High School Students & Families
High school is a pivotal time to plan for what’s next, but your preparation for college and career starts now. You’re never alone in this process – College Now is here to guide you every step of the way.Preparing High School Students for College, Careers and Beyond
We believe every student deserves the tools and support to succeed during and after high school. Our programs provide personalized guidance, resources and opportunities to help students stay on track, make informed decisions and confidently pursue college, career training or other future pathways.
College Now advisors work with students in many high schools throughout Northeast Ohio. Connect with your advisor.
College Prep Steps for High School Students
Grade 9
Our first year of high school sets the tone for everything that follows – academically, socially and preparing for college. By taking intentional steps now, you can build strong academic habits, explore your interests and stay on track for opportunities that will shape your next four years and beyond.
Here are a few key steps 9th graders can start taking today to stay on track for their goals post high school.
Start preparing for college entrance exams
Begin studying for the ACT and/or SAT and plan to take your first test this year. Early preparation gives you time to improve your score if needed.
Visit college campuses
Schedule and attend campus visits to get a feel for the schools that interest you, and see which environments feel like the right fit.
Continue to explore different career paths
Keep learning about different careers to discover what interests you and what matches your strengths. Try out career assessments, attend career fairs or spend time observing professionals in the field to help narrow down your options and plan for your future.
Learn key financial aid terminology
Start getting familiar with important financial aid terms like FAFSA, grants, scholarships and student loans. Knowing the basics now will make it easier to navigate the process when it’s time to apply for aid.
Ignore this
Strong academic habits start early. Understanding your learning style helps you study more effectively, while practicing good time management allows you to balance schoolwork, activities and personal responsibilities. These are skills that will be essential in high school, college and throughout life.
Learn college/career exploration and high school academic concepts vocabulary
Learn the basics of high school academics, like what GPA means and which classes you’ll be taking, along with other important college and career terms. Understanding these early on makes it easier to see how your choices in high school can impact your future opportunities.
Learn how to face challenges with a growth mindset and set SMART goals to help you stay focused and succeed in both academics and career planning.
It’s important to learn how to face life’s challenges head-on. Learn how having a growth mindset and setting SMART goals can help you stay motivated, be resilient and make real progress in school and career planning.
Create a resume to keep track of your accomplishments
Start building your resume now to keep track of your accomplishments, activities and experiences. Whether it’s a school project, a volunteer opportunity or a leadership role, keeping everything in one place will make it easier when it’s time to apply for scholarships, jobs and college.
Grade 10
Sophomore year is all about building momentum. This year, you’ll challenge yourself academically and start exploring college and career options more seriously. Focus on keeping your grades strong, getting involved in meaningful extracurricular activities and learning more about what you might want to do after high school. These steps will help you stay on track and set the stage for important decisions coming up next year.
Start exploring colleges
Begin researching colleges of all sizes (large universities, mid-sized schools and small campuses) to see what feels right. As you explore, take note of admissions requirements so you know what to aim for throughout high school.
Continue participating in extracurricular activities
Stay involved in the activities you care about. Whether it’s clubs, sports, music or volunteering, sticking with your interests shows commitment, helps you grow your skills and will highlight your strengths and passions when the time comes to apply for college.
Start applying for jobs and internships
Start exploring real-world experiences by applying for part-time jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities. These experiences will help you build valuable skills, learn about careers and show colleges that you’re motivated and can take initiative.
Explore in-demand careers
Start looking into careers that are growing and are in high demand. Learning about these options now can help you discover what interests you and what kind of education or training you might need to pursue them in the future.
Grade 11
Junior year is a key time in your college prep journey. This is when planning turns into action. During this time, you’ll want to strengthen your academic record, research colleges that match your goals and start preparing for standardized tests. It’s also a great time to connect with mentors who can support your goals, take on leadership roles and visit college campuses, if possible. Every step you take now brings you closer to college and career success.
Start preparing for college entrance exams
Begin studying for the ACT and/or SAT and plan to take your first test this year. Early preparation gives you time to improve your score if needed.
Visit college campuses
Schedule and attend campus visits to get a feel for the schools that interest you, and see which environments feel like the right fit.
Continue to explore different career paths
Keep learning about different careers to discover what interests you and what matches your strengths. Try out career assessments, attend career fairs or spend time observing professionals in the field to help narrow down your options and plan for your future.
Learn key financial aid terminology
Start getting familiar with important financial aid terms like FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), grants, scholarships and student loans. Knowing the basics now will make it easier to navigate the process when it’s time to apply for aid.
Grade 12
As a senior, you’re in the home stretch of your high school journey, taking the final steps toward your college goals. This year is all about key milestones—finalizing your college list, completing applications, applying for financial aid and ultimately making your decision. Each step brings you closer to starting college and preparing for the exciting road ahead.
