Course Selection Timeline

Please see this document for a summary of our meeting dates with each class. We will update this throughout the year to include choice sheets, meeting information and other updates as needed.

Class Specific Information

Freshman Class 2029

• Conference Booking Links

• Google Classroom Code- kopmpht

During your freshman year of high school, focus on building a strong academic foundation, developing good study habits, connecting with teachers and counselors, and exploring extracurricular activities to find your passions. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Academics and Study Habits:

• Get Organized: 

High school involves more assignments and deadlines than middle school, so develop a system to stay organized (e.g., planner, calendar). 

• Develop Good Study Habits: 

Experiment with different study methods to find what works best for you. 

• Focus on Schoolwork: 

Prioritize your studies and understand the importance of grades, as they can affect college admissions. 

• Set Goals: 

Set clear academic and personal goals to stay motivated and focused. 

• Course Selection: 

Pay attention to your course selection, as it is an important part of your academic career. 

Building Relationships and Support:

• Connect with Teachers and Counselors:
  Build relationships with your teachers and counselors, as they can provide guidance and support. 

• Meet with Your School Counselor:
  Schedule meetings with your counselor to discuss your academic goals, course selection, and future plans. 

• Make New Friends:
  High school is a great time to make new friends and build a support system. 

• Consider Your Mental Health:
  High school can be a big transition, so take care of your mental health and don't hesitate to seek help if needed. 

Exploring Interests and Extracurriculars:

• Sign Up for Clubs and Sports:
  Get involved in extracurricular activities to explore your interests and passions. 

• Start Thinking About College:
  Begin researching colleges and degree programs, as this will help you prepare for your future. 

• Explore Different Subjects:

Take advantage of the opportunity to explore different subjects and find what interests you the most. 

Sophomore Class 2028

• Conference Booking Links

• Google Classroom Code- er2gydu

During sophomore year, focus on balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and early college preparation, including exploring interests, taking on leadership roles, and starting to research colleges and potential careers. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Academic Focus: 

• Maintain a strong GPA:
  While freshman year is about adjusting, sophomore year is a time to solidify academic foundation and demonstrate consistent effort.

• Challenge yourself:
  Consider taking more rigorous courses, like AP or Honors classes, to prepare for college-level work and potentially earn college credit.

• Build relationships with teachers:
  Seek out opportunities to work with teachers, attend office hours, and get to know them as people.

• Develop effective study habits:
  Learn to manage your time, prioritize tasks, and develop effective study techniques. 

Extracurricular Activities:

• Dive deeper into interests:
  Instead of just trying out new activities, focus on those that genuinely excite you and invest time in them. 

• Seek leadership opportunities:
  Take on leadership roles in clubs, sports teams, or community service organizations to develop valuable skills like teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving. 

• Volunteer or seek internships:
  Gain real-world experience and explore potential career paths through volunteering or internships. 

• Balance your time:
  Ensure you are not overcommitting and that your extracurriculars complement your academic goals. 

College Preparation: 

• Start researching colleges:
  Begin exploring different colleges and universities, visiting campuses, and researching their programs and requirements. 

• Take the PSAT:
  The PSAT is a good indicator of your readiness for the SAT and can help you identify areas for improvement.  All Vista Ridge students take the PSAT in October

• Prepare for standardized tests:
  Start studying for the SAT or ACT during sophomore year to get a head start and improve your scores. 

• Explore financial aid and scholarships:
  Research potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities early to understand your options and set goals. 

• Plan your summer:
  Use your summer to gain experience, explore interests, and prepare for the next academic year. 

Junior Class 2027

• Conference Booking Links

• Google Classroom Code- ij6463t 

During junior year of high school, focus on college research, extracurricular activities, standardized test preparation (SAT/ACT), and building relationships with teachers to prepare for college applications and beyond. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

College Research and Exploration:

• Start researching colleges:
  Begin exploring different colleges, universities, and their programs to determine what best suits your interests and needs. 

• Visit campuses:
  If possible, take trips to colleges you're interested in to get a feel for the environment and culture. 

• Identify your needs:
  Consider factors like location, size, academic programs, and extracurricular opportunities. 

Extracurricular Activities:

• Get involved:
  Participate in activities that genuinely interest you, whether it's sports, clubs, volunteer work, or arts. 

• Seek leadership roles:
  Look for opportunities to take on leadership positions in extracurriculars to demonstrate responsibility and initiative. 

• Showcase your commitment:
  Demonstrate a genuine passion for your activities and strive to make a positive impact. 

Standardized Test Preparation:

• Prepare for the SAT/ACT:
  Start preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, as these tests are often taken during junior year. All Vista Ridge Juniors take the SAT in March.

• Take practice tests:
  Regularly take practice tests to identify strengths and weaknesses and improve your scores.

• Seek test prep resources:
  Utilize resources like online courses, tutoring, or study groups to help with test preparation. 

Building Relationships:

• Connect with teachers:
  Build strong relationships with your teachers, as they can provide valuable letters of recommendation and guidance. 

• Seek mentorship:
  Look for mentors who can offer guidance and support as you navigate the college application process.

• Network with professionals:
  Attend events and connect with professionals in fields that interest you to gain insights and build connections. 

Other Important Considerations:

• Summer plans:
  Plan for summer activities that can enhance your college application, such as internships, volunteer work, or summer programs. 

• Financial aid research:
  Start researching financial aid opportunities and scholarships to help with the cost of college. 

• Time management:
  Effectively manage your time to balance academics, extracurriculars, and test preparation. 

• Seek guidance:
  Meet with your school counselor to discuss your academic goals, college plans, and any concerns. 

Graduation Requirements