Talk to your school counselor. 

Tell them about your plans and make sure you are on track for graduation.

Explore career options. 

Look into careers that interest you, and consider job shadowing or internships to get a better idea of the kind of work you want to do. Doing this will also help you choose colleges or training programs that will align everything.

Start thinking about your major. 

What do you want to study? Research your options and try to connect it back to your future career to see a bigger return on your investment.

Finalize your college list. 

It’s important to research the schools you are interested in and to make sure you have a good mix of safety, target, and reach schools. Also, keep track of deadlines to make sure you never miss an opportunity!

Keep your grades up. 

Colleges will see your senior year grades after your first semester is complete, so don’t let those grades slip.

Take all necessary standardized exams. 

Make sure you’re registered for the SAT, ACT, or any other tests your schools require before December to get your test scores back in time. Practice with Khanacademy.org or Schoolhouse for free 99 to ensure you get a good score.

Complete your college applications. 

Make sure you have all the necessary materials, including transcripts, test score reports, essays, and recommendations to move forward.

Apply for financial aid through the FAFSA within 45 days of it opening

The FAFSA opens on October 1st this year. Get your app in soon after it opens and make sure to fill out any other financial aid applications your schools require as well. Bonus: Look for funding in your state to see if there is additional money you qualify for and complete those applications around the same time. Check the NASFAA State Financial Aid Finder for your state’s financial aid page.

Look for scholarships. 

Look locally and nationally to apply to as many as you can find. Take it seriously and treat this like your part-time job!

Lastly, enjoy your senior year. 

You’re only a senior once, so make the most of it! Spend time with friends, participate in extracurricular activities, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Good luck out there!

Oh before you go…Don’t forget to get the On Track For College Student Workbook to get organized. Click the image below to purchase your copy on Amazon.

Learn more about the author Mizz P. here: About Mizz P.

The post On Track For College-High School Senior Checklist  appeared first on On Track with Mizz P..

Check out my Summer College Prep tasks below to get started

Tips For All students 9th-12th Grade

Read as much as you can. It will help your writing skills and make reading passages during standardized exams like the PSAT/SAT/ACT a piece of cake.

Participate in a community service activity or volunteer your time. Colleges like students who give back and there are tons of scholarship programs that have this as a requirement. So be a good human and get on out there.

Practice your basic skills, folks. You cannot afford to fall behind. The work will only get harder. Practice makes perfect.

Practice for SAT/ACT or both.

Research careers…. I suggest doing this before building your college list. Why? Because knowing what you want to do can help you narrow your search and make it more likely for you to choose a college that has your career interests in mind. Thank me later!

Research colleges you may be interested in attending. Start by answering the following: What is the requirements to get in? How much will it cost? Does it have anything I would be interested in? *Remember, college visits count as research. Start with local colleges in your area and branch out so you can compare. 

Tips For Rising High School Seniors

College application season will be here before you know it. If you use this time to knock some things off your list, the fall will be way easier. Try getting these things done ASAP!

Finalize your brag sheet and resume. These documents are used to showcase your skills for recommendations and future opportunities. Think of 3 core content teachers who would write the best letter for you and give both documents to them when school starts. Check the On Track Hub for access to my Brag Sheet Generator to get started.

Finalize your college list. What schools do you envision yourself going to? Make sure to check their requirements and tuition costs before adding them to your list.

Start on your essay. The essay portion takes the longest amount of time to complete. Check each college website for instructions/prompts and get started ASAP. 

Study for the SAT/ACT. You want to get the highest score you can possibly get. Start studying ASAP!

Want a spot to organize all this information? Get the On Track Playbook to move your plans forward.

Tips For High School Juniors

Think of activities you want to be a part of this year. Sports, arts, clubs, student government will be a great look for your high school resume.

Start drafting your resume. Think of all the activities, jobs, and accomplishments you’ve had throughout your high school career, and write them all down. This will help you in the future.

Tips For Parents

Have a conversation with your child about their future plans. What is it that they want to do? What schools are they considering? How far is too far? 

Sit down WITH your child to do some research so you don’t get blindsided by high costs or unrealistic expectations. This step is super important. (Trust me on this one).

