September Checklist
It’s September, fall is in the air, SAT and ACT dates are set, and college application deadlines are fast approaching- even in a COVID world.
If you are a high school senior, September is the time to start college applications and think about your future. If you are junior, it’s time to think about potential colleges and what schools you may want to visit.
Here’s a list of things for all high school students to do in September:
- Login to the Common App and begin to add schools to the Dashboard.
- Complete as much of the Common App as you can.
- Get started on the Common App essays.
- If a school you are interested in does not use the Common App, create an online account with that school, and start the application.
- Continue to look at schools you may want to apply to and review their requirements.
- Call or email an admissions counselor at the schools in which you are interested. Ask questions and let them know you are interested in attending.
- Update your calendar with new deadlines- review application deadlines for the schools you want to apply to and put these dates on your calendar.
- Start looking at scholarship opportunities and add the deadlines to your calendar.
- Prepare for the SAT and ACT if you need to take or retake either. (Remember COVID-19 impacts these tests, so do your research!) Take online practice tests and review any math concepts you need to refresh. It’s often a good idea to work with a tutor.
- Talk to your high school counselor or education consultant.
- Check guidance department updates.
- Continue to be involved in the school community. Do volunteer work even if it is virtual!
- ASK FOR HELP when you need it. No one can read your mind!
- Continue to brainstorm a list of schools you want to investigate. Check the websites of the schools on your list to learn their admission requirements.
- Investigate visiting these potential schools. Due to COVID-19, these visits may be virtual. However, some schools are offering socially distanced, in-person tours.
- Check the guidance department updates each month.
- Create a Common App account and start becoming familiar with how it works.
- Prepare for the PSAT and PreACT by studying. There are numerous online resources for how to practice and prepare.
- Excel in your classes. The best thing you can do in your junior year is to continue to make good grades.
- Join a club or volunteer, even if it is virtual! It is important to be a contributing member of the school community and the broader community. Not sure what to do? Ask your counselor or a favorite teacher to help you find ways to be involved.
- ASK FOR HELP when you need it.
- Grades matter! Do your best so you can take more advanced classes in the coming years.
- Be involved! Join clubs, participate in athletics, and find volunteer opportunities. All of these are still possible in a COVID world. Virtual participation is acceptable. Not sure what to do? Ask your counselor or a favorite teacher to help you find ways to be involved.
- Build relationships with fellow students and teachers.
- Start a list of places where you might want to go to college.
- Start a list of careers you might want to pursue.
- Be Healthy- physically and mentally!
- Continue to focus on having a strong academic first year of high school (i.e., get good grades!).
- Get involved in the school community. Try new things and meet new people. Start building relationships with students and teachers. Not sure what to do? Ask your counselor or a favorite teacher to help you find ways to be involved.
- Meet with your high school counselor and introduce yourself. It is a good idea to create a tentative plan for all of your high school classes.
- Start an activities and awards list that you will continuously update for all four years of high school. When it is time to apply to college as a senior, you don’t want to try to remember everything you did over four years!
- Be Healthy- physically and mentally! The first year of high school can be overwhelming so remember to ASK FOR HELP when you need it!
Unraveled Futures can help with all aspects of college admissions. From brainstorming a list of potential schools to saying “Yes” to the college of your dreams, we are here to help.
Contact us today so we can work together tomorrow!
Did you miss our August checklist?
Susan is an Education Consultant who is passionate about helping high school students take the next step toward higher education. She has over 10 years of experience in public education and is a certified School Counselor and National Certified Counselor. She also has two years of professional editing and documentation experience.
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