Take your schoolwork seriously:  Make an effort to get good grades. Maintaining a high GPA (grade point average) during your freshman year can build your potential for good academic performance throughout high school.  During spring you will take your STAAR EOC test in English 1, Algebra 1, and Biology.

Choose your classes carefully:  Not only do you want to choose classes that will challenge you, you want to choose classes that lead you to the Endorsement you selected in 8th grade. 

Get to know your Alpha School Counselor:  Your alpha counselor can play an essential role in your post-secondary exploration, college selection, and generally guide you along the path toward your goals.  Some college applications require a letter of recommendation from your Alpha Counselor.

Build relationships with your teachers :  Freshman year is a great time to start developing the ability to effectively interact with your teachers. This will become increasingly important as you navigate high school and beyond.  

Become active in your school community :  Get involved in an extracurricular activity (or multiple activities) following your areas of interest. Starting early is important if you want to take a leadership role in school. Remember that this is a great way to explore various interests and try new things.  

Take advantage of summer:   It can be very tempting to “check out” during summer – instead, take this time to volunteer at a local organization, take a summer school class to earn some graduation credits, or attend a summer program on a college campus. If you choose to take a more restful summer break, be sure to get your summer reading done – keep your brain active! 

Credit and transcript evaluation  Make an appointment to see your Alpha Counselor. Evaluate your credits and review your transcript to be sure you’re on track to graduate and earn an endorsement and/or certification. Check your GPA. 

Continue adding to your resume (or create one if you haven’t already)  Include awards and honors, clubs and organizations, leadership positions, volunteer work, and jobs.  

Continue exploring opportunities  If you’re still contemplating what career field you want to be in, consider shadowing someone in that field, take an interest inventory or take the ASVAB (Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery). See your School Counselor or College and Career Advisor for more information.  

Consider Post-Secondary Options  Consider whether you should go to a four-year university, a two-year university, a technical school, or join the military. For help with these decisions, make an appointment to see your counselor and/or discuss this with your parents.  Learn more about your options - www.dallascountypromise.org

Exams  

• The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT and provides an opportunity for juniors to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.  PSAT is administered at each high school in October on a date determined by the College Board.  

• During spring you will take your STAAR EOC test in US History. Other EOC tests that you must pass include English 1, English 2, Algebra 1, and Biology.  

• Register for the SAT and/or ACT (Fee waivers are available from your counselor for those who qualify). These exams are given several times each year. All students are encouraged to take SAT and/or ACT in the spring of their junior or the beginning of their senior year.  Visit the following web sites for applications, and remember to send a copy of your scores to your high school as well as the colleges you’re interested in attending. • www.act.org • www.collegeboard.com  

Attend College Ready-Set-Go!  This event typically takes place in August and is a great way to get help with college process, starting your common application, and meeting your College & Career Advisor.  

Research Schools and School Requirements  Visit each school’s website to find out more information about the school, their requirements, location, financial aid awarded, etc. Make plans to attend the RISD College Fair in September.  

Visit Schools  Schedule college visits (to schools you are interested in attending) on a regular school day in order to see a “real” day at college. Bring an official letter on college letterhead that states you were on an official college tour to your attendance clerk. A maximum of four college visitation days are available to students to be taken between the beginning of their junior year and the end of their senior year - a student may take no more than 2 days a year.