| 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 |
| Study Hard! Build good study
habits to keep your grades in tip-top shape. |
Successful Study Techniques |
| 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 |
Apply for Oklahoma's Promise! If you
didn't apply in eighth grade, visit OKpromise.org to sign up for this scholarship program. |
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| Talk it up. Discuss your future
plans with your guidance counselor, teachers, family members, or
other trusted adults. |
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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 |
| Check it out. Find out about
college entrance requirements for the schools you're interested
in. |
College Matching Assistant |
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. |
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Start thinking about the colleges
you want to attend.
(Hint: Use our Explore Schools section to help look for
schools.) |
Explore
Schools |
| Find out about AP and other
honors-level courses. |
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| Continue to get involved in campus
and community activities. |
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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 |
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. |
Explore
Schools |
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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