Steps Toward College

9th Grade

  • Take required courses to meet state and non-state admission standards:
    • Algebra I or Geometry
    • College Prep English
    • A foreign language
    • Biology or Chemistry
  • Take elective courses that meet state admission standards:
    • History
    • English
    • Math
    • Science
    • Visual and Performing Arts
    • A foreign language
  • Join clubs, play sports, and get involved!
  • Study hard, do your homework and earn good grades  (A’s and B’s)
  • Think about summer courses if you need to make up D grades

10th Grade

  • Meet with your counselor to discuss college plans and review your schedule
  • Join clubs, play sports and volunteer. Take part in extracurricular activities.
  • Learn about colleges by visiting college websites and talking with your counselor.
  • Sign up for summer opportunities (jobs, internships, volunteer positions)
  • Take part in enrichment programs (music, science, engineering, writing, arts, etc.) offered at state campuses.
  • Continue to study hard, do your homework and earn good grades.
  • Think about summer courses if you need to make up and D grades.
  • Review with your counselor the classes you need to take the next two years to be state college eligible.

11th Grade

  • Review with your counselor the classes you will need to take to be eligible for acceptance to the colleges you are interested in.
  • Register for the PSAT (given in October/ or other depending on state)
  • Sign up for a test prep course
  • If you will be applying to colleges which require SAT Subject Tests, register for the test in the Spring.
  • Register to take the SAT or ACT a month before you want to take the exam.
  • Register to take the AP exams in the spring. You may be eligible for college credit.
  • Continue your college search. Visit colleges fairs, campuses and websites.
  • Gather information about financial aid, scholarships and careers.
  • Take advantage of summer opportunities (job, internship, or volunteering)
  • Talk to college and career techs in the college and career center.
  • Study hard and earn good grades. Make up any D grades you have earned.

12th Grade

  • Make a master calendar with important dates with college application deadlines, financial aid deadlines, important test dates (ACT, SAT)
  • Meet with your counselor to make sure you are on track for graduation requirements.
  • Ask for recommendations from your teachers, or counselor. Give each person your brag sheet and/or resume with an addressed and stamped envelope and any required forms
  • Write your application essay and ask teachers, friends, parents, and counselor to read and provide constructive feedback.
  • Apply for scholarships. Check with your counselor or career center for information.
  • Early September: Register for the October SAT or ACT
  • October-November: Apply to the state and non state schools
  • Early November: Register for the December SAT or ACT if you are re-taking the exam.
  • January-March: Apply for financial aid.
  • Late spring: Students taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes should take the AP exams. You can earn college for the AP courses if you score well on the test(s).

All years in high school or even college

  • Maintain your Firefighter’s ABCs Online Internship Program Task each month – if you haven’t started with your monthly task – start now – it is never too late.

Note:

All of the above are simply guidelines. With the help of your parents, mentors, school staff and others you should write out your own plan as early as possible.  Keeping in mind to write a plan that meets your needs and goals even if it does not include college.