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Scarlet First
Rutgers logo
Scarlet First
Rutgers logo
Scarlet First
Rutgers logo
Scarlet First

High School Students

Getting Involved

Becoming involved in extracurricular and enrichment activities is highly recommended for students interested in attending college one day. Rutgers University offers many free and paid programs for students. 

K-12 Pre-College Directory
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Exciting Summer Opportunities

Summer Institute

Make the Road NJ is proud to host a 4-day Summer Institute. Sign up for 4 days of fun activities and to learn everything you need to know as you prepare for college. Free to register! Se Habla Español!

Kean University, Union NJ 07083

Tues. July 8 | Wed. July 9 | Tues. July 15 | Wed. July 16

Register Now!
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Camp College

Open to rising high school juniors and seniors!

Camp College offers a unique, overnight college experience—completely free! Stay in a residential hall, explore campus life, and take part in engaging workshops that demystify the college admissions process. Discover what it’s like to be a college student while building the tools you need to get there.

Georgian Court University - Lakewood, NJ 08701

Monday July 21-Tuesday July 22, 2025

 

 

Applications Now Open!
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Featured Programs

These programs are typically free of cost and/or offer scholarship opportunities to participate.

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TRiO Talent Search

TS provides Newark and East Orange Students with academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school, continue to, and complete their post-secondary education. Talent Search also encourages persons who have not completed education programs to enter or re-enter and complete post-secondary education.

Eligible Locations: Orange, Newark, and East Orange school districts in New Jersey

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Rutgers Future Scholars

This award-winning access and success program immerses student participants in a unique pre-college culture, providing university programming, events, support, and mentoring that extends through their high school years and into college.

Eligible Locations: Camden, Newark, New Brunswick, Piscataway, and Rahway, New Jersey

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College Success Centers – Abbott Leadership Institute (ALI)

The program provides college application assistance, financial aid guidance, tutoring services, and mentoring. Students can also explore available scholarship opportunities and participate in college readiness workshops. Additionally, the program offers college tours and visits, as well as tutoring in English, science, and math.

Eligible Location: Newark, NJ

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TRiO Upward Bound Program-Newark Campus

The Rutgers University–Newark Upward Bound Program is an intensive yearlong college preparatory program that provides classroom instruction and academic support to students in grades 9 through 12 from the East Orange, NJ School District. The program’s mission is to assist students in completing high school and enrolling in and graduating from college.

Eligible Locations: East Orange High Schools, New Jersey

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Cooperman College Scholars

The mission of Cooperman College Scholars is to help highly motivated and academically talented students thrive in college. We place students in challenging, well-matched environments with solid support systems, and we eliminate the pressures of insufficient financial aid, which can negatively affect student retention and graduation

Eligible Locations: Newark, East Orange, Orange, Irvington, and the Essex County area in New Jersey

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Hill Family Center for College Access

The program serves as the go-to source of pre-college assistance and information for local students, families, and schools, offering college prep workshops for "strivers" along with one-on-one support and mentorship. Strivers in 11th and 12th grade can also participate in college visits, SAT preparation courses, and tutoring.

Eligible Location: Camden, New Jersey

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Hispanic Center of Excellence Summer Youth Scholars Program (SYSP)

An enriching academic journey designed for rising 11th and 12th grade students who have a passion for STEM. Running for six weeks from June to August, SYSP offers a comprehensive blend of academic enhancement and medical immersive experiences.

Eligible Locations: The program is open to all. Participants must commit to the in-person schedule for the entire six weeks without exception.

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BOLD (Bio Connect Leadership Development) Initiative

A unique summer learning opportunity for students who have an interest in learning about cellular biology and genetics of cancer, as well as the diverse careers connected to the field.

Eligible Locations: Open to all

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Camden Schools Partnership Program (RU IGNITE)

IGNITE’s mission is to develop 3rd-8th grade Camden scholar-leaders through STEAM, civic and community engagement, and college and career exploration with year-round support, mentoring, and programming.

Eligible Location: Camden, New Jersey

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Upward Bound Math-Science Pre-College Program-NB

The Pre-College Outreach and Upward Bound Math-Science programs are designed to motivate first-generation students to successfully graduate high school, prepare for college admissions, and attend the college or university of their choice. Scholars gain the necessary skills to become college graduates and leaders of tomorrow.

Eligible Locations: New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, and Plainfield Public Schools

Rutgers Future Scholars

Rutgers Future Scholars program offers 200 first-generation, academically promising middle school students from New Brunswick, Piscataway, Newark, Camden, and Rahway the opportunity for a full college scholarship and a college education.