Create a budget and start saving! College is expensive….So are applications, test fees, deposits, and other costs associated with senior year. Don’t get caught out there. Sort out your finances and put some cash aside to help you meet your family’s need.

Need help to get things right?

Jump back into the On Track Hub to see how else I can help and check out My Amazon Storefront for my favorite College Planning Tools, including my On Track For College Workbooks: https://amzn.to/3NCdxg2

About the author: Mizz P. is a College & Career Strategist from The Bronx on a mission to help students Plan Smart, Pay Less, and Succeed. With 17+ years in the game, she knows the system — and how to work it in your favor. Learn more about Mizz P. here.

The post Summer College Prep: Must-Do Tasks for High School Students appeared first on On Track with Mizz P..

The summer melt is the Boogeyman of college-bound students and strikes fear into the hearts of college access professionals everywhere. You’d think that with all the tech tools and constant emails, we’d have it under control. But nope, the summer melt is still lurking, affecting about 40% of students who plan to go to college and disproportionately affecting low-income students and students of color the hardest.

So, what is causing all the chaos? It could be anything from missing information, incomplete paperwork, or just plain old procrastination. But don’t worry—I’ve got a plan to help you beat the summer melt and make sure you’re sitting in your first class this fall instead of being stuck at home wondering what went wrong.

Here’s your summer melt survival checklist to stay calm, cool, and On Track:

Check Your Email DAILY

Your chosen college might have a specific set of tasks to complete or opportunities you can take advantage of by a certain deadline. Not checking your email means you’ll miss out on a lot, so start every day by checking your email.

Secure Your Housing

Going away for school? Make sure you complete all housing forms and drop that deposit to secure your spot. Nothing melts away dreams faster than losing your home away from home because of a missed deadline.

Register for Classes

Make sure you get advised to know what classes to take and register to get your schedule locked in so you’re ready to roll.

Accept Your Financial Aid Awards ASAP

You can’t pay for school if you don’t have any money, so hit that “accept” button on your awards to secure your cash before it’s too late. (Have a conversation about what is provided with your family before you complete this step.)

Get Through Verification

If you’re selected for verification, don’t panic—it’s just the school wanting to double-check your FAFSA info. This process can drag on, so get your paperwork done and handed in like, yesterday!!! Waiting too long can delay your financial aid, and trust me, you don’t want that.

Take Your Placement Exams

No one wants to hear the word “exam” in the summer, but placement tests are a must. Schools use these to decide if you need any extra help or if you’re ready for college-level courses. If you put this off, you might get bumped to the next semester. So, make it a priority!

Submit All Paperwork

Immunization records, residency forms—you name it, they need it. These documents are standard but super important. Turn them in on time to avoid any last-minute enrollment issues.

Attend Orientation

Orientation is your chance to get familiar with campus life, meet your new friends, and learn the ropes. Plus, it’s usually required, so don’t skip it!

Settle Your Bill 

Discuss how you are going to pay your bill with your family and give up the cash by the deadline the school sets. Whether it’s a payment plan, loan, or the “bank of mom and dad,” make sure it’s all sorted out. No money, no classes—it’s that simple.

Ready to go off to college?
Check out my Amazon Storefront for my college must-haves: https://amzn.to/4bsooSM

And get the On Track College Survival Cheat Sheet to make sure you don’t go into this whole college thing blind. Get it here for $5 →

About the author: Mizz P. is a College & Career Strategist from The Bronx on a mission to help students Plan Smart, Pay Less, and Succeed. With 17+ years in the game, she knows the system — and how to work it in your favor. Learn more about Mizz P. here.

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Newsflash: The cost of education is rising! Are you ready to meet the cost???

Pay Less For College Strategy # 1: Apply for Scholarships and Grants 

There are plenty of options out there, and none of them require repayment. Search for opportunities through your state, intended college, local community organizations, corporate entities, and national scholarship databases. 

For Scholarships

Tailor your applications to each scholarship’s criteria and apply to as many as possible.

Check databases like bold.org and JLV scholarships for scholarship opportunities and keep your eye on my scholarship + list throughout the year as well.

For Grants

Apply through FAFSA for access to federal funds and check your state to see if you qualify for state grants and funding. 

Not sure what your state offers? 

Check the Nasfaa State Program Finder to see what other types of aid are available to you.

