FALL

• Create a 4-year high school plan.

• Meet your school counselor.

• Think about possible careers. Take career interest assessments and research options.

• Join an extracurricular activity.

• Take the PSAT 8/9 to get a baseline score for college readiness (October).

WINTER

• Prepare for midterms.

• Explore community service opportunities.

• Check grades frequently on Infinite Campus.

• Select courses for the next school year.

SPRING/SUMMER

• Prepare for all final exams.

• Look for a job, internship, or volunteer position over the summer.

• Remember to complete summer reading for next year's classes if it is required!

TIPS!

• College admissions use a holistic review that considers GPA, rigor of curriculum, standardized test scores, contributions to the community, extracurricular activities, and recommendations.

• Ask for help when you need it! Communicate with your teachers and counselors frequently.

FALL

• All sophomores will take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall.

• Participate and volunteer in community service activities.

• Research Excel Tecc programs and complete an interest form if you are interested.

• Attend college and career fairs.

WINTER

• Review PSAT/NMSQT test results.

• Prepare for midterms.

• Select courses for next year. If appropriate, challenge yourself with AP/Honors courses.

• If you are considering participating in College Credit Plus (CCP), talk to your counselor.

SPRING/SUMMER

• Explore college/career websites, particularly SCOIR.

• Think about careers you might enjoy and contact people doing these jobs. Look for shadowing opportunities in the summer.

• Start touring colleges.

• Look for summer employment or volunteer opportunities.

• Prepare for all final exams.

• Remember to complete summer reading for next year's classes if it is required!

TIPS!

• College admissions use a holistic review that considers GPA, rigor of curriculum, standardized test scores, contributions to the community, extracurricular activities, and recommendations.

• Ask for help when you need it! Communicate with your teachers and counselors frequently.

FALL

• Sign up to take the PSAT/NMSQT. Consider PSAT prep through the school and/or Khan Academy.

• Continue gathering college information.  Attend college and career fairs.

• Start learning about financial aid for college. Contact Renee Morgan (LEAF advisor) for any financial aid questions.

WINTER

• Develop a preliminary list of potential schools you may be interested in.

• Take advantage of days off and breaks from school to visit colleges.

• Stay involved in extracurricular activities.

• Take the ACT and/or SAT.

• If you are considering CCP courses, talk to your counselor.

SPRING/SUMMER

• Students considering participation in Division I or Division II collegiate athletics should plan to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center online prior to the end of their junior year.

• Develop a resume of your accomplishments in preparation for applications and letters of recommendation.

• Apply for a summer job/internship and/or volunteer in the community.

• Remember to complete summer reading for next year's classes if it is required!

FALL

• Complete an online registration to take/re-take SAT, SAT subject tests, and ACT tests.

• Schedule an individual meeting with your counselor prior to the end of the first quarter to discuss your plans and the college application process.

• Finalize the list of colleges to which an application will be submitted.

• Complete the FAFSA.

WINTER

• As you receive decisions from schools, please be sure to notify the counseling office!

SPRING

• Apply for scholarships of interest.

• Submit requests to the counseling office for any college requesting first semester/mid-year grades.

• Collect/review all acceptance and financial aid awards.

• May 1st is the National Candidate Reply Date.

• Notify the counseling office of college matriculation so that final transcripts can be submitted.

TIPS!

• Keep grades up ALL year! Final transcripts are reviewed by colleges/universities with mid-year reports, which can play a vital role in deciding an admission decision