• Pre-College Plan
    • Middle School
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    • Extracurriculars
    • Testing
  • Admissions
    • The Common App
    • Supplemental Info
    • Early Decision & Early Action
  • Your Application
    • Your Transcript
    • Test Scores
    • Extracurriculars
    • Recommendations
    • Essay/Personal Statement
  • Choosing
    • What to Consider
  • The Visit
    • Preparations
    • What to Ask
    • The Ideal Visit
  • Financial Aid
  • Checklists
    • 8th Grade
    • 9th Grade
    • 10th Grade
    • 11th Grade
    • 12th Grade
  • Resources

Grade 11 College Prep Checklist

Your 11th-grade year is a pivotal time:

Fall

  • Take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) to qualify for scholarships.
  • Research what standardized tests are required by the colleges that you are interested in. The SAT and ACT are most common, but many selective schools also require SAT subject tests.
  • Explore the scholarships you might qualify for using the tools listed in the Resources
  • Put together an application schedule for the next two years. Use these checklists to start, but also include the deadlines for the colleges and scholarships you are applying to, and your testing dates, once you register for them.

Spring

  • Register for the standardized tests you need to take.
  • Start keeping an eye out for any college nights or college fairs in your area. You should attend with your parents or guardian as it’s a great opportunity to talk about which schools might be best for you and how you can all work together to get you there.
  • If you’re able, start visiting the colleges you have put on your preferred list. See the College Visit section for more.
  • Talk to your guidance counselor about financial aid options and scholarships, based on your personal situation.
  • Look into local scholarships as well. Start by googling for articles on past awards by local civic, corporate or nonprofit organizations. Even if local scholarships pay smaller amounts, it is possible to be awarded multiple scholarships and the support can add up.
  • Assume leadership roles in your extracurricular activities if you haven’t been able to yet.
  • Meet with your guidance counselor to plan your courses for your senior year and discuss your college applications.
  • Do not overlook preparing for any AP exams you will be taking in the spring: these tests may determine whether or not you get college credit for these courses. Do not wait until the last minute to prepare. Take advantage of any extra study sessions or support your teacher offers.
  • Form a study group with your gifted peers and review the entire year’s curriculum. You’ll do better on your end-of-year exams as well.

Filed Under: 11th Grade

Student TIPs

As you can see, junior year is a busy time for college-bound students. It can be even tougher for gifted students because you are expected to take Advanced Placement, Honors, or actual college classes. Be sure to read our Building Your College Plan section for advice on how to juggle all of these expectations and still have time left over for college planning and fun.

Parent TIPs

Help your child work out a testing strategy that reduces their stress, showcases their best abilities, and satisfies the requirements of their identified college choices.

Attend any available college fairs with your child so you can ask all the right questions given your family's priorities, financial circumstances, and special considerations.

Start to look into national and local scholarship opportunities for academically talented students. Don't overlook national contests offering scholarship money as top prizes.

Encourage your child to lead as balanced a life as possible. This is typically the most academically-rigorous year for gifted students, and the pressure is exacerbated by heavy testing. Schedule family nights that are fun and give your gifted student a break.

Aid your student during the testing period by listening to their concerns after a test and scheduling help in learning how to approach specific testing sections, if need be. If they need professional help reducing anxiety, learning stress-reduction techniques, or improving their time management or test-taking skills—find it for them. It's important they understand that successful testing is not just about academic knowledge alone.

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