Many students and parents go into 11th grade and feel that it is the most important year of high school. In the School Counseling department, we like to remind you that each and every year of high school are just as important, and each year builds upon the prior, which all influences and guides your goals. In 11th grade, there is more to balance in the sense of creating a more formal post-secondary plan. This is done through post-secondary searching.

The Post-Secondary Search Process

The transition from high school to post-secondary programs is a time filled with excitement and opportunity. Remember, post-secondary planning is a process with a beginning, middle, and end. It requires planning, searching and finally applying. An important component of this process is maintaining patience and mindfulness: it is a process that takes time, and also deserves time to research, explore, process, reflect and then make decisions. Approaching your post-secondary search process with this perspective will lead to better decision making. Because this process is very personal, it must begin with self-reflection. You must consider many things about yourself: goals, values, strengths, weaknesses, interests and rationale for your decision making. Then, consider the many criteria you will use in choosing which post-secondary option to pursue and what specific institutions to explore that is the right fit for you.

Throughout the process, your best resources are your School Counselor and Ms. Rothman. They know the various steps in the post-secondary planning, searching and application process and will help you establish your goals and benchmarks in navigating the planning, searching and application processes. Just as important, your counselor can help you explore, reflect and better understand yourself, your abilities, interests, and your needs.