The Roadmap

Your grade-by-grade action plan

Every semester, every season, every move. This is exactly what a private counsellor maps out for their families — and now it is yours.

Sign in to get a personalized roadmap tailored to your student's grade, goals, and timeline.

Fall

  • Focus on building strong study habits — they matter more than any single grade.
  • Join 2-3 extracurricular activities that genuinely interest you.
  • Introduce yourself to your school counsellor and learn what resources are available.
  • Start a simple filing system for awards, certificates, and important documents.
  • If your school offers honors courses, consider taking one in your strongest subject.

Spring

  • Reflect on your activities — double down on what you love, drop what you don't.
  • Explore volunteer opportunities in your community.
  • Begin thinking about summer — camps, programs, or jobs that align with your interests.
  • Keep grades strong. Freshman year GPA counts in your cumulative average.

Summer

  • Read widely — fiction, nonfiction, anything that sparks curiosity.
  • Try a summer program, job, or meaningful project.
  • Start a journal or notes file — jot down experiences that shape you.
  • Visit a college campus casually, even just to walk around and get the feel.

KidToCollege is free to use and editorially independent. Data sourced from public records including IPEDS, Common Data Sets, College Board and FAFSA.gov. Always verify deadlines and requirements directly with institutions. Not a guarantee of admission or financial aid.