
Here’s what your child should be doing now according to this high school timeline:
8TH GRADE
- List five careers that interest you
- Start job shadowing people in those careers
- Sharpen study skills: This is the last year before the GPA clock starts running
- Plan your high school course work
- Read, read and read to become a fast reader
9TH GRADE
It’s ON – Your next three years of grades will affect your college admissions and eligibility for scholarships (senior year grades are not usually considered for admissions)
- Find a cause and volunteer (Put it on your resume – Yes, start a resume)
- Increase your vocabulary by reading
- Get involved in clubs, sports and music
- Go to a college fair
- Start learning street signs and how to drive
- Get your learner’s license
- Go to camp in the summer
10TH GRADE
- Take the PSAT in October
- Keep a calendar of your assignments and learn how to organize
- Start seeking and taking leadership roles in clubs and activities
- Keep on volunteering
- Identify colleges you are interested in
- Take the ASVAB for career exploration and aptitude
- Take Drivers Ed
- Celebrate your Sweet 16
- Get your license
- Start earning and saving money for college
- Take an ACT- or SAT-prep course
11TH GRADE
- Take AP classes and study for these tests
- You’re in the home stretch for important GPA-building grades
- Be a National Merit Scholar – Get ready for the October PSAT!
- Take the ACT and SAT. Decide which one will give you a higher score
- Take a test-prep course or download the free tests and practice
- Start visiting colleges
- Consider dual enrollment for senior year
- Get your guidance counselor to review your resume and college admission essays
- Start applying for scholarships
- Apply to the Potential “Reach your Potential” spotlight and scholarship
- Give or Accept a “promposal” and enjoy prom
12TH GRADE
- Take the ACT/SAT at least one more time
- Apply to colleges – Turn them in early!
- Smile for your Senior Portraits
- Take college tours and get to know the admission counselors
- Get teacher recommendations
- Complete a FAFSA application in February
- Pick a college (and roommate, and housing, and… and…)
- Go after scholarships!
- Sign-up for a Graduation Gift Registry
- Hug your parents at commencement and thank them
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