POST SECONDARY SCHOOL PLANNING
YEAR 1 - FRESHMAN
Participate in school activities and events, sports, and summer programs that will enrich your experiences. Seek leadership and creative opportunities.
Begin to use the Internet to research colleges and areas of interest. Develop a professional e-mail address. Maintain your various online accounts/ sites as if college and scholarship decision- makers and future employers will see them and judge you by their contents!
Use a file box and folders to keep copies of your report cards, test scores, honors and awards, and a list of your activities.
Maintain a strong grade point average. Develop good study habits and a study group of friends who have the same goals for success.
Beware of anything that costs you money, whether it is a way to pay for college or a recognition book.
Develop a plan to pay for college with your parents.
YEAR 2 - SOPHOMORE
Review your new schedule with your counselor to make sure you are taking the right courses. Remember to plan for making up any “F” or “Incomplete” courses.
Concentrate on courses that prepare you for your field of interest and maintain a strong grade point average.
Explore careers that are related to the one(s) you have chosen and are related to your personal goals.
Seek leadership opportunities in your extracurricular activities.
Discuss with your counselor summer enrichment programs at the various colleges and/or other productive activities for your summer months.
Continue to update your portfolio. Include thoughts about leadership skills, recommendations you may have received, lists of activities and accomplishments.
YEAR 3 - JUNIOR
Review your schedule and GPA with your counselor at the beginning of the school year to keep yourself on track.
Explore majors, so that you apply to the proper school
Visit as many colleges as possible and write in your portfolio how you can learn your chosen career.
Attend college fairs and presentations by representatives of colleges. Listen to and look for announcements regarding these events.
Read all college-related literature mailed to you. Beware of anything that costs you money!
Maintain a strong grade point average in college- prep classes.
Study for the ACT!!
Take ACT in Spring!
Talk with adults who work in your areas of interest. Find out where they attended college and pick their brains!
Start collecting recommendations for your folder.
YEAR 4 - Senior Year Checklist
July/August Review your senior year classes with your counselor. Earn the best grades you can!
August Apply to colleges you wish to attend
(application, official transcript, fee, test scores)
September Write your Scholarship Resume'
Write or re-write your personal statement
Throughout the year Apply for scholarships you seek.
January 2015-2016 FAFSA application available (January 1, 2015)
January/February Financial AID Night for parents
Complete FAFSA with parents
January/February Respond to mail from colleges. Apply for housing. Confim attendance.
March/April Seek advisement and register for classes
Send immunizations records to the college
Spring Respond to Financial Aid letter from college
Pay fees and register for classes
May Ask the credentials specialist to send final transcript
Responsibly enjoy graduation. You have earned it!
Participate in school activities and events, sports, and summer programs that will enrich your experiences. Seek leadership and creative opportunities.
Begin to use the Internet to research colleges and areas of interest. Develop a professional e-mail address. Maintain your various online accounts/ sites as if college and scholarship decision- makers and future employers will see them and judge you by their contents!
Use a file box and folders to keep copies of your report cards, test scores, honors and awards, and a list of your activities.
Maintain a strong grade point average. Develop good study habits and a study group of friends who have the same goals for success.
Beware of anything that costs you money, whether it is a way to pay for college or a recognition book.
Develop a plan to pay for college with your parents.
YEAR 2 - SOPHOMORE
Review your new schedule with your counselor to make sure you are taking the right courses. Remember to plan for making up any “F” or “Incomplete” courses.
Concentrate on courses that prepare you for your field of interest and maintain a strong grade point average.
Explore careers that are related to the one(s) you have chosen and are related to your personal goals.
Seek leadership opportunities in your extracurricular activities.
Discuss with your counselor summer enrichment programs at the various colleges and/or other productive activities for your summer months.
Continue to update your portfolio. Include thoughts about leadership skills, recommendations you may have received, lists of activities and accomplishments.
YEAR 3 - JUNIOR
Review your schedule and GPA with your counselor at the beginning of the school year to keep yourself on track.
Explore majors, so that you apply to the proper school
Visit as many colleges as possible and write in your portfolio how you can learn your chosen career.
Attend college fairs and presentations by representatives of colleges. Listen to and look for announcements regarding these events.
Read all college-related literature mailed to you. Beware of anything that costs you money!
Maintain a strong grade point average in college- prep classes.
Study for the ACT!!
Take ACT in Spring!
Talk with adults who work in your areas of interest. Find out where they attended college and pick their brains!
Start collecting recommendations for your folder.
YEAR 4 - Senior Year Checklist
July/August Review your senior year classes with your counselor. Earn the best grades you can!
August Apply to colleges you wish to attend
(application, official transcript, fee, test scores)
September Write your Scholarship Resume'
Write or re-write your personal statement
Throughout the year Apply for scholarships you seek.
January 2015-2016 FAFSA application available (January 1, 2015)
January/February Financial AID Night for parents
Complete FAFSA with parents
January/February Respond to mail from colleges. Apply for housing. Confim attendance.
March/April Seek advisement and register for classes
Send immunizations records to the college
Spring Respond to Financial Aid letter from college
Pay fees and register for classes
May Ask the credentials specialist to send final transcript
Responsibly enjoy graduation. You have earned it!