Step 2: How to get to college

1. Take High School Courses at a college preparatory level.

Did you know that high schools offer courses at different levels - honor, college preparatory, business, and vocational? The college preparatory courses are the ones most colleges require. If you don't take these, you may limit your college opportunities. Even if you're not sure you want to attend college, these courses will keep your options open and prepare you for both college and work. Meet with your advisor to plan your schedule. Keep in mind that the courses listed below are the minimum requirements for most four-year colleges.

High School Course Work
English	4 yrs	With some College prep English.
Mathematics	3-4 yrs	Including Algebra I & II and Geometry.
Science	3-4 yrs	Usually, Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & 2 lab courses.
Social Studies	3 yrs	For example: World History, U.S. History, and Government.
Foreign Language	2 yrs	Of the same language (many schools require three years).
Electives	3 yrs	Courses of your choice - select courses that will enhance your skills.

Electives that will help you include computer science, fine arts, typing, and especially honors and advanced placement courses if they are offered. Also, check with your advisor about taking college level courses at KPC.

2. Have a monthly planning schedule in place.

Junior Year
September	Sign up to take the PSAT/NMSQT. Check for scholarships or internships offered to Juniors.
October	Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
November	Start searching for colleges.
December	Check your PSAT/NMSQT scores online.
January	Register online for the spring SAT tests. Check for scholarships or internships offered to Juniors.
February	Continue to look for potential colleges.
March	Line up a summer job for more college money.
April	Study for the May SAT.
May	Take the SAT. Check for scholarships or internships offered to Juniors.
June-Aug	Work at a job, internship or do course work to help you prepare for college. Narrow down your list of colleges and/or go visit college campuses to see what they have to offer you.

Senior Year
IMPORTANT: Check for scholarships, student aid, grants and loans all year long. Many opportunities come along at different times and throughout the entire school year, so check back often with your advisor.
August	Check with Counselor about test requirements. Pick up SAT/ACT exam applications, complete and file (mail or online).
September	Meet with counselor about plans for post-secondary training. Check for scholarships and grants. Look into student loans (if needed).
October	Request college applications. Get recommendations from teachers, counselors or community members at least 2 weeks prior to scholarship deadlines. Continue to get recommendations and check into scholarships, grants and loans.
November	SAT/ACT tests. Narrow list to 2-3 schools. Request college applications.
December	SAT/ACT tests. Complete and mail college applications. Parents: organize your taxes.
January	Pick up and complete FAFSA. Have school send 7th semester transcripts to colleges. The last SAT that can be used for admissions purposes is given this month.
February	Check for any Local Scholarship Applications. Apply for an Alaska State Student Loan. Parents: get information about loans.
March	Colleges will notify about acceptance. Some colleges will send a financial aid offer to the student and family.
April	Colleges will notify about acceptance. Colleges will send a financial aid offer to the student and family. Make decisions about which college to attend, respond to colleges with yes or no.
May	Concentrate on graduation! Send final transcript to colleges after grade have been processed. Get a summer job!

Step 2: How to get to college

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