  • 200+ 7th graders per year 
  • Academically promising 
  • First in their family to attend college 
  • From modest-income households
  • Attend one of these school districts
Learn About Rutgers Future Scholars
RFS Program Highlight

Checklists for Students and Families

College preparation begins at any age, check out our guides below and stay on path.

12th Grade

Students

  • Stay active in extracurriculars and keep up your grades the second semester counts!
  • Know your deadlines and important dates.
  • Fill out the FAFSA as soon as it opens and follow up on any needed documents.
  • Take or retake the SAT/ACT if needed.
  • Submit your college applications.
  • Meet with your counselor to make sure transcripts and recommendation letters are sent.
  • Apply for scholarships.
  • Visit colleges you’re considering
  • Compare your acceptance and financial aid offers.
  • Choose your school and submit your deposit (usually by May 1).

Parents/Guardians/Families

NJ Colleges

11th Grade

Students

  • Look into different careers and how much they usually pay.
  • Learn how to choose a college that fits you and compare your options.
  • Go to college fairs info sessions, or take campus tours.
  • Sign up and take the PSAT.
  • Start looking for scholarships you can apply for.
  • Create your StudentAid.gov account.
  • Make a list of colleges you might want to apply to and check what they need.
  • Start writing your personal statement (college essay).
  • Decide if you're going to apply early decision, early action, or regular decision.

Parents/Guardians/Families

  • Look at your finances to see how much you can help with college costs.
  • Learn about federal student aid programs and how they work.
  • If you haven't already, create your own Create a StudentAid.gov account
    • You’ll need a StudentAid.gov account to access and fill out your portion of your student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form online.
    • Note: Make sure you create your own account—not your student's, and vice versa—to avoid delays.
  • Talk with your child about the colleges they're interested in and why. Help them think through their goals.
  • Go with your child to college fairs and campus visits—but let them do the talking. Be there to support and listen.
  • Check that your child is looking into or applying for scholarships.
Career Paths

10th Grade

Students

  • Talk to your school counselor about college choices and what you need to apply.
  • Think about taking the PSAT/NMSQT
  • Check out the College Scorecard to learn more about different colleges.
  • Use your time well: Keep up with clubs, sports, or other activities during the school year. Over the summer, try working, volunteering, going to a camp, or taking a class.

Parents

  • See if your student’s school has events like college nights, SAT info sessions, or financial aid workshops—try to go with them if you can.
  • Help your student build independence by encouraging them to manage their own schedule, juggle school and activities, and develop good study habits.
  • Check in on which standardized tests they’ll be taking during high school.
  • Start looking into Financial Aid—take a look at the Federal Student Aid website for helpful info.
SAT Test

9th Grade

Students

  • Take challenging classes in core subjects. Most colleges require:
    • 4 years of English
    • at least 3 years of Social Studies (history/civics)
    • 3 years of Mathematics
    • 3 years of Science
    • Many also require 2 years of foreign language
  • Add classes in computer science and the arts to round out your schedule.
  • Join extracurriculars that interest you and help you explore career paths, such as part-time jobs, volunteering, academic programs, and summer camps.
  •  Ask your guidance counselor about Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes and how to enroll if you’re eligible.
  • Start a student resume to list awards, honors, paid/volunteer work, and other activities. Keep it updated.

Families

  • Talk to your student about their plans and where to attend college or trade school.
  • Stay involved in their study habits and grades, encouraging them to take challenging classes and explore Advanced Placement and Honors options.
  • Keep adding to their college savings account.
Geometry Notes

Middle School/Junior High School

Students

  • Do your best in school and on tests, ask for help if you're struggling, and don't give up.
  • Think of college as part of your future and talk about it with friends and family.
  • Take challenging classes, or join fun activities like chess, spelling bees, debate, STEM clubs, sports, or the arts.
  • Ask about different careers and activities you might like.

Parents/Guardians/Families

  • Talk to your student about their interests and explore college majors and career options together.
  • Help them build good study habits, like finishing work before playing.
  • Stay on top of their grades and maintain a strong connection with teachers and counselors—seek tutoring if needed.
  • Keep planning financially for your student's future.
Afterschool Activities

Elementary School

Students

  • Reading helps you learn new things, explore fun stories, grow your vocabulary, and understand the world. It also makes you a better communicator. Reading is an important way to prepare for your future!

Parents/Guardians/Families

Reading aloud to your student, whether it's a classic novel or a bedtime fairy tale, provides several benefits, such as:

  • Boosted cognitive development.
  • Better language skills.
  • Stronger bonding with your child.
  • Improved focus and self-discipline.
  • Increased creativity and imagination.
  • Encouragement of a lifelong love of reading.
Child Literacy
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Glossary of College Terminology

Unlock the essentials of college lingo with our comprehensive glossary of key terms and definitions. From admissions to financial aid, explore everything you need to know in one place.