Prepare for college with confidence

At ASU Prep, we help students and families take control of the college journey by providing guidance and actionable steps that build the skills, habits and confidence students need to succeed in college and beyond.

Watch the True Cost of College info session

College success starts at ASU Prep

Our 2025 seniors graduated with college credit and real-world experience, building momentum and preparing for their futures.

It starts with a college-going mindset

College readiness is more than academics. It’s a combination of mindset, skills and experiences that help students confidently step into college life. At ASU Prep, we help students build a mindset that makes the leap to college smoother by ensuring they can:

• Set goals and stay on track
• Solve problems and think critically
• Balance school, activities and growth
• Prepare and take standardized tests
• Explore courses and internships
• Plan a future with purpose

What to focus on each year of high school

High school is a journey. Each year builds skills, experiences and opportunities that prepare students for college success.

• 9th grade: Establish strong habits, explore interests and begin taking college-level courses when ready. 
• 10th grade: Take challenging courses, dive into extracurriculars and plan your college pathway.
• 11th grade: Focus on college-level coursework, prepare for standardized tests and build a standout college profile.
• 12th grade: Submit applications, secure scholarships and leverage your achievements to start college prepared.

Earn college credit in high school

High school students can take university-level courses to get a head start, saving time and money and building confidence for college-level work. Our Learning Success Coaches (LSCs) help students select classes that align with their interests, prepare them for their future college major and set them up for success.

Explore college pathways

Test smart: Your PSAT, SAT and ACT plan

Preparing for college includes testing smartly and strategically. At ASU Prep, students get guidance and resources to approach the PSAT, SAT and ACT with confidence, aligned to their timeline and strengths.

9th–10th Grade: Plan and prepare

• Begin familiarizing yourself with test formats through informal practice tests.
• Explore test prep resources and consider early strategies for PSAT/SAT readiness.

11th Grade: Key testing year

• PSAT/NMSQT: Taken in October; practice tests can be done anytime for extra preparation.
• ACT: Plan to take in the spring; check registration deadlines.
• SAT: Strongly encouraged to register for testing in March, April or May.

12th Grade: Final opportunities

• Students who haven’t taken the ACT or SAT, or want to improve scores, should register early in the fall.
• Scores must be reported for college applications, so planning is critical.

Practice and prep resources

Official College Board practice tests ACT practice and registration

Get the edge colleges are looking for

ASU Prep students develop curiosity, leadership and resilience through opportunities that go beyond the classroom:

• College-level courses: Our students earn tuition-free college credits early, demonstrating academic readiness.
• Guided mentorship: Our dedicated LSCs support students with goal setting and opportunity planning.
• Real-world experiences: Through Arizona State University, our students have opportunities to participate in real-world projects that foster problem-solving and initiative.
• College prep resources: Our required Senior Seminar equips students with skills for applications, scholarships and standardized tests.

Your guide to college readiness

Our Prepare for College playbook gives families and students clear, actionable steps for every grade, including tips, checklists and resources to build confidence, stay on track and make smart choices on the path to college.

Download the playbook

Take the next steps

You’ve started to prepare for your future. Now it’s time to explore the other pieces that help make college a reality. Plan your finances, apply strategically and use ASU Prep’s support to stay on track.

Plan how you’ll pay Apply with confidence See the ASU advantage

My Learning Success Coach was amazingly supportive and guided me through the entire process. She made it possible for me to succeed! I am so thankful for the opportunity and the amazing experience of taking these classes. In my women’s studies courses, I was really able to build a community and the older students and faculty inspired me to apply to ASU for undergrad."

— Satya, Earned 15 college credits while in high school

High school steps for college readiness

Explore a year-by-year roadmap to help students grow academically, explore interests and build confidence for college success.

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Three tips for preparing for the ACT

Get practical strategies including study planning, familiarizing yourself with the test format and identifying weak spots, to help you feel ready on ACT test day.

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10 Summer activities to boost your college resume

Make the most of your summer with activities that showcase growth, skills and commitment to college-readiness.

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Start your college journey today

Connect with an admissions advisor to see which ASU Prep program is right for you, answer your questions and begin building your personalized pathway to college.

Enroll now