UTOOLS

The program is intended to prepare Wayne County, foster youth, ages 14-20 for higher education. Allowing them to be college ready with a clear mindset of future employment.

The program introduces students to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, helping them develop personal, social, and academic skills. Participants also engage with presenters and representatives from various campus organizations and departments.

For example, a registered nurse from a local children’s hospital shared her experience working in the medical field and her college journey. Students also met with a licensed cosmetologist who discussed an alternative path in postsecondary education. These sessions provide guidance on exploring career options, applying to colleges and universities, selecting a major, and understanding tuition costs and available financial support.

At this stage, you are building the foundation for your high school career.

Fall: Explore activities and plan your classes

• Meet your guidance counselor. Your counselor can help you understand your academic and career options. Schedule a meeting early to discuss your high school plans and future goals.
• Get involved. Participate in extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, or community programs. These experiences help you develop skills and become a well-rounded student.
• Choose the right classes. Enroll in appropriate courses, including core subjects like English, math, science, history, and a foreign language.

Winter: Focus on academics and future planning

• Maintain strong grades. Your grades affect your GPA, class rank, and future college opportunities, including scholarships.
• Explore your interests and careers. Talk with your guidance counselor about your strengths and attend career-related events such as Career Day.

Spring and Summer: Prepare for the future

• Build your achievements. Keep a record of your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and community service. This information will be helpful for future college applications and resumes.

Stay on track with your high school classes and activities and begin to refine your plans for the future.

Fall: Prepare for testing and explore careers

• Take the PSAT. Taking a practice PSAT as a sophomore helps prepare you for the official exam and allows you to receive information from colleges.
• Begin preparing for the ACT. Start familiarizing yourself with the test format and content.
• Meet with your guidance counselor. Ensure you are enrolled in the courses needed for college or career preparation, including English, math, science, history, and a foreign language.
• Learn about the college admissions process. Explore college requirements using resources such as your counselor, library, and college websites.
• Explore potential careers. Research different career paths to understand required education, skills, and responsibilities.

Winter: Strengthen academic skills

• Take on new roles. Stay involved in extracurricular activities and participate in community service or volunteer opportunities.
• Improve your reading skills. Regular reading helps prepare you for standardized tests and supports academic success.
• Develop your writing skills. Strong writing is essential for college and career success, so practice regularly.
• Check in with your guidance counselor. Meet regularly to ensure you are staying on track.

Spring and Summer: Maintain progress and explore colleges

• Maintain strong grades. Your GPA and class rank are important factors in college admissions.
• Begin your college search. Use college websites and resources such as College Board BigFuture and college fairs to explore your options.
• Gain work experience. Consider getting a summer job to build responsibility, strengthen your resume, and start saving for college.

A key year in the college planning process

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Fall: Take the PSAT and build your college list

• Stay on track with your classes and grades. Meet with your counselor to review your progress, GPA, and class rank. It is never too late to improve your academic performance.
• Take the PSAT and create a testing plan. This test can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program and helps you prepare for the SAT. Plan ahead for exams such as the SAT, ACT, and AP tests.
• Evaluate your education options. Consider whether you want to pursue college, vocational training, employment, or a military career.
• Create a college list. Identify schools that match your preferences, including size, location, cost, and programs. Attend college fairs and speak with representatives.

Winter: Stay involved and prepare for testing

• Stay active in extracurricular activities. Focus on commitment and leadership rather than joining many new activities.
• Narrow your college choices. Compare schools based on factors such as cost, programs, and campus life to refine your list.
• Prepare for standardized tests. Register for the SAT, ACT, or other required exams and begin studying.
• Learn about financial aid. Research scholarships, grants, and financial aid options offered by colleges.

Spring: Plan ahead and build your application

• Choose a strong senior-year schedule. Work with your counselor to ensure you meet graduation and college requirements.
• Request letters of recommendation. Ask teachers or mentors who know you well to write strong recommendations.
• Apply for jobs or internships. Gain experience and begin saving for college expenses.

Summer: Visit colleges and prepare applications

• Visit college campuses. Tour schools, meet admissions staff, and talk with current students.
• Seek advice from college students. Learn about real college experiences from peers or family members.
• Organize financial aid information. Create a plan to track deadlines and required documents.
• Start writing application essays. Draft, revise, and proofread your essays with feedback from teachers or mentors.

Senior year is a busy time. Stay organized, meet deadlines, and stay on track with the college admissions process.

Fall: Visit schools and complete applications

• Visit colleges and finalize your list. Use your research and campus visits to decide where to apply. Include a mix of reach, match, and safety schools.
• Maintain strong grades and stay involved. Colleges review your senior-year performance, so continue working hard academically and in extracurricular activities.
• Take standardized tests. Register for and complete the ACT or SAT if needed, and ensure your scores are sent to your selected colleges.
• Track deadlines. Create a calendar to manage deadlines for applications, financial aid, and scholarships.
• Request letters of recommendation. Ask teachers early and provide them with the necessary forms and information about your goals.
• Meet with your guidance counselor. Confirm that transcripts, recommendations, and test scores are sent to your chosen colleges.
• Complete and review applications. Proofread all materials and confirm that all required documents have been submitted.
• Continue your scholarship search. Apply for scholarships and explore additional funding opportunities.

Winter: Follow up and apply for financial aid

• Follow up on applications. Verify that colleges have received all required materials, including transcripts, test scores, and recommendations.
• Submit financial aid forms. Complete the FAFSA and any additional required forms as early as possible.

Spring: Make your final decision

• Compare financial aid offers. Review each package carefully and contact financial aid offices if you have questions.
• Choose your college. Make your final decision and submit your enrollment deposit by the deadline.
• Complete enrollment steps. Finish required paperwork, including housing, orientation, and course registration.

Congratulations!

You have completed high school and are beginning an exciting new chapter. Good luck in your future endeavors.

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1. Create a list of potential colleges (up to 20) and explore their websites.
2. Research academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. Take virtual tours, attend information sessions, and consider participating in virtual interviews if available.
3. Narrow your list to approximately 8–10 best-fit schools that you plan to apply to.
4. Visit commonapp.org and create your Common Application. Add all the colleges you plan to apply to under “College Search.”
5. Create a document listing all required essay prompts for each college. Some schools, such as MIT and Florida A&M University, do not use the Common Application and require separate applications.
6. Create a resume that includes all activities, volunteer work, employment, and awards since the start of high school.
7. Develop your main Common Application essay (up to 650 words). Choose a topic that is meaningful, personal, and reflective of your experiences.
8. Complete all required supplemental essays. Work consistently, seek feedback from teachers or mentors, and track deadlines. Early Action deadlines are often November 1, and Regular Decision deadlines are often January 1.
9. Request recommendation letters and transcripts for each college early. Provide teachers and counselors with your resume and key information about your goals.
10. Complete the FAFSA starting October 1 at studentaid.gov. Submit SAT scores through collegeboard.org and ACT scores through act.org.