College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity.
Maximize your score with the official SAT Practice. It’s free and personalized for everyone.
Students will be required to complete a minimum of 22.5 credits to graduate. Only credits earned in grades 9-12 will be applied towards graduation. Below is a generalized outline of courses offered.
• Begin researching colleges by viewing their websites.
• Register for the SAT (collegeboard.org) – PCS recommends taking the SAT in the spring of Junior year and in the fall of Senior if necessary .College admissions professionals recommend students have at least one standardized score before the end of their junior year.
• SAT Prep – (Khan Academy is the official SAT Practice)
• Extracurriculars: Colleges also expect students to have interests outside of academics. Sports and other extracurricular activities show admission officers that students are well-rounded and can contribute to life on campus. Volunteering or working part-time also indicates a sense of duty and commitment, further proof that students are ready for the responsibilities college entails. PCS students are encouraged to join clubs offered in our school as well as explore clubs and sports that our students are accepted into at the public school to add to their college applications.
• Meet with the administrator to verify that graduation requirements will be met on schedule. (See graduation checklist in student handbook.)
• Research ways to pay for college. Read over the information from Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) College Preparation Checklist
• Identify scholarship opportunities to pursue; note deadlines on calendar.
• Contact colleges to request information and applications.
• Plan college visits. Students are allowed up to three college visits that count as excused absences.
• Narrow down the colleges being considered.
• Make decisions regarding early decision or early action programs.
• Enter and/or update information in FAFSA
• Register for and take (or retake) the SAT, if not already done.
• Complete and submit college applications prior to deadlines.
• Request transcripts and letters of recommendation at least 30 days before they are due.
• Work with parents to complete and submit the FAFSA
• Meet with the administrator to verify that graduation requirements will be met on schedule. (See graduation checklist in student handbook.)
• Review and make any necessary changes/corrections to the Student Aid Report
• Finish submitting scholarship applications.
• Learn more about types of financial aid and loans at studentaid.gov.
• Visit colleges. Students are allowed up to three college visits that count as excused absences.
• Consider college acceptances; compare financial aid packages offered.
• Call college financial aid representatives with questions.
• Decide on the college to attend (typically by May 1) and contact its offices.
Make informed decisions about
student loans.