ELEVENTH GRADE – THE MOMENT OF TRUTH: You Know You Can Do This

  • YOU: Family, friends, food, faith, social and entertainment (fun)
  • SCHOOL: School, classes, grades, tests and exams, papers, awards
  • SPORTS: Fitness, sports, teams, awards, scholarships
  • SERVICE & COMMUNITY: Volunteer, contribute, organize, intern, work-study
  • COLLEGE PREP: Future, professions, degrees, schools, requirements, tests, finance
    • Explore careers and their earning potential with the Occupational Outlook Handbook search tool at bls.gov/oco
    • Learn about choosing a college (and find a link to our free college search tool) at StudentAid.gov/prepare-for-college/choosing-schools
    • Go to college fairs and college-preparation presentations hosted by college representatives.
    • Fall Test
      • Take the PSAT/NMSQT.* You must take the test in 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program. Insert Date
    • Spring Tests
      • Register for and take exams for college admission.* The tests that many colleges require are the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT. Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require. Insert Date
      • Use the free scholarship search tool at StudentAid.gov/scholarships to find scholarships for which you might want to apply. Some deadlines fall as early as the summer between 11th and 12th grades, so prepare now to submit applications as soon as possible. Insert Date
  • SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS: Applications, information, resources, data
    • Use the free scholarship search tool at StudentAid.gov/scholarships to find scholarships for which you might want to apply. Some deadlines fall as early as the summer between 11th and 12th grades, so prepare now to submit applications as soon as possible.
    • Visit YouTube.com/FederalStudentAid and go to the “Types of Aid” playlist to see how the government can help you pay for college.
    • Learn how to avoid scholarship scams and identity theft at StudentAid.gov/scams
    • Learn about student and parent loans in the Federal Student Loans: Basics for Students and Federal Student Loans: Direct PLUS Loan Basics for Parents booklets at StudentAid.gov/resources #loans.