Checklist by Grade Level

1. Maintain a good GPA!

• Grade Point Average (GPA) is a crucial part to any future pathway you want to take. In short, it is a reflection of your academic performance.

• Each letter grade you receive carries a certain amount of 'weight.' GPAs are typically on a 0-4.0 scale for your 'unweighted' GPA (doesn't include the 'weight' for taking advanced/honors/dual-enrollment/AP classes).

• A weighted GPA at EVHS is out of 5.0 points maximum and includes those 'weights.' Those advanced classes therefore are 'worth' more due to their higher level of difficulty. So, it is recommended you take more advanced classes if you are able and can succeed once in them.

• Good GPAs typically consist of mostly A's and B's and as few to no C's if possible. The higher the GPA the better.

• Even if you don't like school or want to go to college now, it's still important to leave doors open for yourself! A good GPA can demonstrate that you are a hard worker and apply yourself--this can make you stand out to job employers too!

• Your GPA is one of the most important measurements colleges use to determine whether or not to admit you. So, it is never too early to prepare yourself for college! Don't worry if you've had some slip-ups, as long as you try your best to improve your grades in the future. Colleges like to see an upward trend in your grades over the years (aka your GPA got better over time instead of getting worse or being consistently poor).

2. Get involved

   • Colleges want to see that you are passionate about more than just school

   • Try out different clubs and sports to see which you like best

   • There's no need to stress about participating in every club out there--be weary not to spread yourself too thin! It's better to be very involved in a few clubs than only be loosely associated to a large number

   • If you have family responsibilities after school, like babysitting your siblings or a part-time job, know that colleges will take this into consideration as well; in helping your family, you are demonstrating leadership abilities in so many ways!

3. Volunteer

   • It's always a positive to give back to your community and it also looks great on college applications

4. Start thinking about the future

   • What career paths interest you? What kind of education or training is required to achieve this career?

   • What colleges/trade schools/etc. are you interested in?

   • If possible, talk to people in those fields (i.e.-ask your doctor about the process they took to get to where they are)

   • Find ways to become involved/try out activities related to your field of interest (i.e.-shadowing a doctor)

   • use major clarity to do some research about careers

   • use BigFuture to search for colleges and prepare yourself even now to be in a good position for admissions--set academic goals

5. Study for the PSAT

   • The PSAT is test you will take in 10th grade to determine what you have learned in high school and what you will need to learn in college. It also gives you an idea of how you will perform on the SAT in 11/12th grade.

   • This standardized test may just seem like something else you have to do, however if you take it seriously and study, you may have the potential to win some serious scholarship money for college, as well as interest from colleges as well!

   • Your PSAT score is also

   • https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice

6. If you're interested in playing sports in college it's best to start looking up NCAA Eligibility Guidelines NOW

   • The NCAA has strict academic guidelines you have to meet in order to play at the collegiate level

   • Go here for more info

7. If you're interested in the military start looking into studying for the ASVAB NOW

   • More info here

   • Virginia Colleges with ROTC programs

8. Prepare yourself for educational opportunities (Gov. School, MVGS, AP classes, and Dual-enrollment classes)

   • You will want to take your classes seriously and do your best

   • These programs and courses are great opportunities that require hard work and dedication, so it's go to show you are capable of keeping up

1. Continue challenging yourself academically and maintaining a good GPA

   • Take the most challenging courses that you are still able to be successful in. The level of classes, and the grades you receive, are the first factor that college admissions offices will consider when reviewing your application.

   • Your GPA after junior year is the most critical; it is the last set of grades you will have when you first start applying to college during your senior year. So, finish off strong since it will be used!

   • Start taking APs

2. Stay involved!

   • Continue with any clubs, organizations, community service groups, or athletic teams that you belong to.

   • Want to be more involved? Pursue leadership positions within these organizations! (leadership experience looks great on applications)

3. Take the SAT/ACT

   • Complete the SAT or ACT at least once during your spring semester of your junior year. If you can take both, DO IT. Students will usually perform better on one test versus the other and it’s to your advantage to take both! Schools will consider your highest set of scores, no matter which test they come from. (However, I normally recommend the SAT over the ACT since there are more free resources for all students)

   • register at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat?navId=www-sat

   • free personalized studying at https://www.khanacademy.org/ (link to your collegeboard to input your PSAT information)

4. Attend College Night

   • get a jump-start on the college application and financial aid process

   • Check the Events Page for more information!

5. Build a College List

   • search and start refining a list of colleges you are interested in applying to

   • BigFuture

6. Apply for ANY and ALL scholarships available to underclassmen! There are many out there! Don’t miss out on FREE money!

   • opportunity scholarships-win money by doing things you should be doing to prepare for college anyway! (buliding a college list, studying for the SAT on Khan academy, and more)

7. Visit Colleges

   • Use your spring break and summer vacation before senior year to visit colleges.

   • You would never want to attend a college you have never set foot on! Interested in private schools in Virginia? Take advantage of Virginia’s Private College Week to visit a number of private schools and receive application fee waivers for attending. This usually takes place at the end of July/beginning of August!

   • Virtual Tours: eCampusTours.com youvisit.com

Check out these resources for seniors from you EVHS Senior Guidebook! Your Guidebook is the best resrouce for all things senior related! Be sure to reference the guidebook based on your pathway! Click here to navigate to the EVHS Senior Resources page where you can find the guidebook, webinars, and more!