Skip to main content

Charlotte County Public Schools

Enrolled: Preparing for College and Postsecondary Education

Portrait of a Graduate - The 3 E's

Enrolled

 

College & Postsecondary Education

 

Explore suggested actions and supports to help prepare for college, university, technical school, or other postsecondary education. Students and families can use these resources to explore options, plan academically and financially, and prepare for a successful transition after graduation.

Your Enrolled Checklist

Required for Turnkey Readiness

Students preparing for the Enrolled pathway complete the following required activities and submit the identified evidence as they work toward becoming turnkey ready for college, university, technical school, or another postsecondary program.

Grade Required Task Evidence Due
9th Complete “About Me” in Xello Completion in Xello Q2
11th Research colleges and universities, admission requirements, testing requirements, and student experiences Research form in Focus Q3
11th Take the SAT or ACT, if required by the college or university Test scores in Focus Q4
12th Create a résumé showing education, experiences, and skills Résumé submitted in Focus Q1
12th Ask a teacher, counselor, or community leader for a letter of recommendation One letter submitted in Focus Q1
12th Submit an application to a selected college or postsecondary school Confirmation email uploaded to Focus Q2

Recommended

  • Attend college tours.
  • Complete the FAFSA and explore scholarship opportunities.
  • Apply for housing after acceptance if planning to live on campus.
  • Attend orientation events to learn more about your new school.

Your Enrolled Pathway: From Exploration to Enrollment

The grade-level considerations below highlight suggested actions students and families may consider when preparing for the Enrolled pathway, from early exploration through the transition to postsecondary education.

Stage Focus & Key Actions
6th Grade
  • Build strong study habits and attendance
  • Explore interests through electives, clubs, and activities
  • Begin connecting personal interests and strengths to future possibilities
7th Grade
  • Continue developing organization, study, and time-management skills
  • Explore careers and postsecondary options connected to interests
  • Learn how academic choices can support future goals
8th Grade
  • Prepare for the transition to high school
  • Explore high school courses and programs connected to future interests
  • Begin understanding how high school choices can support college and postsecondary opportunities
9th Grade
  • Understand graduation requirements
  • Build strong GPA and academic habits
  • Begin exploring colleges and other postsecondary options
10th Grade
  • Continue academic rigor
  • Explore possible majors, programs, and careers
  • Attend college, career, or postsecondary exploration events
11th Grade
  • Take the SAT or ACT as appropriate for your postsecondary plans and research the testing requirements of the schools you are considering.
  • Develop and narrow a list of postsecondary options
  • Explore financial aid, scholarships, and college costs
12th Grade
  • Apply to colleges or other postsecondary programs
  • Complete the FAFSA and scholarship applications as appropriate
  • Make final enrollment and financial decisions
Post-Graduation
  • Complete orientation and enrollment requirements
  • Register for courses or training
  • Successfully transition to postsecondary education

Shared Actions & Support for Student Success

Students who choose the Enrolled Pathway are preparing for continued education after high school. Beginning as early as middle school, students can explore interests and build a strong academic foundation. 

The actions below represent suggested ways students, families, and schools can work together to support a successful transition. Responsibilities are shared, and each group plays an important role in helping students reach their goals.

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    College Exploration
    • Explore 2-year and 4-year colleges
    • Research majors and admissions requirements
    • Encourage exploration
    • Attend college events with student
    • Provide college search tools
    • Host college fairs

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    Testing &
    Admissions
    • Prepare for SAT/ACT/CLT
    • Track application deadlines
    • Support test registration
    • Track deadlines and fees
    • Offer testing opportunities
    • Provide admissions guidance

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    Financial Planning
    • Apply for scholarships
    • Complete FAFSA with family
    • Gather financial documents
    • Review aid offers
    • Host FAFSA nights
    • Provide scholarship resources

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    Application Process
    • Submit applications and essays
    • Request recommendations
    • Review applications if needed
    • Support organization
    • Send transcripts
    • Write recommendations

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    Transition to
    College
    • Attend orientation
    • Register for classes
    • Support independence
    • Discuss budgeting and housing
    • Provide transition workshops
    • Celebrate acceptances
View Full College Pathway Guide

College Pathway: Shared Actions & Support

Preparing for college is a shared journey involving students, families, and schools. The information below highlights suggested actions and areas of support that can help students prepare for college and successfully transition after graduation.

