It’s a New Year! We often associate the New Year with making resolutions and goals to make ourselves better in some way for the coming year. It can be fun, and challenging, to commit to a goal and follow through. This year, we thought it would be helpful to encourage making goals set around college preparation. With so many steps to take throughout the year, why not commit now to making a goal that will help you achieve your future goals, whether that’s setting yourself up for senior year or just getting started on your college planning journey. 

Setting College Prep Goals for 2023

Here are a few suggestions we recommend to students as they make their goals, no matter where they are in their college planning process: 

• Make a plan

Start with your college prep goal by creating a plan. This starts with deciding what your goals will be and write them down. If you have big goals for yourself, break them down into smaller steps and create a timeline. Once you have your plan, be sure to tell someone you trust like a parent or guidance counselor for accountability. 

• Follow through

This step may seem silly and obvious, but it is the most critical part of achieving your goals! Anyone can come up with a college prep goal, but it takes commitment and drive for students to make the time and effort to see their plans through. 

• Record your progress

Whatever goal you set for yourself, make sure to record your progress as you go. For example, if your goal is to research colleges and universities, make a list and keep track of what you learn, including making notes of important information like application deadlines or scholarships offered. 

College Prep Goals by Grade Level 

Freshmen

Time is on your side as a freshman and is a great time to set the foundation for success. We think this is the perfect year to establish a game plan for the next four years and learn how to become a competitive collegiate applicant. Ideas for freshmen year goals could be:

• – Begin a personalized college list
• – Set GPA goals and improve upon study skills
• – Begin involvement in high school clubs, extracurricular activities, or summer/career camps

Sophomores

Sophomore year is when many Class 101 students begin their college planning journey. We recommend starting no later than the 10th grade in order to maximize college and scholarship opportunities.  Sophomores could think about setting goals that include:

• -Begin test prep basics for the ACT/SAT/PSAT
• -Get involved by volunteering and finding community service opportunities
• -Start building a resume and track activities 

Juniors

If you are familiar with our Super Junior Program, you already know that we recommend specific goals for Junior Year. Class 101 students accomplish these goals in just three months under the guidance of experienced advisors who have taken thousands of students through this process before. The timeline sets our students up for a great application experience in their Senior Year. If you are navigating this on your own, there is still time to set these goals and begin working towards a successful application season. 

• -Create a college admissions resume
• -Get an ACT or SAT baseline score
• -Document baseline trends
• -Explore your career interests
• -Select 10 colleges to explore
• -Visit three college campuses

Seniors

By January of senior year, most Seniors have submitted their college applications and are working to complete scholarship applications. Here are a few suggested goals for seniors:

• -Complete any last-minute applications
• -Finalize scholarship applications
• -Sit down with a parent to discuss budget and financial aid 
• -Register early for new student orientation

What will your college prep goals be? 

Setting goals and laying out a game plan for your year will set you up for success and simplify the college application process when it’s go-time Senior Year. Here’s to making 2023 the best yet!

When you’re ready to let Class 101 partner with you on your college goals, reach out to our experienced Class 101 Bloomington, IN advisors.