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High School Planning Timeline

8th Grade

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8th Grade


Start your scholarship search. Scholarships are called "free money" because they don't have to be paid back! They're given to students based on financial need, talents or life experience. Your counselor will have information about scholarships available in your area. You can start to apply for scholarships right now if you do some research for eligible programs. Check out the scholarship pages on OKcollegestart, and visit UCanGo2.org to find more scholarship links and resources.
Study hard! Make sure you use good study habits and keep your grades up.
Socialize. Are you involved in any clubs, special interest or service groups? Find a group that sparks your talents and interests. Keep track of your extracurricular activities and volunteer work for college scholarship applications.
Save away. When you get extra money for work, birthdays or holidays, stash some of it away in your savings account for future college expenses. See OklahomaMoneyMatters.org for savings ideas and money management tools. Sign up for a college savings account from Oklahoma's 529 college savings plan, Oklahoma529.com, or continue to add money to an existing account. It's generally best to keep most savings in your parent's name.
Make courses count. Start thinking about the courses you'll take in 9th grade. Choose challenging classes that will give you a head start for high school and college. Learn more about graduation and college entrance requirements at UCanGo2.org.
Visit a college campus. Many colleges now offer virtual tours. Find a list of the Oklahoma tours on the Explore Schools page.
Stay motivated. Look into participating in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
Counselors, teachers, parents and friends are all good sources of information. Ask them any questions you have about attending college or a career technology center, in addition to doing research on your own.
Sign up. Don't miss out on this opportunity to earn free college tuition at an Oklahoma college or career technology center. Eligibility criteria is listed below. Qualifying students can sign up between 8th grade and December 31 of the senior year. (Homeschool students must be 13, 14, 15, or 16.) Talk to your school counselor or visit OKPromise.org to learn more.
  • My family meets the income requirements outlined at OKPromise.org (special income provisions apply to certain adopted children and children in the custody of court-appointed legal guardians).
  • I'm a resident of Oklahoma.
  • I can meet the requirements of the Oklahoma's Promise program:
    • I'll graduate from an Oklahoma high school or homeschool education program.
    • I'll take 15 units of specific college-prep curriculum.
    • I'll achieve at least a 2.50 GPA both in the curriculum and overall.
    • I'll attend school regularly.
    • I'll do my homework.
    • I'll stay away from drugs and alcohol.
    • I won't commit criminal or delinquent acts.
    • I'll meet with a school official to go over my school work and records on a regular basis.
    • I'll apply for other financial aid during my senior year of high school and every year I am enrolled in college by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • I'll take part in Oklahoma's Promise activities that will help me prepare for college.
If you were able to check all the statements above, be sure to apply for Oklahoma's Promise before December 31 of your senior year. You may also qualify if your parent or guardian is an Oklahoma public school teacher. Check out OKPromise.org for more information.



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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.