College Planning: Preparing for Your Future
This page provides important information and resources to help students and families plan for college and other post-secondary opportunities. Whether your student is an incoming 9th grader or a rising senior, use these tips and tools to stay on track and make informed decisions.
For the Class of 2026: 11th Grade / Rising 12th Grade Family Update
As your student approaches their senior year, here’s what to focus on this summer and fall to prepare for the college application process:
- Understand Admissions Types: Early Decision (binding), Early Action (non-binding), Rolling, and Regular Decision.
- Balance Your College List: Include safety, target, and reach schools.
- Know Application Components: Essays, recommendations, transcripts, and test scores (if required).
- Organize Your Applications: Track deadlines, essay prompts, and recommendation requests.
- Start Drafting Essays & Test Prep: Begin essay writing early and plan for SAT/ACT prep if needed.
- Research Scholarships: Set aside weekly time to find and track scholarship opportunities.
- Summer To-Do List: Finalize your college list, draft essays, request recommendations, and register for tests.
- Submit Applications: No earlier than late September, after fall test scores are available.
- Senior Year Reminders: Stay organized, meet deadlines, ask for help, and keep grades strong.
For 11th, 10th & Incoming 9th Grade Students and Families: Building a Strong Foundation
Our counseling programs for 9th and 10th graders, as well as rising juniors, focus on helping students discover their strengths, set goals, explore careers, and develop academic and life skills. Using tools like Naviance and the College, Career, and Life Readiness curriculum, students engage in strengths assessments, resume building, and early post-secondary planning.
Summer Recommendations:
- Discuss all post-secondary options with your student, including college visits, trade or technical schools, enrichment programs, dual enrollment, and part-time jobs.
- Encourage your student to seek experiences that build their resume and prepare them for future success.
Enhance Your Resume with the ACE Summer Program
The Community College of Philadelphia offers the ACE Summer Program, featuring 18 courses that provide valuable college experience and help build your student’s resume. This summer, ACE is free for all students!
- Information Session: Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.
Register here
- Deadline: All paperwork and applications must be submitted by June 26th.
Free Online Essay Writing Resources
Strong essays are a key part of college applications. These free resources can help your student write and polish their essays:
Helpful Links & Resources
Testing Information
Fall 2025 Testing Day – Wednesday, October 9, 2025
- SAT: For 12th grade students (college-bound seniors)
- PSAT: For 10th and 11th grade students
Spring 2025 testing registration is closed. There will be another opportunity to register in Fall 2025.
For more info on SAT or ACT, alternate dates and registration for non-FTCHS testing day, see below:
If you have questions, please reach out. We’re here to support your student every step of the way!