LOOKING AHEAD TO YOUR FUTURE

The following timeline was design for each grade level to assist students in preparing for post high school. If you have any questions please feel free to discuss them with your school counselor.

Freshman Year - "Take the Challenge" (Identity)

Things to think about:

  • What are my talents and strengths?
  • Am I taking a course that leads to my post high school plan?
  • In which course am I particularly strong?
  • In what areas do I need to build more skills?

Things to do:

  • Develop a personal growth plan highlighting academic, extra curricular and community involvement/awards.
  • Become familiar with graduation requirements.
  • Carry a strong academic program and maintain excellent attendance records.
  • Develop and maintain strong academic performance.
  • Seek assistance or support when needed from teachers and counselors.
  • Talk with teachers, parents, and counselors about your sophomore course selections (late January).
  • Make an appointment to familiarize yourself with the College and Career Center.
  • Develop personal growth plan, highlighting academic, extra-curricular and community involvement/awards.
  • Become involved in an extra-curricular activity, sports, clubs, music, volunteer work, etc.
  • Review finalized 10th grade schedule with counselor in June.
  • Become familiar on how to obtain a work permit.
  • NCAA requirements.
  • Become familiar with summer job opportunities with external programs.

People to talk to:

  • Your parents/guardians or family members
  • Your teachers
  • Your school counselors
  • College and Career Center Staff

Sophomore Year - "Keep Going -- Keep Growing" (Discovering)

Things to think about:

  • Which potential career/post high school option have I considered?
  • In which subject did I excel?
  • Am I taking courses that lead to my post high school plans?
  • Am I giving my best to sophomore courses?
  • Of my unique talents and strengths, which would I most like to develop?
  • Am I involved in at least one extra-curricular activity or community service?

Things to do:

  • Update my personal growth plan.
  • Carry a strong academic program.
  • Seek assistance from teachers and school counselors when needed.
  • Register for PSAT/NMSQT test in October.
  • Maintain strong academic performances and maintain excellent attendance records.
  • Be aware of your graduation requirements.
  • Talk with your teachers, parents, and counselors about course selection for Junior year.
  • Review eligibility for National Honor Society Application in the spring (3.50 GPA).
  • Visit the College and Career Center to explore high school plans and interests.
  • Continue involvement in extra curricular activities.
  • Complete a career and interest inventory in the career center, and review with counselor. (Harrington O'Shea or other interest inventories on computer or hardcopy).
  • ASVAB for students interested in the military service. Consult with school counselor.
  • NCAA requirements
  • Become familiar with scholarships and internships. See your school counselor or ACCESS representative.
  • Review finalized Junior schedule with counselor in June.
  • Consult with academic teacher and counselor concerning SAT II Subject Tests.
  • Choose 3 careers from the interest inventory and research them on the Internet or the Dictionary of Occupational titles.

People to talk to:

  • Your parents/guardian or family members
  • Your teachers and school counselor
  • College and Career Center Staff
  • People who are involved in the professions of your interest

Junior Year - "It's up to you………YOU decide"

Things to think about:

  • Am I taking courses that lead to my post high school plans?
  • Am I giving the best to junior course work?
  • With which teachers have I established strong rapport? (Potential college/job letter of recommendation).
  • Which talents or strengths might I want to further develop through college studies or post high school plans?
  • Which activities will I highlight on my college or job application?

Things to do:

  • Update my personal growth plan.
  • Carry strong academic programs.
  • Register for PSAT/NMSQT Test in October.
  • Continue extra-curricular activities.
  • Maintain strong academic performance and an excellent attendance record.
  • Check your graduation requirements.
  • Complete college Search Program in the College and Career Center.
  • Attend College Admission Evening meeting for parents and students.
  • Attend any other college fairs in the area.
  • Talk with teachers, parents, and school counselors about senior year course selection.
  • Talk with parents about college needs, interest, etc.
  • List college choices.
  • Consult school counselors and ask academic teachers about SAT1 and SAT II Subject tests.
  • If taking an Advanced Placement course(s), register for AP exams (May).
  • Schedule interview and college visits for spring, summer, or fall.
  • Review and finalize Senior schedule with school counselor in June.

People to talk to:

  • Your parents/guardian or family member
  • Your teachers
  • Your school counselors
  • College and Center Staff
  • College Admissions personnel and financial aid officers.
  • People who are involved in the professions of your interest.

Senior Year - "You are almost there"

Things to think about:

  • Am I enrolled in a strong academic program?
  • Am I continuing to challenge myself?
  • Have I written for college catalogues, applications, financial aid information, etc.?
  • Am I giving my best senior course work?
  • Have I obtained enough information about the colleges of my choices and application deadlines?
  • Am I meeting with my senior school counselor regularly?
  • Have I made campus visits to my top colleges?

Things to do:

  • Update my personal growth plan.
  • Register for SAT I and SAT II Subject tests; see teachers or school counselors.
  • Maintain strong academic records and attendance.
  • Check your graduation requirements.
  • Seek assistance from teacher and school counselor when needed.
  • Continue extra curricular activities, community service involvement, or internship experiences.
  • Meet with senior school counselor to finalize post high school plan.
  • Complete college applications (September - December).
  • Be aware of deadlines including early decision and early action options.
  • Avoid SENIORITIS.
  • Be aware of scholarships.
  • Attend Financial Aid meetings.
  • Have parents complete financial aid form (January) and meet with ACCESS advisor.
  • If taking an Advanced Placement course(s), register for AP Exam (May).
  • Relax and congratulate yourself on a job well done.

People to talk to:

  • Your parents/guardian or family member
  • Your teachers and school counselors
  • College and Career Center Staff
  • College admission personnel and financial aid officers
  • College friends or graduates
  • People who are involved in the professions of your interest.