Planning for College
Exploring your options and deciding what you want from a college will suppply you with the information you need to make the right college choice. The timeline below is designed to help you plan ahead for the academic preparation you will need for admission to Ohio University.
Grade 9
Timeframe | What to Do |
Year-round | Study Hard! Now is the time to build up your grade point average by concentrating on your studies and take courses that will build a college-prep curriculum foundation. At Ohio University, we recommend that you take the following courses before graduation:
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Grade 10
Timeframe | What to Do |
Year-round | Keep up your grades. Stay involved in your high-school’s extra-curricular activities. |
Grade 11
Timeframe | What to Do |
September- March |
Explore your college choices! As you begin to visit colleges, you should think about the major you want to study. If you have no idea about what you want to study in college, don’t worry about it. Ohio University offers incoming students several undecided majors that will allow you to take a variety of classes so that you can explore your options before you make a decision |
March-August | Take the ACT and SAT I. Most colleges will require you to take either the ACT or SAT tests in order to be considered for admission but these tests can also help you get scholarships or other types of recognition. Your high school Guidance Counselor can provide you with registration information for you to take the ACT and SAT tests. We recommend taking at least one test during the summer of your junior year. Taking these tests now will ensure that your scores will be available when you start applying to colleges in the fall of your senior year. If you are not satisfied with your score, you will have plenty of time to take the test again.
Research scholarships. Begin researching scholarship opportunities in mid summer. You may want to check with the companies where you or your parents are employed. Look around your community and neighborhood such as your church, civic and charitable organizations. The Ohio University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid provides information on Ohio University scholarships and the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. If you are interested in other sources of funding visit Fastweb. Visit college campuses. Now is the time to make a list of qualities you want in a college. Characteristics you may want to consider might include
Also, be sure to start visiting colleges during your junior year. To prepare for your campus visit you should
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Grade 12
Timeframe | What to Do |
August-November | Consider applying for admission. Admission to Ohio University is granted to the best-qualified applicants as determined by a selective admissions policy. Admissions decisions are based on a number of criteria including your college prep curriculum, ACT or SAT I scores, overall high school GPA, positive grade trends, and optional essay.
The freshman application deadline for fall admission is February 1. However, students are encouraged to send in their applications beginning in October of their senior year so they can be admitted in time to be considered for scholarships. |
November-Februrary | Research financial aid opportunitites. The responsibility of paying for your college education will rest mainly with you and your family, but there are many types of financial assistance for those who qualify. Make sure you meet all deadlines when applying for financial aid. You should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows you to be considered for various financial aid programs. The FAFSA is available via the internet or from your guidance counselor starting in December, and should be completed as soon as possible for priority consideration |
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Source: Ohio University