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Your Timeline: 8th Grade

In addition to your research here at OKcollegestart.org, you should ask counselors, teachers, parents and friends any other questions you have about college.

  • Utilize good study habits and study hard.

  • Save for college if you and your family can - every little bit helps. Sign up for a college savings account or continue to add money to an existing account.

  • Talk to your guidance counselors or teachers about attending college.

  • Figure out what courses to start taking in the 9th grade. See the 9th Grade/Freshman Year page for a list of college-prep classes.

  • Discover the grades you'll need to make to attend an Oklahoma public college or university.

  • Find out what Advanced Placement (AP) and other honors-level courses you should be taking in high school (9th -12th grade).

  • Enroll in academic enrichment programs, including summer and weekend programs, available through your school or local colleges. Remember, you will have more options if you start planning now and do your best to earn good grades.

  • Enroll in Oklahoma's Promise — OHLAP if your parents earn $50,000 or less per year. In addition to meeting the family income requirement, eligible students must attend classes regularly, complete homework assignments and attain at least a 2.5 (C+) grade point average overall and in 17 specified courses. You must also stay away from drugs and alcohol and refrain from delinquent acts. See more in the Financial Aid section.

  • Take the EXPLORE test to evaluate your skills in English, math, reading and science reasoning and to help you begin the process of career and educational exploration. Ask your school counselor for more information about the EXPLORE test.

  • Get involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, performing arts, volunteer work or other activities that interest you.