Pay Less For College Strategy # 2: Choose a Community College to complete General Education Courses 

Starting at a community college can be significantly less expensive than starting at a four-year institution. Their costs are much cheaper which will make it easier on your pockets and can help you save thousands of dollars in the long run. Start at a community college to complete all general education requirements, then transfer to a four-year college or university to finish up.

Pay Less For College Strategy # 3: Take CLEP Exams

CLEP exams allow students to obtain college credits for wayyy less money. There are tons of exam topics to choose from (34 to be exact) and the exams cost $95 + $25 (administrative fees). Check out the requirements for your major before choosing which exams to take, then check the CLEP school policy search to see which schools accept these tests.

Pay Less For College Strategy # 4: Attend an In-State Public University

Public universities often offer lower tuition rates as an incentive to keep residents in-state. The cost difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition can be substantial compared to other college choices so consider choosing a public state school to lower your college-related costs.

Pay Less For College Strategy #5: Stack AP/IB Credits in High School

Why pay college tuition for classes you could’ve knocked out in high school? That’s exactly what AP courses let you do.

Here’s the play: Take an AP class, sit for the exam in May ($98 per test but free if school pays), score a 3 or higher, and many colleges will hand you actual college credit for it. We’re talking skipping intro courses, getting ahead on your degree, or even graduating a whole semester early.

Some students walk onto campus already ahead of their classmates — just because they did the work in high school.

Before you sign up, check the AP Credit Policy Search to see how your target schools handle AP scores. Every school is different, so do your homework before you assume the credit will transfer.

Pay Less For College Strategy #6: Appeal Your Financial Aid Offer

Let me let you in on a little secret — that first financial aid offer? It’s a starting point, not the finish line. You have every right to push back, and schools are used to it.

Two situations where you should absolutely appeal:

You got a better offer from another school. If School A is offering you more money but your heart is set on School B — say something! Write a professional letter, attach that competing offer, and ask School B to match or come closer. It’s called a professional judgment appeal, and sis, it works more often than people think.

Your family’s situation changed. Job loss, major medical bills, a death in the family — these are real reasons to ask for a second look at your package. Don’t suffer in silence. Call the financial aid office, ask about the appeal process, and put it in writing.

A successful appeal can save you $1K–$10K per year. Multiply that by four years and you’re talking real money. The worst they can say is no — so why not ask?

Pay Less For College Strategy #7: Become a Resident Advisor (RA)

If you’re planning to live on campus, this is one of the smartest moves you can make — and most students sleep on it.

An RA (Resident Advisor) is a student leader who lives in the dorms and supports their floor or building community. Schools basically pay you to do it — not always in cash, but in something better:

• Free housing (yes, the whole room)
• Free or reduced meal plan at most schools
• Sometimes a small stipend too

The key thing to know: apply sophomore year — spots fill up fast and they’re not waiting on you!

We’re talking $8K–$15K in savings per year. That’s not a little bit of money, that’s a whole tuition payment at some schools. Plan ahead and get your name in early.

Alright folks, you got the game. NOW GO OUT THERE AND USE IT!

***And remember kids, you do not have to break the bank on your college education. Be intentional and work your plan to make sure this investment brings you back a great return. STRATEGY OVER EVERYTHING FOLKS! YOU GOT THIS

About the author: Mizz P. is a College & Career Strategist from The Bronx on a mission to help students Plan Smart, Pay Less, and Succeed. With 17+ years in the game, she knows the system — and how to work it in your favor. Learn more about Mizz P. here.

The post 7 Ways To Pay Less For College appeared first on On Track with Mizz P..

You are one step closer to getting out of high school and stepping into college! With such an exciting transition ahead, it’s important to stay focused so you can graduate on time and land in the college of your choice. Follow this High School Junior Checklist to get exactly where you want to go!

Reflect on your skills, talents, and interests to get an idea of what you might want to do future.

Not sure where your skills and interests lie? Take personal inventories like the true colors assessment by Hancock College or Hampton University and consider taking a career interest inventory like the one provided by Minnesota State to see what options are available to you.

Research careers that interest you and will utilize your skill set. Use the Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn more about the path to get there and more.

Find colleges that will help you further develop your skills and lead you to your future career. Look through their majors and consider other factors such as location, size, and campus culture to build a good college list. Once you have seen all you need to see, take a look at their requirements to make sure you have the right GPA and test scores to get in.

