Fall is a fantastic season and thoroughly enjoyed by many people. Especially here in New England we enjoy beautiful foliage, crisp cool air, bright sun, pumpkin spice, and football games.
It is also one of the most important times of the year for college planning.
Whether your student is just starting high school, or in the throes of senior year applications and decisions, autumn is the season when key milestones and deadlines come into focus.
To help you (and your student) stay organized and focused, here is a grade-specific checklist of what to prioritize this Fall.
Freshmen (9th Grade): Build the Foundation
The first year of high school is all about building strong habits and exploring new opportunities
- Get involved: Clubs, sports, and community service are great ways to explore interests and build a future activities list.
- Focus on academics: A strong GPA begins now. Encourage good study routines and time management.
- Meet your high school counselor: A quick introduction helps your student start building a relationship that will matter later, which you can build on.
- Explore interests: Spark curiosity about future careers or colleges without pressure.
Sophomores (10th Grade): Explore & Prepare
Sophomore year is about exploration and light preparation for what’s ahead
- Try the PSAT (practice): Some schools allow sophomores to take it—it’s low-stakes and helps them get comfortable with the format.
- Challenge yourself academically: If available, honors or AP courses show readiness for rigorous work.
- Start tracking and keep an activity log: Document leadership roles, service hours, or new achievements.
- Career exploration: Attend a career fair, shadow a professional, or use online career tools to discover potential pathways. Or talk to your relatives that have a job you find interesting.
Juniors (11th Grade): The Planning Year
This is the most critical year for college preparation
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT: It counts for National Merit scholarships and provides insight for SAT prep.
- Visit colleges: Many colleges have open-house events in the fall—if you can, go in person to the top schools on your list. This is the time to start forming impressions.
- Discuss and Decide on Testing: Decide whether the SAT, ACT, or test-optional route makes sense for your student.
- Research scholarships: Some awards are open to juniors—starting now gives you a head start and possibly an advantage.
- Keep grades strong: Junior year GPA is a major focus of colleges and is weighed very heavily.
Seniors (12th Grade): Application Season
For seniors, fall is crunch time: deadlines and forms come quickly, so staying on track is essential
- Finalize your college list: Narrow down choices to a list that fits your academic and social interests, school size, geographical location and environment, and overall costs.
- Meet early deadlines: Early Action and Early Decision applications are often due in November.
- Complete financial aid forms: The FAFSA and CSS Profile open in October—apply early to maximize your eligibility.
- Fine-tune your essays: Have a trusted teacher, counselor, or mentor provide feedback before submission.
- Request recommendations: Teachers need plenty of time to write thoughtful letters.
- Stay organized: Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or app to track deadlines and requirements.
Final Thoughts
With each fall season, students have new opportunities to move one step closer to their college goals. By approaching the process by each high school year, students and families can stay on top of priorities without feeling overwhelmed.
Here is another reminder: Don’t forget to take time to enjoy this beautiful season as well! Get out among the colorful trees and grab a hot cider and apple cider donut along the way to the pumpkin patch.
-DC