High School Timeline

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

Savanna

As an editor, copywriter, and social media manager at exploreMedia, I work to develop content that is relevant and interesting to our readers and coordinate with contributing writers.