Attend college fairs and take tours as often as you can. Both provide great insight and help you learn more about your options. Always go prepared with questions to ask and grab some information.

Meet with your school counselor to discuss your future plans: See if they have any valuable advice or resources to help you move your plan forward.

Keep your eye on your grades and maintain involvement. The last semester of your junior year is your last time to really get it right! When you start the application process in the fall of your senior year, colleges will make a judgment based on what you‘ve done between your freshman and junior year. Get in those last A’s and B’s and maintain or add activities to your list to finish up strong!

Start on important portfolio materials such as your resume, brag sheet, and college essay to save some time on applications during your senior year. The more you do now the easier senior year will be!

Look for scholarships and start doing your research about the different types of aid available. Want to know how much federal aid you qualify for? Check out the FAFSA Estimator and learn more about financial aid here.

Maximize your summer by finding ways to build your resume. This can look like pre-college courses, community service projects, a summer job, or building on a passion project. Whatever you do make it worth it!

And remember kids, the more you complete now the easier those college applications will be! You Got This and we got you!

Want to get a head start on your college plan and materials? Check out my On Track For College workbook to get all planned up! ​​https://amzn.to/4a2GQS7

About the author: Mizz P. is a College & Career Strategist from The Bronx on a mission to help students Plan Smart, Pay Less, and Succeed. With 17+ years in the game, she knows the system — and how to work it in your favor. Learn more about Mizz P. here.

The post On Track For College – High School Junior Checklist appeared first on On Track with Mizz P..

Step 1. Celebrate Big Time!

Before you do anything, throw a little party for yourself to celebrate your accomplishments. You’ve earned it! Share the joy with your family and friends because you my friend are going to college!

Step 2. Mind Your Money

Have a conversation with your family about your finances. How will you pay for college? What do you have saved up? And what do you need? 

Got your financial aid package? Great! Now, put on your detective hat and compare those offers. What school has the better deal? Who is giving the most free money (grants & scholarships)? Which school will give you the biggest return on investment?

Didn’t receive enough free money? See if you can negotiate for more. The only dumb question is the one you don’t ask!

Lastly, read all the fine print and make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Step 3. Decision Time

Choosing the right college is like choosing your next adventure. Make a list of your non-negotiables and check it twice. Think about what matters most to you—academic programs, activities, campus vibes, or maybe the distance from home. Ask lots of questions to admissions and current students and visit every contender to make the most informed decision you can.

Step 4. Secure Your Spot With A Deposit

Found your perfect match? Awesome! Now, it’s time to make it official with a deposit. Check to see the amount and see if you qualify for any waivers (so you could save yourself some cash). This step is super important to locking in your college experience.

Check to see when their decision deadline is to make sure you are in there like swimwear!

Step 5. Lock Down The Dorm

Planning to live on campus? Get a jump start on those housing forms and pay your deposit to secure your new home away from home. It’s also a great time to start dreaming up your dorm decor. Get your list of essentials ready to rock and roll.

Step 6. Dot Your i’s & Cross Your t’s 

Before you set off on this epic journey, check and double-check to make sure all your paperwork is complete. Check your emails, your new school’s portal, and snail mail for checklists with next steps. 

After you officially graduate, make sure to send your final transcripts and test scores in to properly enroll. It’s like the final boss before the game really begins.

Step 7. Attend Orientation: The Ultimate Icebreaker

Orientation is your sneak peek into college life. It’s where you’ll meet some of your future besties and learn the ropes. So, sign up and dive in!

Step  8. Pack Your Things: It’s Time To Go!

Start packing and get ready to leave! Spend time with your loved ones and take care of any loose ends. And maybe, just maybe, coordinate a meeting with your future roommate ahead of time.

Embarking on your college journey is like stepping into a whole new world—a world full of possibilities and adventures. Follow these steps, and you’ll be all set for an amazing college saga. Here’s to the beginning of something unforgettable!

About the author: Mizz P. is a College & Career Strategist from The Bronx on a mission to help students Plan Smart, Pay Less, and Succeed. With 17+ years in the game, she knows the system — and how to work it in your favor. Learn more about Mizz P. here.

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