WELCOME TO HIGH SCHOOL

As a freshman, you might be a bit overwhelmed by your new environment. Don't let that get the best of you. Start networking and find your niche! Join extra curricular activities , sports, and start thinking about taking Pre-AP classes.

Freshman Checklist

Use this checklist to make the right decisions for high school and get on track for college. 

• Visit college campuses. 
• Make a 4-year plan with your counselor. 
• Talk to your counselor/mentor about your college and career plans. 
• Get to know your teachers. 
• Take tough classes . Colleges are looking for honors or AP classes.
• Choose electives that will help you learn about your interests.
• Participate in academic enrichment programs—PREP, Pentathlon, Decathlon, AVID.
• Keep a folder of your accomplishments. 
• Make a copy of THIS BRAG SHEET to help you keep track of all of your information for future scholarships, college applications, resume, and job applications:
•  Awards 

• Certificates 
• Community Service Hours 
• Job shadowing and internships letters of participation
   

• Build your personalized career plan, develop your resume, and research college and universities. 
• Review this site: Pathfinder What is the path to your career?  Explore different careers to see what fits your interests!
• Work hard to create and keep a high GPA! Make sure you're doing your homework! 

• WELCOME TO SOPHOMORE YEAR!

  You made it past freshman year! Continue your good habits and begin thinking about what you can do better. Keep up your great work and maintain your grades. Remember, working hard now will give you some leeway later on when classes may become more challenging.  Join extra curricular activities , sports, and start thinking about taking Pre-AP classes.

  Sophomore Checklist 

  Use this checklist to stay on track and get prepared for college!

  • Make a 4-year plan with your counselor. 
  • Schedule a JOB SHADOW for a career you think you might like!  
  • Take tough classes. 
  • Choose electives that will help you learn about your interests. 
  • Visit college campuses. 
  • Research Colleges and their Admission Requirements. 
  • Talk to your counselor/mentor about your college plans. 
  • Get to know your teachers. 
  • Register for and take the practice PSAT in the Fall. 
  • Keep a schedule or agenda. 
  • Participate in academic enrichment programs—PREP, Pentathlon, Decathlon, AVID. 
  • Keep a folder of your accomplishments 
  • Make a copy of THIS BRAG SHEET to help you keep track of all of your information about scholarships, college applications, resume, and job applications:
  • Awards 
  • Certificates 
  • Community Service Log 
  • Job shadowing and internship letters of participation 

   

   Get a Reality Check! Check out which career will pay for the lifestyle of your dreams. 

  Build your personalized career plan, develop your resume, and research college and universities. 

  Work hard to keep a high GPA! Make sure you're doing your homework! 

HEY, UPPERCLASSMAN!

You're a JUNIOR! Welcome to the beginning of the end of your high school career. Junior year will fly by, so make sure you keep organized and stay ahead of the game!  Join extra curricular activities , sports, and start thinking about taking AP classes.

JUNIOR CHECKLIST 

All Year 

• Work hard to keep a high GPA! 
• Research a profession's job outlook. Go to www.bls.gov/oco! 
• Complete this assessment: www.16personalities.com/  Does  your career fit your personality?
• Get a Reality Check! Check out which type of career will pay for your lifestyle. 
• Check out Pathway and  Careeronestop-your sources for career exploration!!
• Try the career quiz on CollegeBoard: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/career-search/career-quiz
  • Make sure you check out O'Net too (just below the career quiz)
• Schedule a JOB SHADOW for a career you think you might like!  Next year you may be able to have an externship in your top career choice for the last two terms of high school to see if this is the path for you!!!
• Get to know your teachers and counselors. You will need them to write letters of recommendation for college and scholarships!
• Keep a calendar, schedule, or agenda. 
• Keep a folder of your accomplishments 
• Awards 
• Certificates 
• Community Service Log 
• Job shadowing and internship letters of participation
• Make a copy of THIS BRAG SHEET to help you keep track of all of your information about scholarships, college applications, resume, and job applications:

Fall 

• Talk to your counselor, make sure you’re on track to graduate and meet college admission requirements. 
• Take AP or dual credit courses at your high school to save money in college and increase your GPA. Find out how AP & Dual Credit Save You Money! 
• Find out the following from your counselor: your class rank, your GPA, and how many credits you have earned. 
• Create a Resume. 
• Ask to see a copy of your high school transcript. 
• Get a professional e-mail address. ex: FirstName.LastName@domain.com 
• Make a list of colleges that you wish to research online. 
• Research requirements regarding entrance and placement exams at the colleges in which you are interested. 
• Register and start applying for scholarships. 
• Work hard to keep a high GPA! Make sure you're doing your homework! 

