• Dreams and Goals
• Planning
• Tracking
• Exiting High School
• Toolkit
• Connections Reporting

Education and Training Timeline – It's Never too Early to Plan

Start thinking about high school classes that will prepare you for your future.

• Ask your parents or teachers to help you build good study habits.
• Practice setting and reaching goals.
• Volunteer in your community.
• Talk with your school counselor and parents about careers that appeal to you.
• Plan a class schedule.
• Enroll in a summer enrichment program.

High school is a time to prepare for your future. There are things you can do to improve your chances of getting the most out of high school. Here is a timeline that can help you prepare for further education and training.

In 9th & 10th Grade:

• Take interest and skills assessments to help you explore career options.
• Talk with your school counselor about the education and training required for careers.
• Talk with your parents about saving for college.
• Talk with friends, teachers, counselors and your parents about college.
• Check if your school advises taking PLAN to prepare for the ACT.
• Join in extracurricular activities.
• Review your high school classes.
• Stay focused on your schoolwork.
• Explore internships and apprenticeships.
• Enroll in a summer enrichment program.

In 11th Grade:

• Attend college and financial aid events.
• If you plan to attend a college that requires the SAT, consider taking the PSAT to help you prepare.
• Consider career options and research the education or training required.
• Request materials from schools that interest you and visit their websites.
• Arrange campus visits.
• Join in extracurricular activities.
• Request admissions and financial aid forms.
• Consider earning college credit while in high school.
• Register for and take the ACT and/or SAT.
• Review your high school classes and make sure you are meeting your graduation requirements.
• Enroll in a summer enrichment program.
• Get a job to earn money for college.
• Explore internships or apprenticeships.
• Research scholarships.

In 12th Grade:

• Meet with your counselor to review your classes.
• Consider earning college credit while in high school.
• Arrange campus visits to schools that interest you.
• Take or retake the ACT and/or SAT.
• Choose the schools you want to attend and apply for admission. Pay attention to deadlines for each school. Follow all guidelines and instructions.
• Attend college and financial aid events.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1.
• Join in extracurricular activities.
• Prepare a résumé and/or portfolio of your work and high school achievements.
• Search and apply for scholarships.
• Ask for letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors and others who can comment on your abilities and talents.
• Get a job to earn money for college.