September is one of the most important months in the college planning calendar. School is back in session, activities are picking up, and for students in every grade, the choices made now can shape the rest of the year, and the college journey ahead.

At Class 101 Waukesha-Brookfield, we work with students in all four high school grades, and we know that what “college prep” looks like depends on where you’re starting. So here’s a simple breakdown of what students should be doing right now, grade by grade.

Freshmen (Class of 2029): Lay the Groundwork
9th grade is all about exploration. Colleges won’t be asking what you did this month—but you’ll want to remember it later. This is a great time to start forming good habits.

What to do this month:

• Join one or two activities you’re genuinely interested in

• Set academic goals for your first semester

• Start tracking your involvement (you’ll thank yourself in a few years)

Sophomores (Class of 2028): Explore Your Interests
10th grade is about starting to ask questions: What do I enjoy? What subjects excite me? What kind of learner am I? Students don’t need answers yet, but they do need curiosity.

What to do this month:

• Take a career interest survey or start exploring majors

• Build on the activities you started last year, depth matters more than breadth

• Consider taking the PSAT in October (some schools offer it automatically)

Juniors (Class of 2027): Step Into the Spotlight
11th grade is often called the most important year in the college process. Everything students do now, from coursework to campus visits, will show up in applications next fall. This is the time to be intentional.

What to do this month:

• Build a preliminary college list

• Register for fall ACT or SAT dates

• Plan at least one campus visit

Start a resume or activities list if you haven’t already

Consider signing up for structured test prep (ours starts October 26!)

Seniors (Class of 2026): Go Time
For seniors, September is about execution. The next two to three months are the busiest of the college application cycle. Students should be finalizing their list, tracking deadlines, and staying organized.

What to do this month:

• Finalize your college list

• Keep working on your main essay and supplemental responses

• Request recommendation letters if you haven’t already

• Register for one last ACT or SAT if needed

• Track all application and scholarship deadlines in one place

Planning Looks Different at Every Grade, But It Always Matters
Whether your student is just starting high school or heading into application season, having a plan makes everything feel more manageable.

If you’re not sure what your student’s next step should be, or if you want a roadmap for the whole year, we’d love to help. Schedule a free consultation to get started.