College Prep Checklist
Your guide to navigating high school and preparing to apply to college.
Take the Right Classes
Goal: Be prepared and meet admission requirements.
What You Can Do:
- Complete required core courses
- Earn strong grades
- Challenge yourself (honors, AP, IB, dual credit)
- Take classes related to majors you’re curious about
- Check in with your counselor each year
Get Involved
Goal: Show growth beyond the classroom.
What You Can Do:
- Join a few activities you care about
- Try leadership, service, work, or creative projects
- Stick with what matters to you (depth > quantity)
Explore What You Might Study
Goal: Start discovering your interests.
What You Can Do:
- Look at possible majors
- Note which classes you enjoy most
- Attend summer programs or enrichment opportunities
- Talk to people about careers you’re curious about
Not Sure What to Major In? Our Division of Exploratory Studies helps you explore your interests on campus before choosing a path.
Start as Undeclared
Visit Illinois
Goal: See if it feels right.
What You Can Do:
- Talk with current students
- Experience campus vibes in Champaign-Urbana
- Sit in on an info session or take a guided tour
- Explore academic buildings, residence halls, and student spaces
Plan for Cost & Financial Aid
Goal: Understand what Illinois will cost and how to plan for it.
What You Can Do:
- Review tuition and estimated expenses
- Explore scholarships and grants
- Learn how financial aid works
- Track important FAFSA and scholarship deadlines
Follow Your Roadmap
Goal: Stay on track year-to-year.
9th-10th Grade
What You Can Do:
- Focus on grades and required courses
- Take honors classes in subjects you enjoy
- Try activities and explore interests
11th Grade
What You Can Do:
- Enroll in AP courses that interest you
- Visit campus
12th Grade
What You Can Do: