11th Grade

•  Assessments

  • • • PSAT/NQMST is the test used to qualify students as a National Merit Scholar.

      • ACT is the annual state assessment administered to juniors in March at DHS.

      • Consider taking a National ACT or SAT. Both are optional, but research shows improved scores through testing multiple times. 

      • Consider taking the ASVAB. This is optional, but can provide information on your interest, skills, and how they relate to career pathways.

• Build onto your resume and e-portfolio. Review and revise them regularly. 

  • • • Explore leadership opportunities. (Boys/Girls State, Daikin Homestay, etc.) 

      • Get involved in the community. Volunteering feels great and it looks good on college applications and resumes. 

      • Participate in clubs and other extracurricular groups and activities, like sports. 

      • Recommendation letters are a way to market yourself to colleges and recruiters. If someone offers to write a recommendation letter for you, kindly accept their offer and store it here. Later you may need to request more from other people or ask the writer to tweak their original for a specific application.

      • Start compiling a reference list of people (teachers, coaches, neighbors, supervisors, ministers, etc.) who would recommend you for scholarships, jobs, leadership opportunities, etc. Keep a running list of their names, titles, and contact information.

• High School Tips

  • • • Challenge yourself to develop good study habits, including a specific routine and a designated study space with minimal to no distractions.

      • Check-ins with your counselor.

1. Am I on track for graduation?

2. Do I qualify for a fee waiver?

3. GPA: What is it and how do I find mine?  Your GPA is your responsibility, take pride in it!

4. Have I earned at least one college and career readiness indicator?

5. I am stressed and overwhelmed, I need help.

6. Something is going on in my life and I need to talk.

7. What else should I be doing?

• • • • Consider Advanced Placement (AP) courses for a challenge.

      • Consider Dual Enrollment to get ahead and for career preparation.

        1. 1. 1. 1. Auburn First Program 

                 2. Calhoun Community College

                 3. University of Alabama Early College

      • Email is your "professional" communication with DHS faculty, as well as potential colleges and universities. Please check it regularly, stay respectful, respond in a timely manner, and remember to check your grammar and spelling for errors.

      • Practice interview skills.

      • Revise and review 4-year plan in Alabama Career Planning System.

      • Stay organized. Learn to use a planner or calendar app to monitor and meet deadlines.

      • Take an ACT or SAT prep course.

• Planning for Life After High School

  • • • I want to go to college or at least explore the idea!

1. Attend College and Career Fairs. (www.gotocollegefairs.com)

2. Contact admissions departments to ask to be on their mailing lists and inquire about upcoming events. They may refer you to their website, so check options there first. Tips: When calling or emailing, use your best manners. Remember to introduce yourself (name, grade level, school), make request, listen to the wisdom provided (make notes if calling), and sincerely thank them for their time and information. 

3. Evaluate family finances for college. FAFSA opens October 1 your senior year. It  is required for scholarship applications to be complete.

4. Familiarize yourself with college websites, especially admissions.

5. Meet or exceed athletic eligibility requirements. DHS Rules, DCS Policy, Alabama High School Athletic Association, and  NCAA Clearinghouse should all be considered. 

6. Research and apply for admissions and scholarships. Many will not be available till your senior year. Make note of deadlines and put them in your planner or calendar app. Many open early into your senior year and close as early as December 1.

7. Schedule college tours. Most offer virtual and some have in person tours. Please check on school websites. COVID-19 has impacted these options.

• What if college is not for me?

  • 1. • 1. Consider meeting with a military recruiter.

         2. Explore technical and certification programs.

         3. Look into Workforce Development Solutions.

         4. Take and review career assessments in the Alabama Career Planning System.