Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
A Program of the Board of Regents

The Middle School College preparedness timeline.

  • 6th Grade
    • Make sure you know your learning style – do you learn better by seeing, hearing, or doing? Develop good study habits based on your learning style. If you are having difficulty, make sure to inform your teacher early on.
    • Consider tutors and mentors to help you develop study and test-taking skills.
    • Do your homework – homework is practice, and this is how you improve.
    • Talk to your parents about what you are doing in school each day.
    • Participate in clubs and after-school activities such as music or sports.
    • Speak with your school counselor or librarian and other adults (your teachers, relatives, and family friends) who have interesting jobs. Ask them what they like about their job and what education it requires.
    • Read at least one book every month, just for fun.
    • Connect with your LOSFA My College Advocate, Daniel, on Instagram @mlca.middleschool
  • 7th Grade
    • Begin looking at career options that interest you. Explore careers on LOSFA’s Unlock My Future and Going2College. Do not be shy in asking people about their jobs and required education.
    • Talk with your parents about career possibilities. You might even be able to “job shadow” by following them to work someday to see firsthand what they do in their career.
    • Find a study partner and set time aside to study with your partner each day.
    • Talk to your parents about saving for college.
    • Speak with your school counselor and sign up for the most challenging courses for next school year, such as Algebra I and a beginning foreign language class. But remember, take courses that are challenging and interesting but are not over your head.
    • Start reading magazines or newspaper articles.
    • Keep a journal to develop good writing skills.
  • 8th Grade
    • Prepare to take the PreACT. This is an assessment offered by your school that does not count against you but is used as a guidance tool to prepare you for high school. For more information, visit: http://www.actstudent.org/preact/.
    • Review the College Admissions/Financial Aid Timeline.
    • Begin thinking about your education beyond high school — which type of college will you choose: 2-year, 4-year, or Career School? Are you considering the military? You have many options, and now is the time to begin exploring them.
    • Familiarize yourself with Louisiana high school graduation and TOPS Core Curriculum Requirements.
    • Meet with your school counselor to discuss your ninth-grade courses, the importance colleges and universities place on grades, and at what year in school grades will start to be considered in the admissions process. Also, discuss college preparatory, AP, and other honors-level courses you should take in high school (11th through 12th grade).
    • Ask your teachers, counselors, and parents about academic enrichment programs (including summer and weekend programs) that are available.
    • Think about pursuing extracurricular activities (such as sports, performing arts, volunteer work, or other activities that interest you).
    • Begin your 5-year educational plan with your counselor using the Individual Graduation Plan.
    • Talk with your parents about how your high school courses, future educational plans, and career plans fit together.
    • Look for volunteer opportunities to build your resume.
    • Ask your older sisters and brothers or other college students about their college experience. If you don’t know any college students, ask your counselor to help you contact some students.
Hi! I'm LEX.