Goals for the Year:

• Transition smoothly into high school.

• Develop strong study habits and organizational skills.

• Explore extracurricular activities and interests.

• Begin planning for standardized testing in the future.

Focus Areas:

1. Academics: Work hard to establish a solid GPA right from the start. Your freshman year sets the foundation for the grades that colleges will evaluate. Enroll in Honors or AP courses if available.

2. Extracurriculars: Start exploring clubs, sports, or volunteer opportunities. Colleges look for depth, so think about what you’re passionate about and how you can develop leadership skills over time.

3. Study Habits: Learn time management skills, and get comfortable with using planners or digital tools to track assignments and deadlines. Elite students often use apps like Trello or Google Calendar to stay organized.

Your Team:

• School Counselor: Meet at least once a semester to discuss your academic path and goals. Ask about available Honors, AP, or IB classes, and how to stay on track for college.

• Teachers: Stay in regular communication. They’ll be crucial for recommendations later on.

• Mentors/Extracurricular Advisors: Meet regularly to develop leadership roles and explore areas of interest.

Test Prep:

• While SAT/ACT testing is still far off, start developing strong reading, math, and analytical skills. Consider participating in a PSAT 8/9 to familiarize yourself with standardized testing formats.

Goals for the Year:

• Continue excelling academically while exploring career and academic interests.

• Start building a leadership profile through extracurriculars.

• Begin early SAT/ACT prep and take the PSAT.

Focus Areas:

1. Course Rigor: Take on more challenging courses, such as AP or IB classes. Strong academic performance in tough classes makes you competitive.

2. Leadership Roles: By now, you should have a good sense of your extracurricular interests. Aim to take on leadership roles in clubs, student government, or community service activities.

3. Career Exploration: Attend career fairs or job shadow days offered by your school or district. Utilize tools like Naviance or MyCareerShines (a state-supported tool) to explore career interests.

Your Team:

• School Counselor: Meet twice a year to ensure your coursework is setting you up for college success. Discuss scholarships and special programs like Dual Enrollment or Advanced Placement Capstone.

• Teachers: Check in regularly, especially in challenging courses, and keep building relationships for future recommendations.

• Extracurricular Coaches/Advisors: Talk about expanding your leadership roles and possibly organizing new initiatives or projects.

Test Prep:

• PSAT/NMSQT: Take the PSAT seriously—it’s great practice for the SAT. Consider using resources like Khan Academy for free test prep.

• Early SAT/ACT Prep: Begin light prep. Focus on understanding the test structure and gradually work through practice questions.

Goals for the Year:

• Excel in coursework, particularly in AP/IB courses.

• Begin preparing college applications by researching schools and drafting personal statements.

• Take your first SAT/ACT and use the results to guide your study.

Focus Areas:

1. Rigorous Academics: Your junior year GPA is critical. Take challenging courses, and perform well to show colleges that you’re capable of college-level work.

2. Leadership and Community Engagement: Your extracurricular activities should now show depth. Take on leadership roles, organize events, or start a project related to your passion. Colleges want to see initiative and responsibility.

3. College Research: Begin making a list of target, reach, and safety schools. Utilize college fairs, visits, and virtual tours. Explore college match tools on CollegeBoard, Naviance, and BigFuture.

Your Team:

• School Counselor: Meet at least twice this year. Talk about your college list, test prep, and scholarship opportunities.

• College Advisor: If your school offers access to a college advisor, work with them regularly on application deadlines, essays, and financial aid.

• Teachers: Start identifying two teachers who will write strong recommendation letters. Build those relationships now.

Test Prep:

• PSAT/NMSQT: Take it seriously—it’s your last chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.

• SAT/ACT: Take your first test in the spring. If you’re not happy with your score, you have time to retake it in the fall of senior year. Use free or paid resources like Princeton Review, Khan Academy, or PrepScholar to study.

Essay Prep:

• Begin brainstorming ideas for your college essays in the spring. Write drafts over the summer. Your essay should tell a compelling story that reflects your values, experiences, and goals.

Goals for the Year:

• Finalize college applications, including essays and letters of recommendation.

• Complete SAT/ACT testing, if needed.

• Stay on track academically and finish the year strong.

Focus Areas:

1. Finalize Applications: Complete your Common Application or other application platforms by early deadlines. Ensure your essays are compelling and free of errors.

2. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Apply for FAFSA and research scholarships. Use platforms like FastWeb, Cappex, or local Broward scholarship portals.

3. Academic Performance: Senioritis is real, but colleges will still see your grades! Stay focused, especially in AP/IB courses.

Your Team:

• School Counselor: Meet frequently to make sure you’re hitting all deadlines and that your academic record is in great shape.

• College Advisor: Check in regularly for feedback on your applications, essays, and any last-minute test prep. Discuss financial aid forms (FAFSA) and scholarship applications.

• Teachers: Confirm letters of recommendation are submitted by the deadlines. If you haven’t asked for recommendations yet, now is the time.

Test Prep:

• Final SAT/ACT: Retake the test in the fall if you need to boost your score. If you’re satisfied with your spring score, shift focus entirely to applications.

• Essay Writing: By now, your college essay should be almost complete. Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or mentors.

Additional Tips for Success:

1. Take Advantage of Resources:

• Naviance and MyCareerShines: Great for college research, career exploration, and tracking your progress.

• Khan Academy: Free SAT prep customized to your strengths and weaknesses.

• Common App: Set up your account early to manage your college applications.

2. Explore Special Programs:

• Look into Dual Enrollment at local community colleges.

• Check if you qualify for Bright Futures Scholarships in Florida or other merit-based financial aid programs.

3. Stay Organized:

• Use tools like Google Calendar or Trello to keep track of deadlines, study schedules, and application materials.

• Set reminders for scholarship applications, test dates, and financial aid deadlines.

4. Self-Care:

• The college prep process can be overwhelming. Take breaks, stay active, and talk to someone if you’re feeling stressed.