Elementary & Middle School College Prep Checklists

It’s never too early to prepare for college. From elementary school all the way to high school, you can take steps each year to help you and your student prepare for college.

ELEMENTARY COLLEGE PREP CHECKLIST

If you have a K-5 student and are wondering where to start, here are just a few suggestions for preparing for a successful journey to higher education.

  • Start saving for college, either in a savings account or a 529 plan.
  • Instill a love for learning by reading books to your child and engaging in homework and projects.
  • Celebrate your children’s efforts. This encourages continued learning and goal setting. Emphasize that it is okay not to always succeed – these are just opportunities to grow and learn.
  • Talk to your children using the following conversation starters:
    • Tell them how you prepared for your career.
    • Ask them what subject they like best in school.
    • Ask them what they want to be when they grow up.
    • Ask them what they are really good at.
    • Ask them about what they think makes them unique.
College Prep Checklist for Elementary (PDF)

MIDDLE SCHOOL COLLEGE PREP CHECKLIST

It is never too early to start dreaming. And the sooner you start, the better prepared you’ll be for education after high school. Middle school students can use this checklist to identify the right courses, tutoring services and career clusters for their future.

  • Start talking about ideas for your future with family members, teachers and your school counselor. You don’t have to have all the answers, but these discussions can help you dream about the possibilities.
  • Set regular time and space aside for study and completing homework.
  • Pay attention to the subjects and activities you most enjoy in middle school. These are good clues to what you might find interesting in a future career.
  • Learn about career clusters and take fun personality tests to see what occupations might fit your interests.
    • SDMyLife is a great place to start! (Every 6-12th grade student in SD can access this free career and college planning tool with login information provided by your school.)
  • Find opportunities to get involved in your community and extra-curricular activities – bring a friend too!
  • Start saving for college now.
  • Check out career camps that are offered and enroll in a summer enrichment program.
College Prep Checklist for Middle School

Related Resources

Saving for College
Career Exploration
SDMyLife Matchmaker & Personality Styles
Career Launch SD Career Interest Survey

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