College

Join the Class of 2026 group message for information about college visits, leadership and community opportunities, and more:

• Text the message "@hhca2026" to the number 81010

9th Grade College/Future Planning (WINTER):

• 5 Ways to Spend Your High School Summer: Think about your summer in the context of how your choices can help you to lead a happier life (really!).

• Activity Log: Remember to update your spreadsheet at the start of each new semester. 

• Time management: Finding it hard to balance your school work, extracurricular activities, and sleep? This worksheet can help assess whether you’re doing too much.

• Build healthy routines: Prioritize sleep, healthy food choices and exercise. Stronger physical health = stronger mental health, increased focus and better decision-making skills.

• Uplevel your study skills: This guide has tips to help you study smarter, not harder.
• Values Exercise (video): What’s important to you? Spend some time thinking about your core values with this quick exercise.
• Big 5 Personality Assessment: Learn more about your strengths, challenges, and communication and learning styles.
  • Check out more personality and interest assessments on Truity.com
• Four-Year Course Planner: Make sure you stay on track for both high school and college requirements by filling out this planner each semester. Review the graduation requirements for each subject area and the different course levels offered. The more selective the college, the more it will want to see you go above and beyond the minimum requirements.
• College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
• Micro-scholarships: It’s never too early to start thinking about how to pay for college. Begin building your RaiseMe profile now.

(Check back for new guides each season.)

Join the Class of 2025 group message for information about college visits, leadership and community opportunities, and more:

• Text the message "@hhca2025" to the number 81010

10th Grade College/Future Planning (WINTER):

• 80 Extracurricular Activity Examples: Wondering what other students listed on their applications? These examples may inspire you.

• Activity Log: Remember to update your log so you don’t forget what you’ve done. And this is a great time to inventory your extracurricular activities. Where do you want to deepen your involvement? And what do you want to let go?

• 5 ways to Spend Your High School Summer: Think about your summer in the context of how your choices can help you to lead a happier life (really!).

• Review PSAT/PreACT results (if you sat for a test): Pay special attention to the questions you answered incorrectly. Strong test scores as a junior may qualify you for academic honors as well as for special programs and recruitment opportunities.

• Time management: Finding it hard to balance school work, extracurricular activities, and sleep? This worksheet can help assess whether you’re doing too much.

• Four-Year Course Planner: Make sure you stay on track for both high school and college requirements by filling out this planner each semester. Review the graduation requirements for each subject area and the different course levels offered. The more selective the college, the more it will want to see you go above and beyond the minimum requirements.
• College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
• SCOIR/YouScience Aptitude Test: What are you good at? Take this online assessment, which uses a combination of personality, interest, and aptitudes testing to help you explore careers that might be a good fit. Find this assessment in SCOIR (Me > View Profile > Career Profile > Complete These Brain Games)

• If you think you may play Division I or II sports in college:

  • Register for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Clearinghouse.

  • Register for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) Eligibility Center.

  • Familiarize yourself with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requirements. Then double-check that all of your courses are NCAA-approved. Not all high school classes count towards their requirements.

  • Let your high school counselor know you’re considering college athletics. 

(Check back for new guides each season.)

Join the Class of 2024 group message for information about college visits, leadership and community opportunities, and more:

• Text the message "@hhca2024" to the number 81010

11th Grade College Planning Timeline (WINTER):

• How to Create a College List (with spreadsheet tracker): If you haven’t already, begin to create your list with this guide. 

• Identify high-value colleges: As you work on developing your college list, identify schools that’ll meet 100% of your financial need, institutions with generous merit-aid programs, and regional tuition agreements like WUE.

• Essential Advice for Low-Income/First-Gen Students: Get key tips and resources, including learning about the chance to visit college campuses for free. 

• AP practice resources: If you’re taking AP exams in May, here’s how to prep.

• Review PSAT results: You can review not only your scores but also the questions you answered correctly and those you missed. PSAT: National Merit Scholar Finalist cut off score

• Compass Guide to Admissions Testing: If you haven’t already, this is the time to map out a testing plan. And remember that 1,000+ U.S. colleges are using test-optional policies for fall 2022 applicants.

• Best free test-prep resources:

  • Official SAT Practice Tests (College Board)

  • Khan Academy (SATFree Official SAT Practice Tests | College Board)

  • Official ACT Practice Tests

  • ACT Academy

  • How to Improve Your ACT Score by 2 Points in 20 Minutes

• How to Plan a Fulfilling and Productive Summer (podcast): Heads-up: Some programs have early-application deadlines, so start researching early.
• College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.

Schedule your junior meeting with Mrs. Robinson here

JuniorS- College Prep Top 10 List
How to Write a College Resume

Join the Class of 2023 group message for information about college visits, leadership and community opportunities, and more:

• Text the message "@hhca2023" to the number 81010

College Application Checklist

Senior Year College Application Timeline:

(WINTER):

• Check your applicant portals and emails: If you miss a request for more information or an additional document, it could jeopardize your admission chances, so check regularly.

• What to do if you’re deferred or waitlisted: Review your application and determine whether you want to write a letter of continued interest. And if you’re confused about the purpose of a waitlist, read this blog post by an admissions director.

• Keep searching for scholarships.

• Write thank you notes: Share gratitude with your teachers for writing letters of recommendation for you.

(FALL):

• Letters of recommendation: This is a good time to check in with your recommenders to make sure they know your deadlines. And if you haven't already, read this guide and then ask your teacher(s) if they’ll write a letter on your behalf.
• College applications are live: Start familiarizing yourself with the information you need to gather. Some of the most popular applications include The Common Application, Coalition Application, University of California, Cal State University,  SUNY, and/or UCAS.
• How to Write a College Essay: Wondering how to get started on your college essays? This step-by-step guide and this video will walk you through the process.
• How to Decide Whether to Apply Early Decision or Early Action: Get answers to the most common questions and make sure you understand the limitations and the financial implications. ED/EA deadlines fall as early as October 15th.
• Connect with college admission reps, either at your school, online or in your community. These sessions are important opportunities to let colleges know you’re considering attending their institution, which, in some cases, can help your chances.
• Create a spreadsheet of requirements and deadlines: Keep track of application deadlines, number of required recommendation letters, scholarship deadlines, portfolio requirements, etc., all in one organized spot.
• How to Decide Whether to Apply Early Decision or Early Action: Double-check your ED/EA deadlines—some fall as early as October 15th. Note that some school-based scholarships require that you apply by the early deadline.
• University of California and CSU: For those of you applying to the UC and CSU systems, the applications are due on November 30th.
• FAFSA + CSS PROFILE: Start filling out these forms to make sure to meet the deadlines set by the colleges on your list.
• College Application Fee Waivers: Find out if you qualify for fee waivers and, if so, how to get them.
• Resource guide for low-income students or those experiencing homelessness: Learn more about college costs, financial aid, and available services.
• Supplemental essay responses: If you’re applying to schools that require additional essays beyond the main personal statement, this is a must-read.
• Interview with colleges that offer them: Depending on the school, you can either sign up on its website or respond to an invitation it sends via email.
• Demonstrated interest: Remember that it’s important to let the colleges on your list know that you’re really interested in attending their schools. Keep connecting with college representatives when they visit your school, your community, or via virtual sessions online.
• Research scholarships: Continue to research scholarship opportunities, making special note of requirements and deadlines. Check out the HHCA Scholarship Database here.

(SUMMER):

• How to Create a College List (with tracking spreadsheet): Prepare to finalize your college list. Once you do, create a second spreadsheet with deadlines for applications, and scholarships, number of required recommendations, testing policies, etc.
• Things Students of Color Should Know When Applying to College: Listen to this solid advice spanning the college search, financial aid, and how to advocate for yourself in the process.
• Tips for Planning a College Visit: Make a plan to visit a couple schools based on your college research, if you’re able. If getting to the campuses isn’t possible, learn as much as you can online via virtual information sessions.
• Get organized and kick off your application process: Research the admission requirements and deadlines for schools on your list, and create a spreadsheet to organize information.  
• How to write a successful Common App Activities List/How to write a college resume: Learn more about these pieces of the application process.
• How to use the Common App Additional Information Section: Find out why this optional section can be one of the most important aspects of your application. And think about whether you want to answer the optional COVID related question.
• If you’ve excelled academically despite financial challenges, consider applying to QuestBridge or the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program, and check in with your counselor on the Posse Foundation nomination process.
• Create a spreadsheet of all usernames and passwords: Keep important login information here for college applications, applicant portals, and scholarships.
• SAT Study Group: Consider starting a study group to prepare for your upcoming exams. Even if you’re applying to test-optional schools, you might want a test score for scholarship eligibility.

• Study tips in college (from MIT): You’ll soon be sitting in your first college class, so take the time to read up on some suggestions on time management, testing, and study skills.
• Get familiar with college lingo: College brings a ton of new vocabulary, so keep this glossary handy while you navigate registration, housing, and student services.
• The Shovel Study Planner: Get ready for college with this simple, low-cost app for building an effective study plan and developing strong study skills.
• College Mental Health Program: Mental health resources for the college transition