Preparing to go to college starts long before your senior year in high school. In fact, soon after starting your freshman year in high school, you may want to begin thinking about what you can do to put your best foot forward on your college applications.
With the right college preparedness plan, choosing where to apply, filling out your applications, and getting into your top choices can be significantly easier. Here’s a smart 10-step plan that can help ensure you are ready for college when the time comes.
Key Points
• As a high school student, taking necessary high school courses and enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes can strengthen your academic foundation and potentially earn college credits.
• Dedicating time to study for the SAT or ACT can enhance your test-taking skills and improve scores, which are critical components of college applications.
• Honing strong study skills is essential for managing the rigorous coursework expected in college.
• Engaging in sports, clubs, or community service can enrich your high school experience and make your college application more compelling.
• Understanding the costs associated with college and exploring financial aid options, such as scholarships and grants, can help manage the financial burden.
10 Ways to Get Prepared for College
1. Take the Required Courses
It’s a good idea to consult with your high school guidance counselor about what classes you should take for college preparation. Generally, high school students will take courses like:
• English (American and English literature)
• Math (Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus)
• Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science)
• Social studies (U.S. History, U.S. Government, World History, and Geography)
• Foreign language
• Arts
Completing these courses demonstrates to college admissions officers that you can handle a rigorous curriculum. It also prepares you for college-level coursework, allowing you to meet prerequisites for specific majors and improve your chances of excelling in advanced subjects.
2. Enroll in AP, IB, and College Courses
Your high school may offer you the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, which are college-level and will allow you to earn college credit. Then, you can skip these courses when you get to college and ensure you have a head start.
Both require that you take exams, and you can send your scores to colleges. Keep in mind that IB classes would be more useful if you plan on going to college outside the U.S., since only U.S.-based schools recognize AP coursework.
3. Do Test Prep
A key step in preparing for college is studying for the SAT or ACT. Taking one of these tests is required for many college applications in the U.S. You can study by forming study groups with friends, taking the PSATs/pre-ACTs and practice tests, getting an SAT/ACT tutor, and enrolling in SAT/ACT practice classes.
You may want to look at the average SAT/ACT score of students who have been admitted to your top choice schools and aim to get those scores — or higher — to ensure your application impresses the admissions officers.
Recommended: ACT vs. SAT: Which Do Colleges Prefer?
4. Hone Your Study Skills
In college, you’re going to take a rigorous set of courses. Your academics are likely to be more challenging than they were in high school. This means you should hone your study skills now to prepare for college. Find a quiet place to study, turn off all distractions, organize your lecture notes, join study groups, and take breaks when you need them in order to effectively study.
5. Go to College Fairs
Whenever there is a local college fair happening, try to attend it. That way, you can learn about different colleges you may want to apply to. Typically, a college fair will consist of college representatives who set up booths, give presentations, talk to prospective students, and hand out pamphlets about their schools. College fairs can be a great opportunity to learn about a number of colleges in a short time period.
College fairs also allow you to connect with representatives at the colleges. As an attendee, you’ll have the opportunity to ask the representatives specific questions and take the handouts so you can continue your research at home.
Recommended: Ultimate College Application Checklist
6. Take College Tours
Before applying to a school, try to go on a campus tour to see what it’s all about. A college that has a great website or looks good on paper may not end up being the right fit once you actually visit it. While on the tour, ask your student tour guide and other students around about the pros and cons of the school to get a real feel for whether or not you’d like it there.
Some colleges may do interviews as a part of the application process. If you’re heading to campus for a college interview, make time for a tour too.
7. Meet With Your High School Guidance Counselor
Your high school guidance counselor can help you with preparing for college in a number of different ways. They can advise you on what classes to take and extracurricular activities you can enroll in to ensure you have a competitive college application when the time comes.
Your counselor can also help you determine what you want to major in and the kind of career you might enjoy by steering you toward career fairs and giving you a test that will show your strengths and reveal your talents. If you’re worried about paying for college, they can let you know your options and ensure you fill out all the right forms in time.
8. Fill Out a FAFSA Form
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the form you need to fill out each year to apply for federal financial aid. This includes federal grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans. Some schools also use the information provided on the FAFSA to determine scholarship awards.
If you anticipate needing support to cover the cost of attendance in college, this is usually the place to start. The FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year is available now.
9. Look Into Student Loans
Filling out the FAFSA isn’t the only thing on your financial to-do list when you’re prepping for college. You could also weigh your student loan options. As mentioned, the FAFSA puts you in contention for federal student loans — among other tuition subsidies like work-study or grants. Federal student loans have fixed interest rates, which means the rate will not change for the duration of the loan.
Each year, Congress determines what the fixed interest rate on federal student loans will be — and interest rates vary across federal undergraduate loans, including PLUS loans for parents and grad students. While these loans can be an important resource when it comes to funding your education, there are limits to the amount you can take out each year. For example, first-year undergraduates currently have a federal loan limit of $5,500.
If federal aid and other sources of funding aren’t enough to cover the cost of tuition, you may consider looking into private student loans to fund the rest of your education. Private student loans don’t always offer the same benefits as federal student loans — like the option to pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness or student loan deferment — so they are generally considered only after all other options have been reviewed and exhausted.
Recommended: Private Student Loans vs Federal Student Loans
10. Apply for Scholarships
Once you start applying to colleges, you may also want to search out and apply for private scholarships. Your school may offer specific scholarships you can apply for that will help you pay for your education. Online databases are another resource to check out. One option is Fastweb, a free national scholarship database that matches you to scholarships, internships, and grants you could potentially qualify for.
You can also use SoFi’s scholarship search tool to find scholarships based on your location, field of study, religious affiliation, and more.
Recommended: The Complete Guide on Going to College
The Takeaway
There are many things you can do to prepare for college. Above all else, you’ll want to focus on your academics and make your college application as competitive as possible so that you can get into the school of your dreams.
You’ll also want to think about what your education will potentially cost and come up with a plan for how you will pay for college. Your options include savings, grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal or private student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
What are some effective ways to stay organized when preparing for college?
To stay organized, you can create a detailed checklist of application deadlines, scholarship opportunities, and required documents. Using digital planners or apps to manage tasks and setting reminders for important dates will keep you on track and reduce stress.
How can high school students improve their chances of getting into their desired college?
High school students can improve their chances of getting into their desired college by maintaining a strong GPA, participating in extracurricular activities, and volunteering in the community. Additionally, writing a compelling personal statement and securing strong letters of recommendation can make a positive impression on admissions officers.
What financial steps should students take before starting college?
Students should research scholarship opportunities, apply for financial aid through FAFSA, and create a budget for tuition and living expenses. Opening a savings account and exploring part-time job options can also help manage costs and reduce the need for student loans.
About the author
Kylie Ora Lobell
Kylie Ora Lobell is a personal finance writer who covers topics such as credit cards, loans, investing, and budgeting. She has worked for major brands such as Mastercard and Visa, and her work has been featured by MoneyGeek, Slickdeals, TaxAct, and LegalZoom. Read full bio.
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