| Now that you're in 9th grade, it's time to get serious about your college plans. By starting early, you'll be better prepared. |
Explore Programs and Majors
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| Study Hard! Build good study habits to keep your grades in tip-top shape. |
Successful Study Techniques
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| Save money. Sign up for a college savings account from Oklahoma’s 529 college savings plan (OK4Saving,org) or continue to add money to an existing account. It’s generally best to keep most savings in your parents’ name. |
College Savings Calculator
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Apply for Oklahoma’s Promise! If you didn’t apply in eighth grade, visit OKpromise.org to sign up for this scholarship program. | |
| Talk it up. Discuss your future plans with your guidance counselor, teachers, family members, or other trusted adults. | |
Take the right classes. To be college bound, your class schedule should contain at least four college-preparatory classes per year including:
*4 units of English
*3 units of math (at or above Algebra 1)
*3 units of laboratory science
*3 units of history/citizenship skills
*2 units of electives from the areas above or foreign language or computer science.
Some schools recommend you take an extra unit in math, an additional unit in lab science and two units in speech or fine arts (music, art, or drama).
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Use Your Plan of Study to keep track of your courses and grades. Your transcript is a permanent record. Work hard so you are proud to show colleges and future employers the grades you make.
Invite your counselor to view Your Plan of Study |
Your Plan of Study
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| Check it out. Find out about college entrance requirements for the schools you're interested in. |
College Matching Assistant
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Track it. Create a file of the following documents and notes:
report cards, lists of awards and honors, school and community activities, and volunteer work. | |
Start thinking about the colleges you want to attend.
(Hint: Use our Explore Schools section to help look for schools.) |
Explore Schools
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| Find out about AP and other honors-level courses. | |
| Continue to get involved in campus and community activities. | |
If you didn't take it last year, take the ACT EXPLORE test to evaluate your skills in English, math, reading and science reasoning.
It's good practice and your scores won't count towards your college application. |
ACT Explore Website
Getting Ready for College
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How are you spending your summer?
Volunteering and educational programs can help give you a better idea about what kind of training or career would be right for you.The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education offers free summer academies. These are great opportunities to get experience in a field of interest and to build on your academic resume. |
Explore Schools
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College life can be a big change — you're on your own!
Try taking some small steps towards independence this year, perhaps with more responsibility around your house. |
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