11th Grade Checklist

The majority of the resources provided here can be found at bigfuture.collegeboard.org

First Semester

• Add to your college list

  There are many factors to consider when building your college list, including campus size, location, cost, and available programs. Consider which of these factors you value most to help you narrow down your search and create the right list for you!

   

• Access free AP resources

  If you're taking an AP course, you can access free learning resources on bigfuture.collegeboard.org

   

Second Semester

• Meet with the school counselor

  Make an appointment to meet with your school counselor who’ll help you set goals for life after high school. If you’re considering college, you’ll want to learn about graduation requirements, the college application process, and other recommendations to help you plan for college and career.   

   

• Decide which AP courses to take next year

  It’s time to start planning for 10^th grade. You’ll work with your counselor, teachers, and/or parents to select courses. Be sure to look at which AP courses you might be able to take. AP classes aren't just for juniors and seniors. In fact, some of the most popular courses are often taken by 9th and 10th graders. Check out the most popular AP courses for younger students.

   

• Practice for your first SAT

  In preparation for your first SAT, we recommend setting a goal score to strive toward when test day comes. Review your score report from the PSAT/NMSQT to identify what knowledge and skills you need to work on, and then go to Khan Academy(R) for Official Digital SAT Prep. About two weeks before test day, take a full-length practice test. You'll feel more confident with more test taking experience, and you'll see how close you come to reaching your goal score.

   

• Get ready for AP exams

  AP Classroom has several free resources available to help you prepare for your upcoming exams. You can access AP Daily: Practice Sessions, AP Daily videos, as well as other resources including free-response questions, sample student responses, and scoring guidelines from previous exams. Check them out today. 

   

• Review your SAT score

  Consider what your SAT score means for your college or career goals, and give yourself a pat on the back for your hard work. If you’re hoping to boost your score, think about taking the test a second time. Your score report will show you the knowledge and skills that you should focus on to improve.

   

• Meet with the school counselor

  Make an appointment to meet with your school counselor who’ll help you set goals for life after high school. If you’re considering college, you’ll want to learn about graduation requirements, the college application process, and other recommendations to help you plan for college and career.   

   

• Decide which AP courses to take next year

  It’s time to start planning for 10^th grade. You’ll work with your counselor, teachers, and/or parents to select courses. Be sure to look at which AP courses you might be able to take. AP classes aren't just for juniors and seniors. In fact, some of the most popular courses are often taken by 9th and 10th graders. Check out the most popular AP courses for younger students.

   

• Practice for your first SAT

  In preparation for your first SAT, we recommend setting a goal score to strive toward when test day comes. Review your score report from the PSAT/NMSQT to identify what knowledge and skills you need to work on, and then go to Khan Academy(R) for Official Digital SAT Prep. About two weeks before test day, take a full-length practice test. You'll feel more confident with more test taking experience, and you'll see how close you come to reaching your goal score.

   

• Get ready for AP exams

  This year stay focused on following through. Completing an AP Exam always has benefits, no matter your score. It shows colleges you’re willing to challenge yourself by completing college-level coursework. And if it’s your first time taking an AP Exam, learn what to expect so you’ll feel confident on test day. You go many free resources online to aid you in preparing for your AP Exams.

   

• Get the facts about what college costs

  Get the facts about what college costs and look at the average net price of colleges you’re interested in. You may be surprised by how affordable higher education can be. You can use some of the resources below:

  • • https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search/filters
    • https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges/ 
    • https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/college-search

   

• Explore financial options

  Explore financial aid options. These include grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study programs that can help pay for college costs. 

   

• Look into summer learning programs

  Summer is a great time to explore interests and learn new skills — and colleges look for students who pursue meaningful summer activities. Help your high schooler look into summer learning programs or find a job or internship.

   

• Visit colleges

  Make plans to check out the college campuses you’re interested in. Use the Campus Visit Checklist to learn how to get the most out of these experiences or look at virtual tour options.