Back to School Checklist: Fall Prep Tips
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Back to School Checklist: Fall Prep Tips

The leaves are falling and the temperature is getting cooler. That means Fall is on the way and school’s back in full swing. With memories of Summer still fresh, getting back into academic mode can be a daunting task for some. New teachers, schedules and challenges can leave some confused on how to best prepare for the upcoming year. Different years of high school come with different objectives to make sure your student is ready when it’s time to go to the next level. For example, while seniors are getting ready for college applications, freshmen are starting a brand new journey, thinking about future goals. Luckily, we’ve prepared a checklist of areas to focus on first that can greatly improve your school year and beyond. Find your student’s current grade and follow the steps, these tips will have them on their way to savings and acceptance letters.

Seniors

The time between September and November is vital for seniors. This is when most of the action is required. Between applications, essays, and maintaining a steady workload, students are expected to be pretty busy during this time. It helps to plan beforehand on how you and your student will proceed. Here are some things you can do to make sure the transition to college is smooth.

Finalize Your College List

  • Narrow down your list of colleges to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. Make sure to research each one’s application deadlines, programs, and admission requirements.

Prepare and Submit Applications

  • Complete your college applications. For schools with early action or early decision, these deadlines often fall in October or November. Double-check that all materials, like essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters, are in order.

Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)

  • The FAFSA opens on October 1. Completing it early increases your chances of receiving aid. 

Search for Scholarships

  • Apply for scholarships early and often. Many local, national, and school-specific scholarships have deadlines during this time. Look for scholarships that align with your background, interests, and career goals. If you need help finding scholarships, you can subscribe to our Instagram for monthly leads.

Stay Organized and Plan Campus Visits

  • Keep track of deadlines, college fairs, and other relevant info. If possible, schedule campus tours, whether in-person or virtual, to get a feel for the schools.

Following these steps will keep you on track during this critical time and help reduce stress as you prepare for college! Here are some other tips to help with the college application process:

  • Use college comparison tools to weigh costs, campus life, and scholarship opportunities.
  • Use a calendar or college-planning app to stay on top of deadlines and visits.
  • Start with early decision schools if you’re committed to a particular college.
  • Gather necessary documents (tax info, W-2s) ahead of time to streamline the process
  • Dedicate a few hours each week to applying for at least 2-3 scholarships.

Juniors

This is the most important stage of high school because college applications are based mostly on your performance during junior year. You must ensure everything your student does this year aligns with their goals. 

Focus on Academic Performance

  • Junior year grades are crucial since they’re the most recent ones colleges will see when you apply. Aim to excel in challenging courses like honors, AP, or dual-enrollment classes. Strong junior year performance can boost your GPA and class rank. For students that want to get a head start or save money for college, dual enrollment is the best choice.

Start Researching Colleges and Career Paths

  • Begin exploring potential colleges and career options. Think about what you want in a college (size, location, programs) and look into majors that align with your interests. If you haven’t started searching, it’s important to have a list before your student enters senior year. The biggest key to success is proper planning.

Prepare for Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT)

  • Start prepping for the SAT or ACT, which you’ll likely take in the spring. A good score can open doors for scholarships and more selective schools. If you have a list of colleges already, you can check to see their specific requirements. Some schools only require ACT scores while others will accept just a transcript. Knowing beforehand can save you unnecessary steps.

Build Relationships for Letters of Recommendation

  • Now is the time to build strong relationships with teachers, coaches, and mentors who can write compelling recommendation letters. Colleges value these letters for insights into your character and academic strengths. They can also give a great boost to any scholarship application.

Plan for Extracurricular Involvement

  • If your student hasn’t participated by now, get them involved in activities that reflect your passions and leadership potential, whether it’s through clubs, sports, community service, or internships. Colleges look for students who show commitment and growth in their extracurriculars.

Junior year sets the foundation for your college applications, so it’s important to stay focused and proactive during this time!

  • Meet regularly with teachers if you’re struggling in any subjects to stay on top of your grades.
  • Attend college fairs or take virtual tours to explore schools without needing to travel yet.
  • Use free online prep tools or consider a study group or tutor for focused preparation.
  • Make an effort to participate in class and get involved in extracurriculars where teachers can observe your leadership and teamwork.
  • Focus on depth over breadth—choose activities where you can take on leadership roles and make a lasting impact.

Freshman & Sophomore

Just because your high school career is at the beginning doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for college. It’s best to capitalize on the extra time and give your student an advantage when it comes time to apply.

Build a Strong Academic Foundation

  • Focus on excelling in your core classes (math, science, and English) to set a solid academic foundation. Your GPA starts from freshman year, so doing well now will help you later.

Explore Honors and Advanced Classes

  • Talk to your counselor about taking honors classes or Advanced Placement (AP) courses in your junior and senior years. These classes are weighted more heavily in GPA calculations and can help you earn college credit later on if you pass the AP exams.

Begin Exploring Dual Enrollment Options

  • Many high schools offer dual enrollment programs that allow you to take college courses while still in high school, earning both high school and college credits. Check with your school counselor to see if you qualify and start planning for junior or senior year. Students can even take courses online for early credit during the early years of high school.

Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities

  • Start joining clubs, sports teams, or other extracurricular activities that interest you. Colleges look for well-rounded students who show passion and commitment outside of the classroom. Extracurricular activities can also help you if your GPA is less than the requirement for some applications.

Build Good Habits for Time Management and Organization

  • Learning how to balance school, activities, and downtime early on will help you manage the workload when classes become more challenging in junior and senior year.

By focusing on academics, extracurriculars, and organization, freshmen and sophomores can set themselves up for success later in high school and be better prepared for college when the time comes.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling. Set good study habits early on to keep your grades up.
  • Start identifying subjects you’re passionate about so you can choose advanced courses that align with your strengths.
  • Dual enrollment classes are often cheaper (or free) for high school students, so it’s a great way to save on college tuition.
  • Stick with activities that you genuinely enjoy and consider taking on leadership roles as you get older.
  • Use planners, apps, or simple checklists to keep track of assignments and deadlines. Staying organized reduces stress and helps you stay on top of everything.

As you can see, each year of high school comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities, and the key to success is getting started early. By focusing on what’s most important for your student’s current stage at the beginning of the school year, you can help them stay on track and set themselves up for future success. Whether they’re just starting to build their academic foundation or getting ready to submit college applications, these steps are designed to make the transition smoother and less stressful. A little early planning and the right support can make a huge difference. So, as the new school year kicks off, encourage your student to dive in headfirst. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they’ll grow academically and personally. Here’s to a successful school year full of progress, discovery, and exciting possibilities!

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