College/Career Resource Center

• Take the most challenging classes you can handle and keep focused on your school work.
• Most colleges require 4 years of English and math, 3 years of social studies and science, and many require 2 years of a world language.
• Be involved in school or community activities that you enjoy.
• Consider working or volunteering to create a strong résumé. Some places of employment have tuition reimbursement options.
• Remember it’s important not to overdo it. It is better to have experiences that are of value to you. You can’t do it all, so choose carefully.
• Enroll in a summer program: See your counselor for a list of options.
• Keep track of your academic, athletic, work and volunteering along with other achievements – you need this information when you build your résumé.
• Talk to family, teachers and mentors about their career path and high school success.
• Keep your grades up to attain the highest GPA possible. All of your grades count towards your cumulative GPA.
• Review your graduation planner and transcript for accuracy and to make sure you are on track to graduate.
• Know what is required for high school graduation.

• Meet with your counselor to discuss course selections and high school success
• Develop a four year high school and post high school plan – you may change the plan, but start thinking about the future
• Be aware of what it takes to be successful in high school: – Keep track of your assignments – Know who can help you if you’re struggling – Stick to regular study habits
• Keep track of your awards, honors, paid or volunteer work, and extracurricular actives
• Begin to assess your career interests through an interest inventory with Minnesota Career Info System
  • mncis.intocareers.org username: chaska password: hawks username: chanhassen password: goblue
• Get involved in activities, athletics or school clubs
• Start to understand basic college options and admission requirements
• Talk with your family about saving and paying for college

Preparation Tips

Fall:

Take the PLAN test. All 10th grade students take it during the school day. It will indicate if a student is meeting benchmarks for college readiness and academic progress. This test helps a student determine:
– If they are on track with their basic skills
– If a student expects to get the score they want on the ACT (which is taken in 11th grade)
– Future high school courses that will help you to continue in college preparedness
– Suggestions for improving academic success

Winter:

Discuss PLAN results with your counselor – specifically:
– future high school courses
– assessing basic skills
– predicting success in AP classes
– discussing career possibilities and college planning
– update your plan for high school and after high school

mncis.intocareers.org
username: chaska
password: hawks

Spring:

As you approach summer, think of some careers and colleges that you will look into over the summer. Review the college/career planning steps for 11th grade – junior year is a big year and you’ll want to stay on top of your deadlines and decisions.

Preparation Tips

Fall:

Consider signing up to take the College Board’s PSAT. This test is a practice test for the SAT and is used to qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship.
★ Attend College Fairs and visits from admission representatives in the College/Career Resource Center.
★ Use MCIS’ college sort to create a list of colleges that meet your criteria including:
★ Making decisions about which colleges you think are a good fit for you
★ Learn about the college application process
★ Learn to compare schools by academic rigor, admission criteria, financial expectations
★ Consider being a mentor for others and have a mentor for yourself. See your counselor for help.

Winter:

Discuss PSAT results with your counselor if you took the test.
★ Review/update your plans for selected high school courses and options after high school
★ Meet with your counselor before course registration for senior year to discuss:
1. Your personal credit situation (and address any concerns) 2. Your college plans 3. Your intended major 4. Your capstone 5. Your next steps in choosing and applying for college

★ Register for college admission exams (ACT, SAT or SAT subject tests) coming in the spring. Check with colleges you are interested in to see which exams they require.
★ Begin to research scholarships for juniors. Check the College/Career Resource Center for more info.

Spring:

Take the ACT, SAT or SAT subject tests
★ Visit colleges/universities during the summer if you can. Set up college visits with admission counselors. Even visiting a university or college in the Twin Cities will help you learn more.
★ Use the FAFSA4caster financial aid estimator on studentaid.ed.gov and compare results to the actual costs at the college to which you will apply.

Preparation Tips

Fall:

Take the SAT or ACT again if you are not happy with your score or if you have not yet taken the exam.
★ Narrow down your list of colleges that you are interested in attending.
★ Consider setting up a job shadow or internship for your Senior Project.
★ Meet with your counselor to go over the senior checklist:
1. Your credit status 2. Your senior courses 3. College applications 4. The application process in general (with deadlines) 5. Letters of recommendation 6. Admission essays 7. Tests such
as ACT, SAT 8. NCAA eligibility 9. Any testing or retesting 10. Requesting transcripts

Winter:

Attend Financial Aid Night with your parent/guardian.
★ Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and if necessary the Financial Aid PROFILE as part of the application process. (Note to parents/guardians: Previous year income taxes must be completed first.)
★ Research and apply for scholarships including your high school’s local scholarship(s).

Spring:

Watch for acceptance notifications from colleges/universities.
★ Watch for financial aid notification awards/information.
★ Make your decision about which college/university you want to attend and notify schools of your intent by timelines designated.
★ Talk to the financial aid office at your school of choice about all of their financial aid options.
★ Secure housing, set up appointments for any testing required and attend orientation.
★ Send your final high school transcript to the college you will be attending in the fall.
★ Counselors will ensure you have met graduation requirements and are ready to participate in your high school graduation ceremony.

Preparation Tips