Ram Ready

Ram Ready is the college and career readiness program provided by the Reavis counseling team. It is delivered to all grade levels through RAM advisory, homeroom periods, collaboration with teachers and online through SchooLinks. Lessons are provided throughout the school year, with a specific focus for each grade level.

Freshmen Focus: Self-Exploration

High School Transition

  • Identify SSD team members and know how to connect with them

  • Know what extracurricular opportunities are available at Reavis and how to connect with coaches and sponsors

  • Learn what support services and resources are available at Reavis and how to access them

  • Set and track a SMART goal

Academic Success

  • Learn how to access grades and related information in PowerSchool and Google

  • Understand how to earn credits and fulfill graduation requirements

  • Calculate GPA and understand the correlation to postsecondary opportunities

  • Understand the role of final exams and impact on semester grades

  • Complete a learning styles assessment and utilize suggested strategies to improve academic performance

  • Select appropriate courses for sophomore year, considering rigor, prerequisites and course recommendations

Postsecondary Exploration and Planning

  • Create a four-year plan that considers graduation and postsecondary admission requirements

  • Identify elective courses that align with postsecondary plans and interests

  • Identify AP, dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities available at Reavis

  • Identify and understand different types of postsecondary credentials, including degrees, certificates and training programs

  • Access and utilize online resources to assist in postsecondary planning

Sophomore Focus: Career Exploration

  • Career Exploration

    • Explore career clusters and identify at least two of interest

    • Create and format a resume

    • Identify and engage in at least one career development experience related to career interest

  • Financial Literacy

    • Understand the costs associated with postsecondary education

    • Understand the financial implications of career choice, such as cost of attendance, starting salary and student loans

  • Academic Planning

    • Set/update and track a SMART goal

    • Update four-year plan to reflect postsecondary goals and interests

    • Identify elective courses that align with postsecondary plans

    • Refresh awareness of AP, dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities available at Reavis

    • Select appropriate courses for junior year, with consideration of rigor, prerequisites and course recommendations

Junior Focus: Post-High School Planning

Postsecondary Planning

  • Identify college characteristics and personal factors to assess academic, social and financial fit

  • Attend at least one postsecondary exploration event, such as a college fair or college visit at Reavis

  • Visit at least two postsecondary institutions

  • Understand how to define a reach, match and safety school, and add a minimum of three schools to college list

  • Have a general understanding of the college application process

  • Identify college majors of interest and understand how they align with various careers

  • Understand placement testing and remedial course placement at Moraine Valley

  • Understand the process of transferring from a community college to a four-year university

Standardized Testing

  • Prepare for SAT State Test via Khan Academy and SAT Homeroom Program

  • Take at least one college entrance exam (State SAT)

  • Understand how test scores and test-optional policies impact college admissions

Financial Literacy

  • Have a general understanding of the FAFSA completion process

  • Discuss college affordability plan with parents/guardians

  • Understand how to research and apply for scholarships

Academic Planning

  • Update four-year plan to reflect postsecondary goals and interests

Senior Focus: Decision Making

College Applications

    • Complete at least one application to a postsecondary institution

    • Understand the purpose of a high school transcript and how to complete a transcript request


Financial Literacy

    • Complete the FAFSA, Rise Application or opt-out form

    • Analyze and compare financial aid award letters

    • Understand the financial aid verification process and submit necessary documentation

Postsecondary Planning

    • Finalize your postsecondary plan

    • Complete senior exit survey