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Grade 11 checklist: tests, college list and scholarships

Grade 11 is the busiest planning year. Break it into small monthly steps and it stays manageable.

Fall

• Take the PSAT. Decide between the SAT and ACT after a practice test of each.
• Check whether the colleges you like require test scores. Some highly selective colleges do again; most do not.

Winter and spring

• Build a first college list of 15–20 options, including community college and in-state choices.
• Use each college's net price calculator. The sticker price is rarely what families pay.
• Ask two teachers for recommendations before summer.

Summer

• Brainstorm essay topics and write a messy first draft yourself.
• Do something meaningful: work, research, a course or a project you finish.

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