College Action Plan: Freshman Year

Hello, freshman! 

At this stage of the game, you are laying the foundation for your high school career. This is the year to begin establishing your academic and extracurricular credentials. Last year you met with your school counselor to discuss college and career options, based on your interests, strengths and values. You prepared a graduation plan, based on your goals. But, chances are good that your interests and your goals are still evolving. It's supposed to be that way! You're going to meet people that change your mind about things, you're going to take classes that challenge your beliefs, and you're going to visit places that make you wonder about new experiences and different ways of being. You're going to keep growing and changing, and that is a great thing! 

So, here are some tips to help navigate this year, even though you're still figuring out the specifics of your college and career plans:

Make the grade.

Get off to a strong academic start. Although graduation seems like a long way off right now, the grades you earn this year really do count toward college admission and scholarship eligibility.

Check your credits and course choices.

Make sure that you are not only on track to graduate, but also that you are taking the right classes for college preparation. Have conversations with your parents about which electives sound like a good fit for you and then make note of this on your graduation plan. (You can find a link to Graduation requirements for your class along the sidebar of this webpage).

Get involved.

Extracurricular activities, both school and community, are an important part of high school. Make the effort to get involved with groups, clubs, or teams that interest you. You might want to start volunteering outside of school. These activities are fun, allow you to feel good about helping others, and make you a well-rounded student. The quality of your volunteering is more important that the quantity. Focus on what you really care about, decide how to help, and commit yourself! 

Explore your interests and possible careers.

Discuss your skills and interests with your parents, friends, school counselor, teachers, and coaches. Take advantage of career exploration opportunities at the College and Career Center at the SHS. (You can find a link to the CCC along the sidebar to this webpage.) Visit Mrs. Beattie and ask if there is an exploring post, job shadow, workshop or career related field trip that may be right for you. Attend a college fair. It is never too early to learn about yourself, your interests, and what will make you happy.

Create a file of important documents.

Keeping track of your report cards (specifically, your cumulative grade point average for each year), lists of awards and honors, school and community activities, work experience, and volunteer work in one place is a great idea. You will need this information for when you create an activity resume for college, a requirement for admission. It will also help you to see yourself as a whole student, rather than just a list of your test scores.  

Meet with your school counselor.