The timeline is a great way to organize your high school years so that you choose those strategies that will benefit you most in accomplishing your academic goals.


9th Grade:
  • Get to know your teachers, counselors and administrators
  • Become familiar with high school graduation requirements
  • Speak with your counselor about taking advanced courses
  • Begin earning good grades now. The grades you earn in ninth grade will be included in your final high school grade point average (GPA)
  • Consider taking the PSAT
  • Learn about requirements for Dual Enrollment Scholars Program and AP Program
  • Review the grade level promotion requirements
  • Get involved in extracurricular activities
  • Plan your summers wisely: begin your community service project, work on your summer reading and participate in college summer programs.
  • Create a student portal account so you can monitor your grades and attendance.
10th Grade:
  • Maintain good grades and know how to improve your GPA
  • If you failed a course in ninth grade speak with your counselor about making up credits or raising your GPA in night school or virtual school
  • Take the PSAT in October
  • Become familiar with college entrance requirements
  • Continue working on your community service project and remember to get all required signatures
  • Talk to your counselor about the Scholars Program
  • Begin researching postsecondary options (e.g. college, vocational programs, career choices)
  • Plan your summers wisely: begin your community service project, work on your summer reading and participate in college summer programs.
11th Grade:
  • Review your graduation status with your counselor
  • Formulate post-high school plans
  • Prepare for college entrance exams and become familiar with registration dates and deadlines.
  • Consider taking test prep courses
  • Continue taking math, foreign language, science and history courses
  • Make sure you are taking or planning to take courses that will fulfill college requirements
  • Talk to your CAP Advisor about your future plans and visit the College Assistance Program website
  • Continue being involved in a club or sport
  • Become familiar with college admission requirements
  • Consider taking the PSAT
  • Take the ASVAB Career Exploration Test to explore possible career paths
  • Plan your summers wisely: begin your community service project, work on your summer reading, participate in college summer programs and visit college campuses
12th Grade:
  • Discuss your graduation status with your counselor
  • Review and apply for financial aid and scholarships
  • Complete college applications, tests and entrance requirements before December 1st
  • Complete your community service project by December 13th
  • Ask your teachers to assist you with writing college essays or scholarships essays.
  • Attend college presentations
  • Talk to your CAP Advisor about your future plans