The best time to start preparing for college is when you’re in your secondary eduation school, more commonly known as high school. Even if you’re not sure whether you want to go to college, you should keep your options open by preparing now. If you decide to go to college, it will definitely be easier for you. If you decide college isn’t right for you, it’s not like you harmed yourself by planning ahead. This article covers the main things you can do during each year of high school to make your transition to college easier.

Freshman Year
When you start secondary school, you take the first steps on your journey toward college.

These are our top 3 suggestions for your freshman year of your secondary education:

1. Start taking honors classes.
Taking honors classes shows you want to challenge yourself. If you need recommendations to sign up, but don’t have them yet, try meeting with each of the teachers of the honors classes you want to take. Tell them how interested you are in their subject and how hard you’re willing to work. They may be convinced to give you a chance.

2. Consider extracurricular activities.
This is especially important if you’re interested in a selective school. Getting involved in after-school clubs shows you’re a well-rounded student. It can also help you make friends at your new school.

3. Start taking a foreign language.
Even if your middle school didn’t offer a foreign language, it’s never too late to start learning. While Spanish, German, and French are popular options, taking something more exotic—like Chinese, Japanese, or Arabic—can help you stand out during college admissions. Whatever language you pick, apply yourself to it now. Four years of a foreign language is ideal.

Sophomore Year
At this author’s secondary school, sophomore year was considered the hardest year. Now that college admission tests are right around the corner, college doesn’t seem so far away.

Try these 4 strategies to prepare yourself:

1. Take the PSAT.
The PSAT, also known as NMSQT, is a test that gives you a chance to practice for the SAT. Many students take it for the first time during October of their sophomore year of their secondary education. Our blog offers basic information about the PSAT/NMSQT.

2. Take the PLAN.
Just like the PSAT gives you a chance to practice for the SAT, the PLAN gives you a chance to practice for the ACT. Many students take it during their sophomore year. If you’re not sure whether you want to take the SAT or ACT later, you can sign up for both the PSAT and PLAN now, then see which you prefer.

3. Begin visiting college campuses.
Start touring campuses near you. Look into different types of universities and colleges so you can keep your options open.

4. Start working during summer vacations.
By this summer, you’ll be old enough to work. You can now start working to earn money for college, if your parents allow you. Write a resume that highlights your skills and academic record, then start applying for jobs.

Junior Year
As a junior, you now have more freedom. You probably have the chance to take more electives now. Make sure you stay focused on your future.

These 6 tips can keep you on track during junior year:

1. Start taking AP classes and exams.
Many secondary school students first get the chance to take Advanced Placement classes as juniors. AP classes prepare you for AP exams, which give you an opportunity to earn college credits. Taking AP classes is also a good experience on its own, since it prepares you for college-level coursework.

2. Make a list of about a dozen colleges or universities that interest you.
If you’re interested in schools from a wide variety of areas, you may want to pick two dozen instead. You can narrow down the list during your senior year.

3. Take (or re-take) the PSAT.
Although you may have already taken the PSAT last October, there are benefits to taking it again this October. You can now choose to compete for a National Merit Scholarship. You could win $2,500, plus a certificate from National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Re-taking this test will also show how much progress you’ve made toward preparing for the SAT.

4. Take the SAT.
The SAT is a standardized test often used in the college admissions process. While you don’t have to take the SAT to get into college, it can definitely help, especially with more selective schools. Many students take the SAT for the first time during the spring, as high school juniors.

5. Take the ACT.
The ACT is another test commonly used in the college admissions process. You can take the ACT instead of the SAT, or take both. Most students take the ACT for the first time as juniors.

6. Consider taking SAT Subject Tests.
SAT Subject Tests measure how much you know about certain academic topics. While many colleges and universities don’t require you to take SAT Subject Tests, some selective schools strongly recommend taking two or three tests.

Senior Year
Senior year is an exciting time for secondary education students! You’re in the home stretch now, so make this year count.

Use these 7 strategies to prepare for college during your senior year:

1. At the start of the year, narrow your college list down to around half a dozen schools.
It’s time to slim down your list of colleges! Obtain an application and financial aid information from all of them. Visit as many as you can.

2. If any colleges on your list require letters of recommendation, start asking for them now.
Letters of recommendation usually come from teachers, advisers, or coaches. If you need a letter of recommendation to get into college, or at least the college you’re interested in, start asking people early. Provide each person with your resume, any necessary forms, and a stamped and addressed envelope.

3. If any colleges on your list require admission essays, write rough drafts early.
A college admission essay is a brief statement that tells admissions staff more about you. Our blog offers advice on how to write a college admission essay.

4. During fall, decide whether to apply for early admission.
If you’re sure you want to go to a certain school, you can apply for early admission, often in November. You’ll see their admission decision by December or January. If you choose an early decision plan, you can only apply early to one school, which you agree to attend as long as they accept you and give you an adequate financial aid package. Early action plans, on the other hand, aren’t binding and don’t limit you to one school.

5. During winter, apply to the colleges of your choice.
Most college applications are due between January 1 and February 15. If you apply on time, you should receive acceptance or rejection letters in April.

6. Make sure your SAT and ACT scores, secondary school transcript, and any SAT Subject Test or AP scores have been sent.
You may have already had your SAT and ACT scores sent when you took these tests as a junior. But, if you’re interested in different schools now, make sure you send them your scores early. Any AP tests you take your senior year may not get there until summer; this is OK.

7. Turn in your FAFSA as early as you can.
Make sure you and your parents complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Turning in your FAFSA before Valentine’s Day is ideal. Our blog offers tips on how to maximize your federal student aid.

If this list seems intimidating, keep in mind high school gives you four years to get it all done. If you pace yourself, you can plan for college while still having fun in secondary school.