Complete college, financial aid and scholarship applications
Stay on top of key deadlines by completing your college applications, financial aid forms like the FAFSA and scholarship applications. These are major steps toward making your college goals a reality. Make sure you stay organized, double-check your materials and submit everything on time.
Navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and understand different types of financial aid
Get familiar with the FAFSA and how it helps determine your eligibility for financial aid. Learn the differences between grants, scholarships, work-study and loans so you can make informed decisions about how to pay for college. Understanding the process now can save you time and stress later.
Understand your admissions decisions and financial aid offers to choose the best college for you.
Take the time to read through your acceptance letters and financial aid packages. Knowing what each school offers will help you make a smart choice that fits your academic goals and budget.
Successfully transition to college
Get ready for college by learning how to adjust to college life and academic changes. Building confidence and support now will help you start your post-high school life strong. Be sure to check out one of our Transition to College workshops for extra guidance and resources.
Programs
GEAR UP
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a nationwide college access program that helps students and families prepare for college starting in middle school. Through academic support, college and career exploration, financial aid guidance and more, GEAR UP supports students through high school and into their first year of college. The goal is to make sure every student has the tools, knowledge and confidence to succeed in higher education.
College Now currently offers GEAR Up programming at the following high schools:
Cleveland Heights High School
Clearview High School (Lorain)
Upward Bound
Upward Bound is one of eight federally supported TRIO programs designed to support students on their path to higher education. This program is designed for first-generation and income-eligible students. It provides students with academic support, college and career guidance, tutoring, test prep and immersive summer experiences on college campuses. Upward Bound helps students graduate from high school, navigate the college process and succeed in earning a college degree.
College Now advisors lead Upward Bound programming in the following Cuyahoga County high schools:
Normandy High School (Parma)
Shaw High School (East Cleveland)
Valley Forge High School (Parma Heights)
Talent Search
Talent Search is a federally supported TRIO program designed to help income-eligible students and first-generation college students reach their full academic potential. Through five-year grants, the program provides students in grades 6-12 with personalized college and career advising, academic support and opportunities to explore higher education. Serving around 500 students, Talent Search guides participants every step of the way.
College Now currently offers Talent Search at the following high schools:
Cleveland Heights High School/Delisle Options Center
Garrett Morgan High School (Cleveland)
Glenville High School (Cleveland)
John F. Kennedy High School (Cleveland)
John Marshall High School (Cleveland)
impact!
College Now’s impact! after-school and summer program supports students in entrance exam preparation and college and career readiness. Focusing on core subjects like math and reading, impact! enhances ACT and PSAT test-taking strategies, offers enrichment activities and equips students with the skills and tools needed for success in college and their future careers. Find an impact! program near you.
Register Now
Xplore
Xplore is College Now’s interactive after-school and summer program designed to help students uncover their passions, explore future careers, and prepare for college success. Each session takes a deep dive into different meta-majors; broad fields of study that help students connect their interests to real college majors and career options. Through hands-on projects, meaningful discussions and exciting travel opportunities, students explore career possibilities in creative fields, STEM, business, finance and more. Xplore gives students the tools, experiences and support to discover their passion, and where it can take them. Find an Xplore program near you.
Cleveland Foundation/College Now Top Scholars
The Cleveland Foundation/College Now Top Scholars program is a selective college advising initiative that has supported top-achieving CMSD students since 2012. Top Scholars receive one-on-one guidance to help them identify and apply to their “best fit” colleges and universities, along with support navigating financial aid, scholarships and the enrollment process. Students can also highlight their participation in this prestigious program on college applications and resumes.
In addition to advising, Top Scholars take part in exclusive opportunities such as a summer retreat and an overnight college tour before senior year.
Program Requirements:
-
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
-
SAT score of 1100 or higher or ACT score of at least 22
Where Top Scholars Go:
Since its founding, Top Scholars have gone on to attend some of the nation’s most respected institutions, including:
-
Case Western Reserve University
-
Emory University
-
Harvard University
-
Howard University
-
Kenyon College
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
-
New York University
-
Northwestern University
-
Oberlin College
-
The Ohio State University
-
Rochester Institute of Technology
-
Stanford University
…and many more!
Affording Higher Education
We believe that the financial cost of higher education should not be a barrier for students to achieve their career goals.
College Scholarships
We help students find and secure scholarships by guiding them to the best resources and assisting them in writing and reviewing scholarship essays. We also work with students in applying to the scholarships College Now manages, ensuring they have the best chance to receive financial support.
Financial Aid
Starting with learning financial literacy, we assist students and their families in understanding and applying to financial aid, including the FAFSA. Once students are accepted to colleges, we help them compare award letters to understand and evaluate their offered financial aid packages.