Ninth and Tenth Grade Checklist

This is the time to begin the college review process. You’ll begin receiving information from various schools, and you may want to start thinking about the features that are important to you. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

• Start a college review notebook. Over time, you will develop a collection of materials from various colleges and universities. You will also gather your own research and form your own opinions about these schools. A notebook will help you compile all of this information in one convenient place. You can keep track of Web addresses, admission requirements, and important dates and deadlines, as well as your thoughts and goals. Use the notebook to record what you like, what you don’t like, what you are looking for in a college, and what information you need from specific institutions.

• Work hard in school. Most colleges will review your grades from your entire high school career when a determining your admission status. Stay focused on school and keep your grades up.

• Visit schools that interest you. College visits are great ways to get the “feel” of the campus and can be incorporated into family vacations or other activities. Whenever possible, take the campus tour. Try to talk to current students or alumni to develop an understanding of what it’s really like to attend each university.

• Develop good study habits. As a high school freshman, you should plan to do your homework for at least one hour each weeknight. As a sophomore, your homework should require at least two hours each weeknight.

• Think about financial aid. Ask your guidance counselor about scholarships available from your school, your community, or national organizations.

• Identify your academic strengths and your areas of interest. While there is no pressure to make firm decisions just yet, you should start thinking about the subjects that you are proficient in and what kinds of career possibilities might interest you.

• Make the most of your summers. Participating in meaningful summer activities—such as workshops, community programs, or personal enrichment programs—can provide personal fulfillment as well as experiences that you can include on college application essays. You might also consider job shadowing to learn more about professions that interest you.

• Explore college Web sites in greater depth. Take some time to study the Web sites of the colleges and or universities that interest you. You may want to look up their admission requirements or see what research students and faculty in your field of study are doing. You may also find images of the campus and news about student life or upcoming events.

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Undergraduate Admissions
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Phone: 225-578-1175 • Fax: 225-578-4433
admissions@lsu.edu