The word “college” can strike fear in any parent, and although it should be a time filled with excitement and optimism, the road to college often becomes a significant source of stress for even the most prepared of families. 

If you find yourself beginning to get swept up in the swirl of college chaos, you likely have many questions, including, “When should we start planning for college?” Rest assured, the fact that you’re even asking this question is a good sign – it’s never too early or too late to start making plans. 

Whether your student is just starting high school or knee-deep in their junior year, there are steps you can take now to ease the journey ahead. Here’s a simple, grade-by-grade breakdown to help your family tackle the college planning process with less stress and a whole lot more confidence.

9th Grade: Lay the Foundation

Your student’s first year in high school is a good time to start building good habits, not just academically, but in life. Your student doesn’t need to know what they want to be when they grow up (let’s be honest, most adults don’t either), but it’s a great time to start exploring. Key moves to focus on during freshman year include:

• Focus on strong study habits and time management 
• Get involved in clubs, sports, volunteering – anything they enjoy
• Keep an eye on grades – your GPA starts counting in earnest now
• Start tracking activities and awards (trust us, this helps later!)
• Begin career interest assessments (many schools offer them)

As a parent, continue talking about college casually and the opportunities it can unlock. Keep the pressure low and the curiosity high.

10th Grade: Explore and Expand

Sophomore year is the “get serious, but don’t panic” phase (although we hope you never get to the “panic” phase). This year is all about building on that 9th-grade foundation and starting to look ahead more intentionally. During your child’s 10th-grade year, consider these moves:

• Take the PSAT (it’s practice, not pressure!)
• Consider enrolling in honors and AP classes that align with academic strengths
• Continue building a strong GPA and focusing on good study habits
• Research careers and potential college majors – consider summer opportunities in your student’s area of interest
• Visit a few local colleges (just to get a feel)
• Encourage deeper involvement in extracurriculars – perhaps take on leadership roles or expand volunteer work (be sure to track your hours)
• Build a college list (start with 20-25 schools of interest)

If you haven’t already done so, this is also a good time for parents to start a “college file.” It doesn’t have to be fancy – a simple folder (digital or physical) to collect test scores, report cards, activity lists and other useful info will do. Getting organized early will save you headaches down the road.

Additionally, while the earlier the better to get ahead of the curve, for parents second semester of sophomore year is the common time to schedule a meeting with a college planning consultant (like us!) to create a personalized strategy. 

11th Grade: The Heavy Lifting Begins

This is the big one. Junior year is when college planning shifts into high gear. Deadlines, tests and decisions start coming fast. Things on your child’s to-do list this year include: 

• Continue taking honors and AP classes that align with academic strengths
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT (scholarship potential!)
• Prep for and take the SAT and/or ACT early in junior year
• Write and refine college essays
• Refine your college list (down to with 8–10 schools)
• Visit campuses (in-person or virtual)
• Request letters of recommendation before summer
• Start drafting a college resume

Junior year is when you want to begin understanding FAFSA requirements, calculate your expected family contribution and help your student explore scholarship opportunities.

Between 11^th & 12^th Grade: Begin Working On Essays and Applications

While it’s different for each student, sometime between the second semester of Junior year and the beginning of Senior year is when we recommend starting to draft college essays and filling out applications. The early admissions applications come faster than everyone thinks Senior year, and the essays are one of the few places where a student’s individuality can shine through. Getting started early gives each student time to let their authentic voice shine through – and is often a major difference maker on getting accepted at the most competitive schools. 

12th Grade: Apply, Apply, Apply

Senior year is all about execution. Applications, essays, financial aid – it’s go time. But with a plan in place, it doesn’t have to be chaos. This year, you will need to:

• Finalize the college list and application deadlines
• Complete applications (early deadlines start in October/November!)
• Submit the FAFSA (opens in fall)
• Prepare for college interviews if included as part of your school’s evaluation process
• Compare financial aid packages and scholarships
• Make final decisions and prepare for the transition

This year will bring some stress and a rollercoaster of emotions, but it doesn’t have to be debilitating, and it shouldn’t overwhelm you. Keep communication open with your student, your college consultant and others assisting you in the process and continue to stay organized with your college folder. Many families find it helpful to centralize application credentials with things like login information, deadlines and submission status. When juggling multiple applications and requirements, a centralized tracking system can help you stay organized. 

Final Thoughts: It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late)

No matter what grade your student is in, you haven’t missed the boat. College planning is a journey, and one that’s much smoother with the right roadmap. At College Inroads, we guide students and families through every step of the college planning process to reduce the stress and help students find the college and career path that’s right for them.

If you want to take the stress out of college planning, our team at College Inroads is standing by. Get in touch today to book a consultation call with our education expert.