Have you started thinking about college? We’ve prepared this page just for you! At FCA, we intend to prepare students for life by equipping them to meet any challenge with character. At the same time, we also prepare students for each step along the way. Many students consider attending college that next step after high school. Below you will find a typical timeline beginning in eighth grade of activities you can expect and suggested activities and important terms as well.
In the column to the right are many other valuable resources including links that lead you directly to testing sites and much more!
Eighth Grade
| Time | Action Suggested |
|---|---|
| Fall of the Eighth Grade Year | Algebra I and Logic (required) are taken for high school credit. These classes go on the student’s transcript. |
| Spring | Students should enroll in freshman classes that align with graduation requirements. |
| Summer | Begin tracking any volunteer work at church, school, or other organizations. These activities can be put on your transcript! |
| Summer | Consider planning family vacations around college visits. |
Ninth Grade
| Time | Action Suggested |
|---|---|
| Breaks | Investigate places you might like to work the summer after your ninth-grade year. Having a job is another activity that can be put on your transcript. |
| Summer | Are you working? Begin saving for college! |
| Summer | Begin studying for standardized tests like the ACT and the CLT, tests available to gauge your readiness for college. |
| Summer | Plan a college visit. |
Tenth Grade
| Time | Action Suggested |
|---|---|
| Fall | Register with the College Board and ACT to be alerted via email about test dates near you. Start a college file. |
| Fall | Begin thinking about saving to add dual-credits into your schedule. |
| Fall | Take the PSAT for practice in October, along with other FCA students at the designated time and place arranged by your college advisor. |
| Spring | Take the ACT on your own to establish a base score and also to qualify you for taking dual-credit coursework beginning your junior year. |
| Spring | Take advantage of online personality and learning style tests to help you understand your learning style and hone your interests after high school. |
| Spring | Begin collecting your best essays in your college file as possible resources for college scholarship essays. |
| Summer | Keep working; keep saving! |
| Summer | Study to retake any standardized testing. |
Eleventh Grade
| Time | Action Suggested |
|---|---|
| Fall | Take the PSAT if you scored in the top 10% (90th percentile) to qualify you for National Merit Recognition. |
| Fall | Sign up with your college advisor for dual credit coursework |
| Spring | Take the ACT a second time. |
| Summer | Get a general college application prepared. |
| Summer | Start applying for colleges, narrowing your interests to two or three schools |
Twelfth Grade
| Time | Action Suggested |
|---|---|
| Fall | Some scholarship applications are due in November for seniors. |
| Fall | Take any standardized tests again, if applicable and helpful. |
| Spring | Have a final transcript, including any dual credit coursework and your official ACT report, sent to the colleges that request it. |
Diploma Options
Schedule of Standardized Testing
Click here for a schedule of standardized test dates available.
Schedule of Classes
Click here for a complete listing of classes available to secondary students.
Where FCA Students Rank (ACT)
Click here for a chart ranking ACT scores of FCA students.
Map of Colleges and Universities That FCA Graduates Have Attended
Click here to see where FCA graduates seek higher education.
Majors Our Graduates Have Chosen To Pursue
Click here to see what FCA graduates are pursuing.
Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Important Terms to Understand
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| High school credits | Coursework whose grades are recorded on a student’s permanent transcript |
| Transcript | The permanent record of a student’s coursework including assessments from ninth through 12th grade. The transcript is sent to colleges to evaluate placement; whether a student is a good fit for the school, and whether any financial assistance is available. |
| Graduation Requirements | The coursework that is necessary for a student to graduate. At FCA, there are two choices called the general diploma and honors diploma. |
| General Diploma | |
| Honors Diploma |