First Year (Freshman) Checklist:
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Get involved with community and leadership-based activities
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Explore & Identify career fields of interest
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Work with school counselor.mentor to create a yearly schedule for meeting graduation requirements.
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Consider taking challenging core classes & electives
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Keep a running list of accomplishments, awards, and recognitions to use in preparing a resume and college applications.
Keep in mind that many of these freshman-year activities should continue through all four years of high school. Career planning, in particular, will merit careful, ongoing research; students may need help refining their goals as they learn new information.
Second Year (Sophomore) Checklist:
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Attend college and career information events
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Research funding for college, including scholarships, grants, loans, etc.
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Join clubs or activities that support your career interests, find a mentor
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Consider applying for a job to save money for college
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Continue exploring college and career options
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Decide if you are going to stay with Rochester College or attend Macomb Community College or Washtenaw
- Take PSAT
- Save syllabi from college courses
Third Year (Second Year Sophomore) Checklist:
Fourth Year (Junior Year) Checklist:
Summer Before Junior Year Checklist:
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Start thinking about your capstone project, what would you like to do?
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College Tours!
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Explore Careers & their earning potentials (glassdoor)
Fall/First Semester Checklist:
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Take the SAT
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Practice for the SAT/ACT
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Attend OSEC Senior Information Night (October/November)
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Submit your formal & casual photo to the yearbook before the deadline
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Order your cap & gown for graduation if you plan on attending
Spring/Second Semester Checklist:
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Take the SAT/ACT
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Register for fall semester classes at Rochester College or Macomb Community College or Washtenaw
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Think about ways to pay for college (Job, Scholarships, Loans)
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Identify scholarship opportunities to pursue; note deadlines on calendar.
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Contact colleges to request information and applications.
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As soon as tax returns come in, It’s a good time to apply for FAFSA (5th Year)
- Save sylabi from college courses
Fifth Year (Senior) Checklist:
Summer Before Senior Year Checklist:
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This is a good time for some last few college visits
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Continue collecting transcripts and letters of recommendation
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Register to take or re-take the ACT or SAT
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Narrow down a list of schools you are considering
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Apply for scholarships!
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Apply for colleges!
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Enter/Update information in FAFSA
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Make decisions regarding early decision/ early action programs
Fall/First Semester Check List:
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Submit scholarships by the deadlines (If you haven't already)
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Take an ACT/SAT prep course
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Register for a Federal Student Aid PIN. https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
Spring/Second Semester Check List:
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Work with parents to complete and submit the FAFSA.
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Review and make any necessary changes/corrections to the Student Aid Report. (http://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa/next-steps/student-aid-report)
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Consider college acceptances; compare financial aid packages offered
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Call college financial aid representatives with questions.
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Decide on the college to attend and contact its offices.
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Make informed decisions about student loans. (http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans)
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Save syllabi from your college courses