The roles identified in this guide are intended to show where students, parents/guardians, and schools may take the lead or provide support throughout the college planning process. They are not intended to represent required actions or obligations.

Key:
Suggested Lead — The individual or group that may take the lead on the action.
Supportive Role — The individual or group that may provide assistance, guidance, or encouragement.
Suggested Action Student Role Parent/Guardian Role School/District Role
Academic Preparation for College
Encourage good study habits Supportive Role Suggested Lead Supportive Role
Maintain strong grades Suggested Lead Supportive Role  
Monitor academic progress Supportive Role Suggested Lead Supportive Role
Offer advanced coursework     Suggested Lead
Provide graduation requirements     Suggested Lead
Support advanced course enrollment Supportive Role Supportive Role Suggested Lead
Take rigorous courses (AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, Honors) Suggested Lead    
Track GPA & graduation requirements Suggested Lead   Suggested Lead
College & Career Exploration
Attend tours/fairs Suggested Lead Supportive Role  
Connect students with college representatives/fairs   Supportive Role Suggested Lead
Encourage career discussions Supportive Role Suggested Lead  
Explore career interests through internships and electives Suggested Lead Supportive Role  
Guide resources for all college types   Supportive Role Suggested Lead
Host career exploration events     Suggested Lead
Plan campus visits together Supportive Role Suggested Lead  
Research 2-year, 4-year, and selective colleges Suggested Lead Supportive Role  
Research preferred high school courses to take for college Suggested Lead   Supportive Role
Support exploration of multiple options Suggested Lead Supportive Role  
College Testing & Admissions Requirements
Assist with keeping track of testing deadlines Supportive Role Suggested Lead Supportive Role
Offer PSAT/SAT/ACT testing opportunities     Suggested Lead
Provide transportation to testing, if needed Supportive Role Suggested Lead  
Register and prepare for SAT, ACT, or CLT Suggested Lead Supportive Role Supportive Role
Research college-specific entrance requirements Suggested Lead   Supportive Role
Review results with a school counselor Supportive Role   Suggested Lead
Share admissions requirement updates Supportive Role   Suggested Lead
Support test preparation and registration Suggested Lead Supportive Role Supportive Role
Track registration deadlines for testing Suggested Lead   Supportive Role
Financial Planning for College
Apply for scholarships Suggested Lead   Supportive Role
Complete FAFSA Suggested Lead Supportive Role  
Gather financial documents Suggested Lead Suggested Lead  
Host FAFSA and financial aid nights     Suggested Lead
Learn about student loans, grants, and work-study Suggested Lead    
Provide financial literacy resources     Suggested Lead
Provide guidance on Bright Futures & local scholarships   Supportive Role Suggested Lead
Research college costs Suggested Lead Supportive Role  
College Application Process
Assist with managing scholarship/college deadlines Supportive Role Suggested Lead  
Assist with paying fees or requesting waivers Supportive Role Suggested Lead  
Draft a scholarship or college entrance essay Suggested Lead    
Provide scholarship/college entrance essay feedback Supportive Role Suggested Lead  
Request recommendations Suggested Lead    
Submit a college application on time Suggested Lead    
Submit transcript request to school Suggested Lead    
Submit transcripts to colleges Supportive Role   Suggested Lead
Transitioning to College
Arrange housing/meal plans Suggested Lead Supportive Role  
Assist with moving/transportation Suggested Lead    
Attend orientation Suggested Lead Supportive Role  
Build time-management skills Suggested Lead    
Celebrate commitments and achievements Suggested Lead Supportive Role  
Discuss budgeting/health/safety Supportive Role Suggested Lead  
Provide counseling on transition from high school to college     Suggested Lead
Register for college classes Suggested Lead    
Support independence while offering guidance Suggested Lead Supportive Role