It is never too early to plan for the future. This year you should:

• Build strong academic, language, mathematics and critical thinking skills by taking challenging courses. (Honors, Pre-AP, GT)

• Continue to study hard and earn top grades. High GPA's open college admission doors. 

• Become involved in extracurricular activities.

• Choose electives that will help you learn about your interests.

• Participate in academic enrichment programs - UT Outreach, Upward Bound, etc.

• Research Colleges and their Admission Requirements.

• Visit our College Lab in Room 401and meet our College Advisors. Research Colleges, visit: www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org = College searches, major & career searches compare college costs of attendance. www.utexas.edu/world/univ/state = Search universities by state.

• Begin writing a resume and keep a portfolio of extra-curricular and accomplishments: Awards, Certificates, Job Shadowing/Internships, Letters of Participation, Community Service log, etc.

• Take the practice PSAT and review your scores, look for ways to improve. 

• Campaign for a leadership position in organizations or clubs you will be involved with next year (become a club president, run for class office, create and lead a new club, be the student leader in a community organization, etc.). Leadership experience is one of the most highly prized student qualifications sought by college admission officers. 

• Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer - colleges and scholarships committees look for students who have a strong volunteer history.