Thanksgiving or Christmas (earlier if applying for early decision).  Pay close attention to all deadline dates, especially if eligible for merit based scholarships or specialized programs.

• Starting on October 1st- complete your FAFSA application. You can apply for a pin number earlier.

• Send mid-year grades if requested.

• Apply for SAY Yes and update them in June as to which school you will attend.

• Students Athletes: complete necessary registration with the NCAA Eligibility Center and have transcripts sent.

• If you are accepted at more than one school, make your final decision on the college that you will attend, and send your acceptance.  Most schools have a May 1st deadline date.

• Request that your final transcript be sent from guidance to the college upon graduation.

• *** These lists are not all inclusive and may vary from student to student