Preparation for College & Career

• Do take college prep courses and challenging elective courses.

• Do set your goals so that they are attainable.

• Do take a foreign language.

• Do make yourself read at least one unassigned book each month. Avid readers do better.

• Do make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your career plans.

• Do visit the College & Career Center to become more familiar with the resources there.

• Do work hard. Remember the grades earned in ninth grade count!

• Don't expect skills in computer games to convince colleges that you understand computers.

• Do your homework and come to class prepared.

• Don't miss class unless absolutely necessary. A good attendance record goes hand in hand with a good student.

• Don't settle for a "C" when you can do "B" work.

Summary: What Should Freshmen Be Doing Now?

• START developing good study habits.

• WORK on time management skills.

• STUDY hard.

• TAKE challenging courses.

• BECOME involved in your school clubs, sports, etc.

• VOLUNTEER and work on SSL hours.

• Do continue a foreign language. Many Maryland State Universities require two years of (the same) foreign language.

• Do take the PSAT to get familiar with this kind of test and to qualify for National Merit Scholarships.

• Do begin talking with you parents about college or other options. But don't rule out anything yet. Do visit some local colleges (even if you're not really interested in them) to get a sense of size and atmosphere.

• Do visit the College & Career Center. You can take a Career Interest Inventory to begin your career planning this year.

• Do learn to take good class notes.

• Do participate in extracurricular activities. There is something at Seneca for everyone and colleges look for students with a variety of interests.

• Don't assume that English grammar will have no practical use if you become a scientist or an accountant. You have to write in any career you choose.

• Don't find any excuses to miss class. Attendance in class has a direct relationship to success.

• Don't assume that your talent in a sport, the band or yearbook will compensate for weak grades. Don't get an after school job if it means you can't get your homework done.

Summary: What Should Sophomores Be Doing Now?

• START thinking about life after high school.

• TAKE interest assessment test, then research career interests.

• TAKE challenging courses and KEEP grades up.

• BECOME involved in clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities.

• CONTINUE your volunteer work.

• CONSIDER taking an SAT prep course.

Make your last two years of high school memorable years.

• READ- The more you read the better prepared you are for the world of work and for college.

• WRITE- Improve your writing skills as much as you can. The ability to communicate on the job and in college is vital.

• DEVELOP good study habits, time management skills, and decision-making skills.

• CHOOSE your subjects wisely. Continue taking college prep mathematics, science, and foreign language courses.

Use the following timetable to help organize the tasks to be completed as you begin your countdown to graduation.

Fall

• Attend college and career programs or rep visits sponsored by your career center and guidance department.

• Complete a vocational aptitude assessment.

• Acquire part-time volunteer or job experiences related to career plans.

• Monitor your student service learning hours.

Fall/Winter

• Meet with your counselor about your progress.

• Meet college representatives who visit your school.

• Get information on trade and technical schools.

• Take career interest inventories.

Early Spring

• Consider career goals as you select classes and complete your four-year planning sheet.

• Plan next year's program to enhance prospects for employment opportunities and college admissions.

• Register for ACT and/or SAT.

• Use the computer search programs to identify appropriate colleges, trade, and technical schools.

• Consider an internship for the senior year.

Spring

• Attend college fairs and school-sponsored programs.

• Confer with your counselor and Mr. Nalda about your postsecondary plans.

• Attend career information programs.

• Spend time in the College & Career Center exploring materials.

• Find out about summer enrichment programs.

• Assemble a file of materials collected from colleges, trade, and technical schools and those distributed by your guidance department.

• Make interview appointments for the early fall if appropriate. Practice interviewing skills.

• Become familiar with college and job applications.

• Develop your resume/personal references.

• Continue earning student service learning hours, if needed. Try to complete this requirement before Twelfth Grade.

Summer

• Make an appointment with your counselor or Mr. Nalda for you and your  parents to discuss postsecondary plans.

• Review applications from colleges, trade, and technical schools. 

• Register for ACT and/or SAT.

• Stay abreast of all scholarship opportunities.

• Review high school records including all graduation requirements.

• Complete remaining student service learning hours.

• Review the College Application Packet.

Summary: What Should Juniors Be Doing Now?

• SAT/ACT - Plan on taking these at least once this spring.

• Sign up for the SAT Prep classes offered s a course at SVHS.

• STUDY hard - Keep grades up.

• RESEARCH careers - courses/education/skills needed, salary range

• SSL hours - Keep involved; scholarships offered for participants.

• STAY INVOLVED in extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports.

• USE Naviance program for a career search. Visit the College & Career Center.

• START college search – Use Naviance and other search sites to make a list of schools. Reach out to your CCIC for assistance.

• WRITE or go on-line for information, catalogues, applications.

• ATTEND college fairs, visit college campuses.

Late Summer - Winter

• Visit college, trade, and/or technical schools.

• Talk to admission representatives who visit your school.

• Seek out scholarship information and apply as appropriate.

• Review the College Application Packet.

Fall

• Attend college and career programs sponsored by your guidance department.

• Attend with your parents the FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP at Seneca Valley HS (or online).

• Seek letters of recommendation if needed. Give teachers and counselors sufficient notice and complete your brag sheet.

• Complete a resume.

• Familiarize yourself with your school's transcript procedure and follow it.

• Register for ACT and SAT tests if needed.

• Talk with your counselor about any academic concerns.

• Fill out applications college applications. Abide by both school and college deadlines.

• Have your parents complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms, if required by the college.  The FAFSA application opens October 1 every year.  

• Apply for scholarships.

December/January

• Apply for scholarships. 

• Continue applying to colleges if needed to schools with upcoming deadlines.

• Watch ALL DEADLINES!

Spring

• Maintain good grades and good attendance.

• Notify your counselor of your application status as you hear from the colleges.

• Request a final transcript to be sent to the college you will attend in the fall.

• Notify the colleges you are not planning to attend.

• Perfect your job interviewing skills.

• Attend job fairs.

• Update your resume.

• Check the job board in the College & Career Center for summer or permanent jobs.

• Apply for scholarships. 

Summary: What Should Seniors Be Doing Now?

• APPLICATIONS -Watch deadline dates for colleges/universities and vocational, technical and business schools.

• FAFSA, MDCCAPS (Maryland Schools), CSS, INSTITUTION financial aid forms.

• SAT/ACT - Don't miss the deadlines!

• STUDY HARD - This is your last chance to bring up your GPA and colleges can still deny your acceptance if your grades start to fall.

• If you don't plan on college at this time - WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NEXT YEAR? Make an appointment with Mr. Nalda or your counselor and check out options in the College & Career Center.