High School Checklist

You’ve heard the saying: a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Students and parent roll suitcases through front gate of Ponce Hall

If you’ve reached this page, you’re thinking about how to launch your journey to college and to the career and life beyond.

Don’t worry. We’ve put together a year-by-year checklist that will help you make—and execute—a solid plan. Review each section below to see what you can do during your high school years to get started.

Checklists

Meet with your college counselor to make sure you are on the right track. 

  • Review four-year plan with college counselor
  • Take PSAT and PLAN Test
  • College prep course review with college counselor

  • College visits
  • Study college entrance requirements
  • ACT/SAT prep workshop
  • Take NMSQT and ACT or SAT
  • Attend college fairs

  • Request information from colleges on your list
  • Research scholarships
  • Parent/counselor conference
  • Complete resume
  • College counselor review of application forms
  • Mail completed forms to top choices
  • Take ACT/SAT and achievement tests
  • Send applications and transcripts to top choices
  • Complete FAFSA form
  • Check with a counselor for local scholarship opportunities
  • Forward all final information
  • Reply promptly to colleges
  • Submit admission and housing deposits