Planning
Planning Helpful Hints
Utilize these helpful hints and answer the surveys to the best of your knowledge. This will help the counselors get an idea of where you are in your post-high school journey. Please scroll and review your grade level for more information.
*NOTE: All Hawai'i State DOE Public School students must complete their Personal Transition Plan (PTP) in order to graduate from high school on time. A PTP shall commence with students entering Grade 9 and sections must be completed each grade level until Grade 12. When the student completes the PTP requirements, 0.50 credit shall be awarded to the student. Click HERE to learn more about General HIDOE PTP Guidelines.
NHIS Students & Faculty: to review a blank copy of the NHIS PTP Requirements/Expectations, please log into your Hawks account & click here.
This RIASEC is made available through UHCC.Hawaii.edu and it is a quick and simple form to get an idea of your preference personality and occupations that may fit your interest. You can further your knowledge by researching more about the occupations that interest you.
Education Workforce information in the following: Find an occupation, Top 10, 20, 50 100 career opportunities, Career Pathways, Promising Credentials, RIASEC, Match My Skills, Career Clusters Test, Interests to Occupations, Life Styles Survey, Hawaii Industry Sectors, Gap Analysis, Automation
Tutoring service (virtual) for Grades 6-12 in Math, Science, and Writing.
Tutoring service may also be valuable for students working on PTP components.
12th Grade
You've worked hard during high school, and it’s about to pay off. This is no time to let senior slump take over. From class work to college applications and financial aid forms, you've got a lot to handle - but you can do it!
Tips for the School Year
Make sure you continue to attend class and keep up your grades. Your final GPA may determine whether or not you graduate with Honors and may affect your eligibility for certain scholarships. Also, the knowledge and skills that you gain in your final semester can affect how well you do on the college placement exams which determine what classes you are qualified to take during the first semester in college.
Meet with your counselor to help stay on track during the college application process and to get information about upcoming events and support programs available to you. Learn more about the counselor's role in applying to college.
Review the admissions requirements and deadlines for all schools to which you will apply and create a calendar to write down important event dates and deadlines.
Ask teachers, employers, clergy or other significant adults for letters of recommendations you may need. Don’t wait until the last minute on this, ask early!
Continue to research scholarships. Take note that many scholarship deadlines are in February--Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, and University of Hawai‘i Foundation. *You will need a verification # for KS scholarships, so make sure to have that ready in October.
With your family’s help, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
11th Grade
It’s your junior year, and by now you can probably see the finish line - graduation. Take these next few months very seriously. Get good grades, finalize your college search and do your best on standardized tests, and your senior year could bring some great rewards.
Tips for the school year
Make a list of “target” colleges you are considering. Take into account geographic location, campus size, support resources, student demographics and degrees offered to ensure these colleges fit your needs. Attend the National College Fair online. Become familiar with the entrance requirements for these schools.
Review your four-year academic plan with your counselor. Be sure you are on track to earn your Diploma in addition to honors recognition certificate requirements. Follow up to see if the courses you are taking are required by your “target” schools or athletic . Talk to your counselor about signing up for Advanced Placement (AP) or Honors courses.
Talk to people whose careers are of interest to you to find out the educational requirements for that career as well as its pros and cons.
Attend a financial aid night at your school or in your community.
Begin actively searching for scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
Virtually visit a local college campus . It’s a great way to get excited about college. For mainland campuses, visit one online.www.youvisit.com
Keep staying active in extracurricular activities. If you are already involved, consider taking a leadership role to help build your resume and personal statement. Learn more about the benefits of extracurriculars.
Start working on a draft of your personal statement. To get started, utilize your important document file as a source of inspiration. Look into workshops offered by college preparation programs at local colleges or see your counselor or English teacher for assistance.
9th & 10th Grade
Sustainability and Design & Technology
9th Grade
The beginning of high school is an exciting time. For many of you, it’s a time for adjusting to a new school, making new friends and becoming more independent. It’s also a time to start thinking about life after high school. The sooner you start thinking about what you are interested in doing, the easier your choices will be later on. Here are some things you can start doing to succeed this year.
Tips for the school year
Engage in extracurricular activities. Joining a club, team sport or other group is a great way for you to meet new people and to learn more about college and career interests.
Start talking to your parents and family members about the importance of college. If you need help, have your child talk to other friends, family, counselors and teachers about the benefits of getting a higher education.
Meet with your counselor to begin exploring different careers. Ask about the tools and resources available to you such as skill and interest inventories, career shadowing, career fairs and online programs, etc.
10th Grade
As you settle into high school, it’s a great time for you to take on new challenges. It’s also not too early to explore colleges, college majors and career goals. It’s time to study a little harder, raise your grades and start making a list of colleges you're interested in. You'll also be preparing for, and taking, your first standardized tests. Use the list below to help make your 10th grade year count.
Tips for the school year
Keep participating in extracurricular activities. If you are already involved, consider taking a leadership role to help build your resume and personal statement. Read more about the benefits of extracurriculars here.
Think about different careers that are of interest to you and find out the educational requirements for that career as well as its pros and cons. You can make a list of interests, talents and favorite activities and start matching them with occupations. Learn how to use exercises like these to make a career worksheet.
Visit a local college campus like University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. It’s a great way to get excited about college. For mainland campuses, visit one online.www.collegeclicktv.com lets you get to know your top college picks without ever stepping foot on campus. Learn about the best dorms, the school spirit, night life, Greek life, campus activities and professors by watching streaming video.
Start getting the facts about what college costs. You may be surprised by how affordable higher education can be. Start by reading Understanding College Costs.
Make a sure you are keeping up with your schoolwork. If you need help, ask a parent, guardian, counselor or teacher. Get some homework tips to make sure you can succeed.
