Freshman grades are used to calculate a student's GPA and rank. Freshman courses, grades and credits are all part of a student's transcript. Student activities, honors and awards can also be listed on college and scholarship applications. 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)

• Study hard and earn good grades. Remember you must have six (6) credits to advance to sophomore year.

• Become involved in extracurricular activities.

• Select appropriate 10th grade courses. Choose electives that will help you learn about your interests.

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

• It is never too early to find out about colleges that interest you. Take advantage of college fairs and presentations at your school. Start a file and save college brochures that interest you.

• Visit our College Lab in Room 401 and 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.

• Work hard to create a nd keep a high GPA! Make sure you are doing your homework!