Spring 

• Study for the ACT and SAT 
• Decide when to take the test and register before the deadline for the ACT at http://www.actstudent.org (if you have free/reduced lunch, ask about Fee Waivers).
• Decide when to take the test and register before the deadline for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests at www.collegeboard.com (if you have free/reduced lunch, ask about Fee Waivers). 
• Take the SAT and ACT—Show up early for the test with your ID, registration form, and other things you may need like a light jacket (in case you get cold), a basic calculator, pencils, and a pencil sharpener. 
• Take the Accuplacer! 
• Discuss the colleges you are interested in with your counselor/mentors assisting with your college applications. 
• Start finalizing your college list. 
• Investigate college costs. 
• Continue applying for scholarships. 
• Familiarize yourself with ways to pay for college. 
• Work hard to keep a high GPA! Make sure you're doing your homework! 

SENIORS!!!!!

This is a big year for you, for sure! You're in the final stretch to home plate! Graduation is just around the corner, and your college journey will be starting soon after. Here is a list of things to get done so that you're prepared for the future:

Senior Year Checklist: 

SUMMER BEFORE SENIOR YEAR 

Your mind might be on other things right now, but Senior year is just around the corner. 

Don't let it sneak up on you! Take action! Here are some things to do before you begin your final year in high school! 

 

• Contact colleges to ask about financial aid, admission requirements, and deadlines. 
• Investigate college costs. 
• Narrow down the list of colleges you are considering 
• Visit the schools that interest you. 
• Decide whether you are going to apply under a particular school’s early decision or early action program. 
• Start early with College Applications.  The COMMON APP opens August 1!
• Create a resume or update and finalize your resume. 
• Get your Senior "Brag Sheet" ready for when you need a letter of recommendation or are filling out applications: MAKE A COPY OF THIS SHEET
• Get a professional e-mail address. ex: FirstName.LastName@emailaddress.com
• Work on your college application essay. 
• ATHLETES: Register with the NCAA! 

FALL: August-December 

• Keep your grades up Senior year. You still have to PASS to graduate. So make sure you're doing your homework, even if you have applications and college essays to complete. 
• Complete college applications. 
• Talk to your counselor to ensure you’re on track to graduate and meet college admissions requirements.
• Keep a calendar, schedule or agenda for all the upcoming deadlines. 
• Ask for transcripts and other important documents way before the deadline! 
• If you haven’t done so, register and take tests such as the SAT, SAT Subject tests, and ACT. Check with the colleges to see which one they require for admission. 

Letter of Recommendation: Things to Do 

• Think ahead! Ask for letters of recommendations way before the deadline. 
• Provide a Resume. 
• Give your recommender enough time to complete the letter. (Don’t expect them to write it over night!). 

SPRING: January-May 

Stay on track to graduate and get into the college of your choice. You're almost there! 

• Keep a calendar, schedule or agenda for all the upcoming deadlines. 
• Take the Accuplacer /THEA /Compass if you have to! Check with your university to make sure you need this. 
• Minimize the amount of loan funds you borrow—apply for more scholarships.
•  If you’re taking an AP class, study and TAKE the AP Exam!!! 
• Graduate! 

A checklist of final things to do once the acceptance letters start rolling in, but BEFORE you walk across the stage and accept your high school diploma! 

• Review your college acceptances and compare the colleges' financial aid packages and your aid offers. 
• Decide which school you want to attend. Notify the school of your choice and submit any required financial deposit. Many schools require notification/deposit by May 1. 
• Make all of your deposits on time: class spot, housing, etc. 
• Send final high school transcript to your college. If you took dual credit, request college transcript. 
• Make sure verification documents for FAFSA are submitted. 
• Submit all FAFSA required documents, loans, work study, other worksheets. 

COLLEGE BOUND: SUMMER AFTER GRADUATION 

Tuition is due tomorrow and you don’t have the money! What to do: 

• Meet with a college financial aid advisor/counselor 
• Ask about installment payments 
• LAST RESORT: Take out an emergency loan 
• Your college might request additional information and documents. Respond by all deadlines or you will not receive federal student aid! 
• Accept your financial awards or contact a school’s financial aid office if you have questions about your financial aid. 
• Update your required immunizations shots. 
• Register for college classes. 
• Attend College Orientation. 

You’re a COLLEGE KID now. Attend class every day: Your freshmen year is the most important year of college! Keep a high GPA throughout college to continue to qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and to get into graduate school, law school, or medical school. Employers look at your GPA too!