Planning Calendar
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Depending on what grade you are in, there are different steps you need to take to prepare for life after high school. Click on a grade below to see a list of next steps.
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12th Grade
- Meet with your counselor to review your transcript to make sure you’re on track to graduate
- Keep working hard all year to maintain or improve your GPA and Class Rank
- Be mindful of deadlines and always submit assignments, applications and information on time
- Attend financial aid workshops or seminars with your parent or guardian
- Apply and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Register with the NCAA, if you are a prospective college athlete
- Take the ACT or SAT
- Attend college and career fairs in your area and speak with recruiters to narrow your choices
- Continue to read, read, read and finalize your college application essay
- Finalize your Brag Sheet or resume to highlight your activities, achievements and work experience
- Speak with your counselor, teachers, coaches or sponsors about writing a letter of recommendation
- Narrow your choices of colleges to your Top 5 and apply for Early Decision and Early
- Action Admission
- Research and apply for at least $10,000 or more in grant and scholarship opportunities
- Provide copies of all college acceptance letters and scholarships you have been offered to your counselor
- Schedule your NEXT STEP! Interview with your counselor
- Work or volunteer and attend your college’s summer orientation session for students and parents
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11th Grade
- Continue to challenge yourself with rigorous AP, Honors and/or Career & Technical Education courses
- Participate in one or more Dual Enrollment courses
- Stay in contact with your counselor and college admission officers
- Keep those grades up to establish yourself as a potential Top Ten student in your graduating class
- Attend college and career fairs in your area to collect informational brochures
- Schedule official college visits or tours to the Top 3 colleges you are interested in attending
- Begin researching and applying for scholarships
- Take the ACT or PSAT
- Set yourself apart as leader with your extra-curricular school or community service activity
- Continue to read, read, read and start writing your college application essay
- Develop a Brag Sheet or resume to highlight your activities, achievements and work experience
- Work, volunteer or attend a summer scholars program on a college campus
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10th Grade
- Keep talking with your school counselor, teachers, parents and trusted adults about your future plans
- Take the PLAN and PSAT
- Keep your grades up and stay on track with your courses
- Investigate your options for participating in Dual Enrollment next year
- Stay involved in extra-curricular school and community service activities
- Start a list of colleges you are interested in attending and contact the admissions office for information
- Explore potential careers and research the education or training requirements
- Read, read, read and practice your writing
- Review TOPS and TOPS Jumpstart requirements to gauge your progress
- Get a summer job, volunteer, or attend a summer scholars program on a college campus
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9th Grade
- Meet your school counselor
- Find out about AP and other honors-level courses
- Pick the right classes and study hard to keep your grades in tip-top shape
- Use your IGP to keep track of your courses and grades
- Get involved in extra-curricular school and community service activities
- Explore your talents and possible careers that may interest you
- Talk to your school counselor, teachers, parents and trusted adults about your future plans
- Start thinking about the colleges you want to attend and research the admission requirements
- Make your summer count by volunteering, attending educational programs or working
