Here are some things to consider for Freshman year:

Work on building academic skills
  • Time management (using a daily planner, written or electronic)
  • Study skills
  • Reading strategies
  • Math strategies

​Get involved in your school.
  •  Join clubs
  • Participate in athletics
  • Participate in a music program            ​

Build rapport with your teachers.

​Try your hardest.
Take a challenging curriculum that the student will be successful in (A's or B's).
  • This does not mean automatically take the hardest classes that your school offers
  • You must consider your load outside of the classroom when choosing the right mix of classes
  • Your social/emotional well-being is not worth compromising just to take the most difficult classes that your school offers

​Volunteer

Going on vacation?  
  • Stop by some college campuses
  • Get a feel for different campus sizes and locations
Touch base with your School Counselor.
  • Get to know him/her
  • Selecting classes for Sophomore year is a great reason to check in
  • See if your school subscribes to a college/career exploration program

Set a tentative "4 year plan" of classes.

​Talk to friends, family, and other adults about their careers.

Create a list of activities, volunteer hours, jobs, etc.  Plan to build on this each year.