Ready for launch.

1. Grades count from day one. Many colleges and scholarships look at all four years.
2. Try activities and stick with the ones they love. Depth beats a long list.
3. Start a simple record of activities, awards, volunteering and jobs.
4. Talk about interests, not colleges yet.

Dad tip: Your job this year: notice what lights them up.

1. Keep grades steady and take the most challenging classes they can handle well.
2. Explore careers through job shadowing, summer programs or a part-time job.
3. Consider a practice PSAT if their school offers one.
4. Start a family conversation about what college or training might cost.

Dad tip: Visit a nearby campus casually, just to see what one feels like.

1. Take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall. Strong scores can qualify for National Merit recognition.
2. Plan SAT or ACT dates if the colleges on their list want scores.
3. Build a balanced list: reach, target and likely schools, plus non-college options.
4. Visit campuses, and ask teachers for recommendations before summer.
5. Start drafting a personal essay over the summer.

Dad tip: This is the big research year. A weekly 30-minute planning session together keeps it manageable.

1. Fall: finish applications. Early deadlines are often November 1 or November 15.
2. File the FAFSA as early as possible, plus the CSS Profile if needed.
3. Winter: regular deadlines, often in January. Keep applying for scholarships.
4. Spring: compare financial aid offers side by side, using the real cost after aid.
5. Commit by May 1, the national decision day at many colleges.

Dad tip: Celebrate every submitted application. The work deserves recognition, whatever the outcome.