"To Do's for Freshman

1. CLASSES -   Make sure you are enrolled in the right classes.  Colleges ideally like 4 years of English, Math, History, Science and a foreign language.   Moreover, it’s the classes that you take combined with the grades you receive that are the most important thing to colleges when they review your application.  Enroll in the most competitive classes you can handle.
2. SHOPPING - Start window shopping.  Go to college fairs.  See what colleges might interest you.  See what they require.
3. TEACHERS & COUNSELORS - Build relationships with teachers and counselors.  You might need a letter of recommendation from them one day.  The closer the relationship the better the letter will be.
4. EXTRA-CURRICULARS -Get more involved in extracurricular activities.  Find out what interests you and find places you’ll shine.
5. CALENDAR - Create a calendar.  Are there any AP or SAT subject tests you would like to take at the end of the year?  Are you planning on taking the PSAT or PLAN test?  Are there workshops that might be useful regarding colleges, financial aid, the application process…?
6. TRIPS - Visit local colleges to see what large schools, medium schools and small schools feel like.  Would you be comfortable at a school with a religious affiliation?  A single sex school…  They might not be what you expect.  Now is your chance to check things out without the pressure.
7. $$$ - Start researching the costs of attending college and opportunities for financial aid.  Calculate you EFC both through the Federal Methodology (www.fafsa.ed.gov or www.finaid.org) and Institutional Methodology (www.collegeboard.com ). Begin talking with your parents about what is possible
8. TALK - Talk to friends and friend’s siblings who go to college and listen to what they think.
9. HOLIDAYS - Look for great spring, summer and winter holiday break opportunities whether they are jobs, internships, volunteer positions and/or trips.  Go beyond your comfort zone.
10. Dear Diary – Consider keeping a journal and write about your thoughts and experiences.  This is a great way to begin practicing your writing skills and who knows you may end up journaling about a topic that one day becomes your personal statement on your college ap.s.  With the experience fresh in your mind you’ll be better able to chronicle the details and your impressions.
11. And a 1 and a 2 – Start keeping a list of your activities and add to it each year.  Include extra-curriculars, leadership positions held, athletic endeavors, employment, volunteer work, community service, awards, honors…
12. Internships – Considering a pre-professional program at college or think you know what you want to do after college.  Get an internship and see if expectations match reality.  Not only could this provide critical insight into programs and schools you may be considering, it’s also an opportunity for a great experience.   
13. For the Lucky Ones - If there’s a chance you are eligable for scholarship, fellowship and/or honors, take a look at the application and see if there are any areas that you need to shore up.  Reseach experience?   Leadership experience?