Freshman Year

• Choose a four-year plan of courses you will take that will lead to your desired diploma.

• Be conscious that your GPA begins building NOW and it is important.

• Choose extracurricular activities and commit to participating. You are building a resume.

• Begin creating a portfolio that documents your achievements, such as honor roll, civic clubs, church (mission) work, and sports awards.

• As summer approaches, revisit your goals and make any needed adjustments to your plan that will allow you to stay on track.

• Take advantage of the summer months to explore academic programs or to find a job in an area that interest you.

 Sophomore Year

• Take the PLAN.  This is the pre-ACT test and will give you valuable information on  preparing for the ACT.  Use the results to focus on areas of concern.

• Review your goals.  Make sure you are on the right path.  Make any adjustments needed to be sure you achieve those goals.

• Remember that attendance, grades, and leadership count.  Keep up the good work.

• Add new accomplishments to your portfolio.  Always keep this updated.  You may forget some honor by the time you begin applying for colleges.

• Stay committed to your chosen extracurricular activities.  If you are not active in any, choose some and get involved.

• Try to attend a summer academic program that will help you make the transition to college or use the time off for volunteering in your community.

Junior Year

• Take an ACT workshop.  Both BSCC and EMCC usually offer these.  If you can’t attend one, go online to www.act.org and take the tutorial there.

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT.  National Merit Scholars begin the road to outstanding scholarship packages based on these scores.  But remember, you only get ONE time  to take the test when your score can be used!!  Do your best.

• Attend college fairs and begin making a list of colleges that are of interest to you.

• Take the ACT or SAT.

• Remember that attendance, grades, and leadership, as well as participation in school  and community still count.  Your resume and portfolio should be growing.

• Begin thinking about which teachers you would like to ask to write your senior-year recommendations.  You should also begin thinking about those outside of the school setting that you will ask.

• Search out job opportunities that fit your interests.  Try to job shadow someone who is employed in areas you are considering for your career path.

• Continue to take advantage of the summer for academic enrichment as well as work opportunitites.

• Schedule visits to your top five colleges of interest.  Tour the campus,with representatives in admissions and financial aid as well as with faculty, and students.

Senior Year

• Take the ACT in the early fall if you have not done so, or if you want to improve your scores.

• Attend your scheduled senior conference to review classes, goals, and college choices.

• List your top five colleges and get applications for admission, financial aid and scholarships.

• Complete necessary forms for admission and ask for letters of recommendation. Applications should be submitted by October 1.  Scholarship applications should be   submitted by December 1.

• Write your admission/scholarship essay.  Proofread.  Ask for help if needed.  See the counselor or English instructor and ask them to proofread. 

• Visit your three top schools on their preview days. 

• Complete and submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. 

• Reply to letters of admission as well as offers of scholarship as needed.

• Make that final decision.  Let those colleges to which you were admitted but will not be attending know that you will not be attending.  This frees space for others who may be on waiting lists.