The Ultimate Parent's Guide to College Planning: A Year-by-Year Roadmap from 9th Through 12th Grade

If you're like most parents, you've probably wondered:

"Am I doing enough to help my child prepare for college?"

It's one of the most common questions we hear.

Unfortunately, it's also one of the hardest to answer because the college admissions process doesn't happen during senior year.

It unfolds over four years.

Every course your student takes, every extracurricular activity they join, every leadership opportunity they pursue, every summer experience they have, and every relationship they build with teachers contributes to the story they will eventually present to colleges.

After more than 25 years in college admissions, including reviewing applications for Georgetown University and helping thousands of families navigate this increasingly competitive process, I've learned one simple truth:

Families who follow a plan make better decisions and experience far less stress than those who try to figure it out as they go.

That's why we created the High School to College Success System—a collection of free grade-specific roadmaps designed to help parents know exactly what matters, when it matters.

Whether your child is entering high school or preparing to submit college applications, there's a roadmap designed specifically for your family.

Class of 2030 : Freshman Year

Not sure what your student should be doing this year? Download the FREE 9th Grade Roadmap.

Build the Academic Foundation Colleges Will Notice

Many parents underestimate freshman year.

Admissions officers don't.

Your student's GPA begins immediately, and every semester contributes to the academic record colleges will review.

Freshman year should focus on:

• Establishing strong study habits

• Building a competitive GPA

• Exploring extracurricular interests

• Learning time management

• Creating a strong academic foundation

Read our complete guide: Why 9th Grade Matters More Than Most Parents Realize

Download the FREE 9th Grade Roadmap

Class of 2029: Sophomore Year 

Not sure what your student should be doing this year? Download the FREE 10th Grade Roadmap.

Turn Interests Into Purpose

Sophomore year is often overlooked, but it's when students begin developing depth instead of simply trying new activities.

This is the ideal time to:

• Explore possible majors

• Pursue leadership opportunities

• Strengthen extracurricular commitments

• Plan meaningful summer experiences

• Continue academic growth

Read our complete guide: Why Sophomore Year Is the Most Overlooked Year in College Admissions

Download the FREE 10th Grade Roadmap

Class of 2028 : Junior Year

Not sure what your student should be doing this year? Download the FREE 11th Grade Roadmap.

The Most Important Year in College Admissions

If there is one year that deserves your full attention, it's junior year.

Students balance:

• Rigorous coursework

• Standardized testing

• College research

• Campus visits

• Recommendation letters

• Building a balanced college list

This is where planning makes all the difference.

Read our complete guide: Junior Year: The Year That Can Change Everything

Download the FREE 11th Grade Roadmap

Class of 2027: Senior Year

Not sure what your student should be doing this year? Download the FREE 12th Grade Roadmap.

Turn Preparation Into Acceptance Letters

Senior year isn't the time to begin planning.

It's the time to execute.

Families who prepared during the previous three years can focus on:

• Writing compelling essays

• Completing applications

• Applying for scholarships

• Comparing financial aid offers

• Choosing the best-fit college

Read our complete guide: Senior Year Doesn't Have to Be Stressful

Download the FREE 12th Grade Roadmap

Why Families Trust Strategic Admissions Advice

The college admissions process has changed dramatically.

Acceptance rates continue to fall at many institutions. Test-optional policies have reshaped application strategies. College costs continue to rise. Families face more choices and more uncertainty than ever before.

For more than 25 years, Shereem Herndon-Brown has helped families make confident, informed decisions throughout the admissions journey.

His experience includes:

• Former Georgetown University admissions application reader

• More than two decades advising students and families

• Visits to more than 500 colleges and universities

• Expertise in admissions strategy, college list development, essays, and financial fit

• Helping students gain admission to colleges that match their academic, personal, and financial goals

His philosophy has always remained the same:

College admissions is not about chasing prestige. It's about finding the right fit.

That philosophy guides every roadmap we create and every family we serve.

Start with the Roadmap Designed for Your Student

No matter where your family is in the high school journey, you don't have to guess what comes next.

Choose your student's grade, download the free roadmap, and begin planning with confidence.

Your future college success story starts today.

Ready for expert guidance throughout high school?

Join → High School to College Success System