Chart Your Way to College with a High School Timeline

As students and their families begin thinking about college, there may be many questions as to the best way to prepare for the college admissions process. While there is no one magic formula, creating an organized plan with a practical timeline is an effective way for students to increase their chances of admission at their preferred university.

The following timeline is designed to begin in a student’s freshman year of high school and progressively build towards those incoming acceptance letters during senior year. If you are already past your freshman year, don’t panic. You will still be able to work through this timeline and catch up as needed. 

If you’re feeling unprepared or overwhelmed, review our college planning services and schedule your Strategy Session to see how Hollenback Consulting can guide you through your higher education planning journey.

9th Grade: The Year of Exploration

The year of exploration should be a low pressure time to try out different clubs and activities to see what holds your interest. Review what’s available through both your school and community organizations and pursue opportunities that are appealing. Don’t be afraid to explore activities that are completely different than anything you’ve tried before. It’s also not necessary to power through activities that do not meet your expectations beyond your initial commitment.

10th Grade: The Year of Discovery

Your year of discovery builds on the foundation set during the previous year’s exploration. As you move forward in the activities or clubs that are the best fit, begin considering career paths that align with the skills you are learning. This is also the time to discover the leadership opportunities available. Keep in mind that leadership is not always formal. Some examples of leadership are mentoring individuals who are new to a club, or seeing a need and volunteering to design and execute a plan to fill it. Formal leadership roles are also beneficial, but be mindful that your participation should be fulfilling and not draining.

11th Grade: The Year of Refinement

During the year of refinement, you will begin to focus on how your interests align with your values. Out of everything you accomplished in the past two years, what are you most proud of? Consider the impact you want to have on your club, your school, and your community and think about what you’ve done so far to achieve that impact. With clarity in your leadership style, begin thinking about how you will use it to influence others and pursue your goals.

12th Grade: The Year of the Launch

Your launch is the culmination of a productive high school career. By now, you will have a vault of experience from which you will draw a college and career plan. Apply the clarity you’ve gained to choose your career path and carefully consider the universities that will facilitate your journey. Craft your college essays and applications from the valuable knowledge you accumulated over your time in high school with confidence in your choices. This is the time to be self-assured that what you set in motion four years ago will continue naturally into your next phase.

Grow Your Way to Higher Education with Confidence

Your time in high school will be busy and challenging, and it is easy to feel as though the future is too far beyond your reach. This timeline is a great way to take ownership of the future you want to pursue. This step by step approach allows you to gain focus and clarity along the way so that you enjoy an exciting transition from high school to college as a continuation of your goals.

Do you need help honing your interests so that you can make the best choices regarding your high school timeline?

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