Grade Level Planning
9th Grade Planner
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.
10th Grade Planner
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.
11th Grade Planner
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!
12th Grade Planner
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