Looking Ahead
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Guidance counselors in middle and high schools help students plan for their future. ÒÀÒÀÉçÇø students should plan their course schedules with the campus counselor to ensure classes that are best suited for their post high school plans. The following timeline will help students understand the steps to take before graduation.
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Grade 8 Middle School
Using your College and Career course assessment test results, decide which career fields interest you. Find out from your counselor which classes best suits those interests.
Plan your high school program of studies with your school counselor. Take the most rigorous classes available to improve admission possibilities.
Create a Khan Academy account (khanacademy.org/sat) for the SAT suite of Assessments. Create a Big Future account (bigfuture.collegeboard.org) for grade level planning.
Talk to current high school students to find out what course work is expected in different classes at the high school level. Ask what unique opportunities have they experienced during class time or on class assignments.
Determine how the descriptions fit with your interests.
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Grade 9 Freshman
Talk to adults to determine what they like/dislike about their jobs and what kind of education is needed.
Make sure that your program of studies includes at least two or three years of a language other than English.
Participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.- Check for PSAT/SAT and for ACT for practice tests.
- Create a Khan Academy account (khanacademy.org/sat) for the SAT suite of Assessments.
- Create an ACT Academy account for ACT
(academy.act.org). - Create a Big Future account (bigfuture.collegeboard.org) for grade level planning.
Consider taking a PSAT/SAT preparation course.
Read books as a supplement to school assignments. SAT/ACT performance is higher for regular readers.
While taking required core curriclum courses, you will have the opportunity to find out about elective courses available in high school. As you take a few elective courses, you may discover an
interest you never considered. Courses in this guide will help you deteremine your path and eliminate unneccessary detours. -
Grade 10 - Sophomore
August
Colleges are more impressed by respectable grades in challenging courses than by outstanding grades in easy ones.
At registration check credits to make sure you are on schedule for graduation requirements.
September
- Register to take the PSAT.
Review for the PSAT. Practice online tests.
October
- Take the PSAT.
- On the test form, check the box for college information.
December/January
Review your PSAT Score Report Plus. Use this information to focus your preparation for SAT.
- Register to take the PSAT.
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Grade 11 - Junior
August
- Work to earn good grades
- Check credits for graduation requirements
In August begin thinking about personal statements for college admission essays. Reflect on interesting experiences you have had.
September
- Register to take the PSAT
- Start thinking about what sort of college or technical school you would like to attend
- Register for the ACT, SAT or ASVAB prep class
- Review for the PSAT. Practice using online tests.
October/November
- Contact the colleges that interest you for information
and an application for admission. Ask about special admission requirements, financial aid and deadlines - Attend ÒÀÒÀÉçÇø College Night
December
- Study college information
- Collect info on scholarships and financial aid
- Consult your counselor about Early Admission
January/February
- Gather application packets for colleges, technical school or service academy
- Check registration deadlines for the SAT, ACT, and Achievement Tests
March/April
- Plan program of study for senior year with your counselor.
- Register for college entrance tests.
May/June
- Take SAT or ACT, Achievement Test(s)
- Work to earn good grades
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Grade 12 - Senior
August
- Work to earn good grades
- Check credits for graduation requirements
September
- Apply online for college or technical school
- Consider financial needs for college
- Apply for scholarships
- Prepare a resume, ask for recommendations
October
- Review each college’s entrance requirements
- Prepare admissions essay
- Attend ÒÀÒÀÉçÇø College Night
December
- Visit college campuses while classes are in session
- Request and send transcripts as needed
- Applications should be in by January 1
January/February
- File your FAFSA (Federal aid) after January 1.
- Estimate the required tax information. Keep a record.
- Research for scholarships and loans
March/April
- Look for acceptance notices & choose a college
- Decline other colleges by May 1
- Finalize plans for housing, aid and scholarships
May/June
- Notify counselor of college choice/scholarship awards
- Request final transcript to be sent to your college
- Take any AP examinations previously decided
Follow up on each application and admission document to be sure your college of choice has received the items as requested.