Planning for Grades 9–12

Fall (September–November)

• Focus on getting off to a good start academically
• Seek out available resources that can help you maintain your progress throughout your high school career
• Develop effective study skills and utilize test-taking tips
• Become involved in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports and/or volunteer activities in the community
• Prepare to accept constructive feedback from your teachers and use this criticism to improve and fine-tune your skills
• Read often and expand your vocabulary
• Improve your writing skills as they will be a factor in all of your classes and the college application process
• Learn about the college admissions process and terms
• Start thinking about your life after high school, including jobs that might interest you; identify likes and dislikes, interests, etc.

Winter (December–February)

• Plan for courses that challenge you and match your interests
• Include your family in your educational experience
• Meet with your school counselor to discuss next year’s class schedule and post-secondary goals and options
• Become familiar with college entrance requirements as you develop a high school plan

Spring (March–June)

• Plan for ways to get and stay involved during the summer months - don’t get complacent!
• Research summer enrichment programs/opportunities on the Counseling Office website and other resources
• Research college costs and start saving!

Summer (June–August)

• Engage in summer extracurricular activities and volunteer opportunities
• Complete summer reading and AP summer work

Fall (September–November)

• Decide post-high school pathway
  • College, apprenticeship, military, work force
  • Research options via online websites and Career planner
• Pay for AP exams if you are planning to take them
• Attend local and national virtual college fairs
• Get involved with a club or activity

Winter (December–February)

• Review your honors-level and advanced placement (AP) options (plan for courses that challenge you)
• Maintain good study habits and finish the semester strong

Spring (March–June)

• Meet with your school counselor to discuss next year’s class schedule and post-secondary goals.
  • Make sure your course schedule is aligned to your 4-year plan
  • Share your plans with your counselor. The more they know about you, the more they can help you along the way.
• If you are planning a career & technical education graduation pathway, make sure your course schedule includes the appropriate CTE courses.
• Take the AP Exams if you are enrolled in an AP course (May).
• Plan for ways to volunteer and do community service in the summer (if allowed).

Fall (September–December)

• Decide or review chosen post-high school pathway: college, apprenticeship, military, work force).
• Talk with your counselor about the year ahead. Confirm that your courses will put you on the right track for your pathway.
• Ask about test dates for the PSAT, ACT, and SAT. You’ll need to register up to six weeks ahead of time.
  • http://www.collegeboard.org  (SAT)
  • http://actstudent.org (ACT)
• Start developing a résumé—a record of your accomplishments, activities, and work experience. This will be an important part of your college application.
• If you haven’t participated in many activities outside of class, now is the time to sign up. Consider clubs at school, team sports, leadership roles, or involvement in a religious or civic community group.
• Take the PSAT. Taking the test as a junior will qualify you for some scholarship consideration and identify you to colleges as a potential applicant.  
• If you are taking an AP class, register and pay for your exam(s). 

Winter (January–February)

•  Work with your counselor to set your senior schedule. Enroll in the most challenging courses.
• Register for a spring SAT and/or ACT.
• Explore summer opportunities on college campuses—a great way to find out what college life is all about.  

Spring (March–May)

• Start researching colleges and universities. Go to college fairs and open houses. Learn as much as you can about colleges online.
• Begin planning college visits. Try to visit colleges near you over spring break. Include a large, medium size, and small campus.
• Develop a preliminary list of colleges that interest you. Go online to request additional information.
• Review a few college applications. Make note of all the pieces of information you will need to compile. Make a list of teachers, counselors, employers, and other adults who could write letters of recommendation.
• Consider lining up a summer job or internship. 

Summer (June–August)

• Continue investigating colleges.
• Schedule campus visits at the schools that you interest you.
• Begin thinking about your applications. Generally, colleges will have their applications online by the beginning of August.
• Start brainstorming your college essay. 

Fall (September–November)

• Decide or review post-high school pathway:  college, apprenticeship, military, work force
  • If decision is trade apprenticeship
    • Connect with staff at Labor and Industries: lni.wa.gov to help find an apprenticeship program for you. 
  • If decision is military careers
    • Connect with recruiters directly or allow our Career Specialist, Mrs. Boesenberg to help you: dboesenberg@nthurston.k12.wa.us
  • If decision is work force
    • Begin building and fine-tuning your resume. Mrs. Boesenberg can help you with interviewing tips too.
  • If decision is college, research options via online websites or personal visits
    • Compare colleges on sites like Collegeboard.org or Princetonreview.com
      • Choose 4-6 colleges/universities to apply to
      • Review the college application process on the college’s website
      • View all Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA-Financial Aid) informational and videos on their website
        • Complete the FAFSA to apply for federal aid and loans and other supplemental financial aid applications
      • Register for SAT or ACT and/or SAT Subject tests if your college requires it.
      • Reach out to your school counselor to discuss the college process if you have questions
      • Attend local and national virtual college fairs and open houses at your desired colleges
      • Sign up for college representative visits on the THS Counseling Website
      • Start writing your college essays
        • Ask your English teacher or another qualified individual to review your essay before submission)
        • Ask your teachers or counselor for letters of recommendations (LOR’s) Not all schools require LORs – please check the colleges’ admission requirements before asking! Give the writer at least 2 weeks notice.
      • Begin applying to colleges – check their websites for application instructions
        • Take note of early deadlines for applications and financial aid (FAFSA)!
        • Most Early Action/Early Decision application deadlines are in November.
        • Priority scholarship and certain programs/majors deadlines may be as early as December 1st (even for rolling admission schools!)
      • Request for your transcript to be sent to your colleges from THS Counseling website
      • If you are looking to participate in athletics in college, make sure you are eligible! Connect with your college’s athletic department and register through the NCAA Eligibility Center if playing Division I or II levels: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/
      • Send official score reports from your College Board or ACT Student accounts to your colleges and/or NCAA Eligibility Center (if playing athletics)
      • Apply for outside scholarships and college-specific scholarships.

Winter (December–February)

• Attend any hosted financial aid nights to learn about paying for college (check with the Counseling Center on dates)
• Continue applying to colleges and check that each prospective school has received all of your materials
• Continue to explore trade apprenticeships if that is your pathway: https://www.lni.wa.gov
• Continue applying for outside scholarships and college-specific scholarships
• Prepare for college interviews if required by your college 

Spring (March–June)

• Review all of your responses and financial aid packages from colleges
• Prepare and fine-tune your resume — all seniors are required to submit their during Student Led Conferences at the end of March. For those entering the Work Force or Trade Apprenticeships, review and study interviewing techniques and strategies
• Take the ASVAB (free) if interested in Military careers
• Complete your Apprenticeship application if this is your pathway
• Take the AP Exams if you are enrolled in an AP course (May)
• Send deposit to your college of choice
• Notify your college about any outside scholarships that you have received
• Request for final transcript to be sent to your college through the THS Counseling Website