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.