College Prep: Ready, Set, College!
Ready to prep for college? Start here!
Page Contents
Choosing the Right Classes
Want to make your college application stand out? Start by picking the right high school classes. Be sure you meet the admission requirements by taking the necessary courses, and challenge yourself with advanced classes if you can. If you're interested in a particular major, try to take related courses. Your high school counselor can help you choose the best classes for your goals.
9th Grade
Do well in your regular classes.
10th Grade
Take honors classes in subjects you enjoy.
11th/12th Grade
Enroll in AP courses that interest you.
Exploring Your Interests
High school is all about discovering who you are and what you love. Here's how to make the most of it:
1. Check out your major options.
You don't need to decide on a major right now. It's perfectly okay to enter college as undeclared. Use this time to explore your interests, take different classes, and find what excites you. Think about your favorite subjects and what you're good at. Take our quiz to find majors that match your interests or explore our full list of majors.
2. Get involved.
Join clubs, volunteer, or get a part-time job. Do what you're passionate about, and remember, quality matters more than quantity.
3. Attend a summer program.
Many colleges, including Illinois, offer summer programs. They're a fun way to dive into subjects you like and see what college life is like. Scholarships are often available too!
How to Choose a Major
Join Emma for a quick career quiz that matches you with majors based on your personality!
Need time to explore?
Undecided? Our Division of Exploratory Studies can help you explore your options.
Your High School Roadmap
Explore our top priorities for each year in high school.
9th/10th Grade
Take classes that meet requirements and explore your interests.
11th Grade
Narrow your options and visit campuses in person or virtually.
12th Grade
Keep track of deadlines and apply to colleges.
"Be More Intentional."
Using your resources, living holistically, and easing the pressure to make your journey more manageable—and even meaningful. This is a must listen!
More tips on making the most of high school and planning for college can be found on our blog.
More Prep Resources
Looking for more resources as you prepare for college? We've got you covered.