College Planning

  9TH GRADE - THINGS YOU SHOULD DO 

Remember that two years of foreign language is a minimum requirement for admissions to most colleges and for the bright futures scholarship. 

If you are going to a particular college, visit their website and plan your high school studies in relation to that college’s requirements.

Always work to your highest academic potential.

The grades you earn in 9th grade will be included in your final high school GPA and class rank, which is important for college admission and scholarships.

Develop good study habits.

Explore individual interests and possible careers.

Participate in extracurricular activities and community service activities. 

Read for pleasure and while you are at it, learn unfamiliar words. vocabulary skills come in handy on the SAT Reasoning Test.

Keep a record of all your activities.

Visit Florida’s Central Web Resource for high school students https://www.floridashines.org/

10TH GRADE - THINGS YOU SHOULD DO 

Meet with your counselor to make sure your courses fit the program you are interested in following through high school.

Take the PSAT (October) seriously. These tests will prepare you for the SAT and ACT.

Be prepared to take and pass the FSA ELA and End of Course tests.

Keep your grades up, so you can have the highest GPA and class rank.

Continue with community service activities.

Go to the College and Career Fairs.

Continue to check out: https://www.floridashines.org/

11TH GRADE - THINGS YOU SHOULD DO 

Meet with your counselor to make sure you are on track to pursue your college plans. Colleges look at a rigorous course load.

Re-take the PSAT to practice for the SAT and to qualify for scholarships offered by the National Merit Corporation.

Start researching scholarships www.fastweb.com and check out the scholarship site on our webpage.

Identify the characteristics of a college that matters to you-size, location, cost, academic rigor, social environment and diversity.

Make sure you have signed up to take the ACT or SAT or both.

Work up a list of schools you want to visit during Spring Break (or in the fall) with your parents.

It’s best to plan to be on campus while schools are in session.

Review the Bright Futures pamphlet.

Think about teachers you would like to write letters of recommendation for you.

Start thinking about essay topics.

Compile a resume of activities, honors, leadership positions, and job experience.

You will need this information for college applications and scholarship forms.

12TH GRADE - THINGS YOU SHOULD DO 

Maintain high grades and a rigorous course load. Colleges want students that are committed to a strong academic program.

   Start the application process early.

   Get your letters of recommendation.

Work on your essays.

   Register for SAT and or ACT if you haven’t taken one or you need    to raise your test scores for scholarships (Bright Futures) or        college acceptance.

October 1st you can work on the FAFSA.

   Create an account for Bright Futures and complete the Florida       Fininacial Aid Application (FFAA) on the Bright Futures website

   Check out the latest scholarships on our website.

   Request your transcripts be sent to the colleges.