Academic Planning Tools

• Get to know your counselor! During distance learning, keep in contact with your counselor.  Set up a zoom meeting , call, or e-mail them.  When school resumes in school learning, stop by room 149 to say hi before school, after school, or at lunch.

• Get to know your teachers!

• Get involved in extracurricular activities: sports, clubs, organizations, student government, etc.  *It’s the quality and duration of extracurricular activities that matter to colleges, not the quantity. Pick activities that are meaningful and interesting to you and continue to participate in them until the end of high school.

• Get good grades! If you are struggling in a class don't be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your teacher or counselor and attend the after school program in the cafeteria to get free tutoring support.  During distance learning, you can sign up for 1:1 tutoring.  

• Request a copy of your transcript in the Spring. Make up any D or F grades during summer/night school.

• Check out the college representative visits on campus or stop by our College and Career Center in Room 149.

• Do something meaningful this summer. Colleges want to see more than just good grades, they want to see a well rounded individual with leadership experience!

• Sign in to your counselor's google classroom page and lookout for announcements regarding graduation requirements, extra curricular activities, internships, community college opportunities, etc.  

• Review your transcript and make up any D or F grades through summer/night school.  10th graders should have at least 60 credits by the end of ninth grade.  Each class at Lincoln is worth 5 credits.   D's are OK for graduation, but not for college.  Talk to your counselor about course validation in math and world language courses.  

• Get involved in extracurricular activities: Sports, clubs, organizations, student government, etc.  *It’s the quality of extracurricular activities that matter to colleges, not the quantity. Pick activities that are meaningful and interesting to you and continue to participate in them until the end of high school.

• Start researching majors or career choices that interest you (check out our "College & Career tab above to get started). Go visit college campuses, attend college fairs, and meet with college admission counselors who visit our campus.

• Get good grades! If you are struggling in a class don't be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your teacher or counselor and attend the after school program in the cafeteria to get free tutoring support.  During distance learning, the after school program is offering 1:1 tutoring.  Remember, most colleges start counting 10th grade grades as part of the college GPA for admission.  

• Do something meaningful this summer, colleges want to see more than just good grades, they want to see a well rounded individual with leadership experience!

• Why don't you recommend I take the PSAT? More info here

*Review your transcript and make up any D or F grades in summer/night school. You can ask your counselor for a copy of your transcript.  Juniors should have at least 110 credits. Each class at Lincoln is worth 5 credits. 230 credits is required for graduation.  

*Start exploring different career and major interests, programs, and schools.  

*Get involved in extracurricular activities: sports, clubs, organizations, student government, etc.  It’s the quality of extracurricular activities that matters to colleges, not the quantity, so pick activities that are meaningful and interesting to you.  It is certainly challenging to carryout extra curricular activities during Distance Learning, but you can be creative.  Helping your siblings with homework or zooming with an elderly person at an convalescent home can count as extra curricular activities.

*TESTS: Normally, Juniors take their SAT’s, ACT’s, or SAT II’s during the spring semester, but times have changed. The tests are no longer required for admission for UC and CSU schools.  Check the requirements for private schools as each school is different.  If you are able to locate an open test center, taking the tests even if your school does not require the exams for admissions is recommended.  It can only add to your application.   Why don't you recommend I take the PSAT? More info here

*Remember, 10th and 11th grade grades count for college GPA's.  Aside from taking AP classes, another way you can bump your GPA is by taking classes at the community college level.  Consult with your counselor for information and recommendations.  

*Useful websites to explore:  

https://www.cacareerzone.org/

https://www.petersons.com

https://www.californiacolleges.edu/#/

*Useful book:  

Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges (if you want to do a college search by selectivity of majors)

Please see Senior Newsletter for up to date information