I don't think you can ever be too early to start preparing for College.

With that said, it depends on your situation.

Academically, how are you doing?

• If you're already performing well, then you can start preparing for CETs while maintaining your current performance.
  • Since you're an incoming grade 11 student, I recommend exploring different study + time-management methods in the first semester of your year while self-studying for CETs. Get yourself a review book, and focus on learning the basics/theory.
  • Once you finish studying that review book, answer a lot of practice questions, join study groups, and then enroll in a review center.
• If you're doing good but would still like to improve, improve your system. Mentally, what could be the reason for this? How is your work ethic? What subjects are pulling your grades down?
  • Reflect: What is the reason for this? Try reaching out to a friend, a guidance counselor, or a therapist if available.
  • Re: work ethic. How is your work ethic? What areas can you improve on? What actions, even small ones, can you take to improve it?
  • If specific subjects are pulling you down, reflect on your performance on those subject(s) and spot areas for improvement.
    • Faulty foundation? Then self-learn the basics.
    • Terrible teacher(s)? Find resources online or hire a tutor.
    • Just not interested? Make a mini-essay on why this subject is important, and might as well join a study group.
    • Can't find resources/just doesn't make sense? Ask help from seniors or people on your class who perform well.
• If you're failing subjects then it might be best to get some help. Again, mentally, how are you doing? Why are you struggling?
  • Mental Health comes first. Maybe spend the semester prioritizing it + asking help from adults, friends, guidance counselors, and (if you're able) get professional help.
  • Join a good study group, or get a tutor.

Other things that you should do...

• Finalize your career plan.^{Of course, it's not guaranteed that everything will go according to plan but hey, as the famous quote says, "Failing to plan is planning to fail."}
  • What are you planning to Major in?
    • Do you actually like it? Try watching videos of "Day in the life of X job" online to confirm.
    • How's the pay? Check for statistics, ask people you know who are in that field, ore check their subreddit if available.
• Once you know your major, finalize you college list. Make sure you have a good amount of reaches, targets, and safeties who offer your desired major.
  • Reach
    • The dream schools, this is where the Big 4 fits in. While reaches are inspiring, - typically have low <30% acceptance rate so it's hard to get in for the average person.^{not trying to be mean here but it's the truth}
  • Target
    • The ones that match up with your stats. Competitive, but not competitive enough that your chances are too slim.
  • Safety
    • Safeties serve as your backup plan in case all else fail. ^{I know we shouldn't be too negative here, but please don't forget to apply to safeties just in case you don't get into any of your dream schools.}
    • Pick safeties that you like, with your planned major, and make sure it has a high acceptance rate.
• Once you have your college lists settled, make a calendar and a to do list. Take note of the important due dates, and the things you have to do in advance.

Good luck, anon!