College Planning, Grade by Grade

What this is

A year-by-year map of college preparation written for families who do not have a school counselor walking them through it.

Why it matters

Most college advice arrives all at once in senior year, when the highest-value steps have already passed. Spreading it across four years makes it manageable for a family carrying a lot.

What you should know

• Ninth and tenth grade are mostly about grades, course selection, and one activity the student stays with.
• Eleventh grade is the year for campus exploration, testing decisions, and building a list of schools.
• Financial-aid applications typically open in the fall of senior year; the application is free.
• Community college transfer pathways can be the lowest-cost route to a bachelor's degree.
• A student does not need a parent's presence at every step, but does need one adult who tracks deadlines.
• Many colleges have staff dedicated to first-generation and justice-impacted students — ask admissions directly.