12th Grade planning

• Challenge yourself with rigorous classes. Consider taking AP if possible.

• Maintain a high GPA. Colleges look at your GPA and course load as indicators of potential success in college classes.

• Get involved and give back! Colleges and employers look at what you have done outside of your regular coursework. Are you involved in clubs/activities, community service, volunteer work, etc. All indicate what type of a person you are and whether you can balance responsibilities.

• Update your resume! Add your involvement as well as any awards and honors you've received.

• Be a leader! Work towards leadership positions in activities you're involved with. Employers and colleges want to know if you can lead and work with other people.

• Explore your skills and interests and match them with careers in Xello.

• What are you doing next summer? Employment? Summer Enrichment Program? Explore your options to give you experience, to start networking, and to explore areas of interest.

• Read and write! Reading expands your vocabulary and exposes you to new types of writing and interests. Continue to improve your writing to help write your college essay and to prep you for college level courses.

• Do you know what you are interested in after high school? Regardless, start to explore types of colleges. If you were to go, would you prefer a two-year, four-year, trade or technical, small or large, rural or urban, private or public school?

• Research and visit colleges of interest. Start collecting information for each, such as admission requirements, tuition, room and board, programs offered, student to faculty ratio, accreditation, campus life, etc.

• Interested in going to a military? If so, find a recruiter and start connecting!

• Take the SAT exam. For more information, go to www.collegeboard.com.

• Start taking practice ACT exams at www.ACT.org. The highest score you can earn on the ACT is 36.

• Utilize Trojan Time, after-school tutoring, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:00pm.

• Plan to attend a Career and College Fair to explore your options. You can go to virtualcollegefairs.org for more information.

August/September

• Washington Public Universities and Colleges are now ALL test-optional. Check with your school to see if they require or would recommend you to test. If you need to test, you will need to register up to six weeks in advance. Registration information, dates, and deadlines are available at the following websites:

  • ACT: www.act.org

  • SAT: www.collegeboard.com

• Research scholarships and make sure you keep track of your deadlines. Don't miss a deadline and miss an opportunity for aid!

• Start planning your college applications.

  • Be prepared! Gather your references and other materials.

• Plan a college visit. Look at the school calendar and the college calendar and find a good weekend or use spring break to visit. Remember to avoid times the college is on break.

• Plan to attend the Tacoma College and Career Fair. Check dates at https://www.pnacac.org/fall-fairs or the Fife School District College Fair on the last Thursday in September.

• Plan to attend a Financial Aid Workshop in October.

October-December

• FAFSA opens October 1. Aid is awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Apply early for maximum aid!

• Apply for scholarships!

January - March

• Apply for FHS Scholarship Foundation awards.

• Consider lining up a summer job, internship, etc.

April

• Review for AP exams and final exams.

• Update your resume.

• Taking AP classes? Find test dates and test prep at: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/ap/about/dates

May

• Study for final exams and AP exams

• Secure a summer job, internship, etc.

June

• Read a book!

• Start your summer job or volunteer position.

• Look for a job for fall close to your college.