What are you gonna BE when you grow up? Students get asked this question all the time. Some have a ready answer, and some get annoyed at or even fearful of the question. Here are some simple tips along with a basic timeline for future planning with a high school student.
9th Grade: This is time to start building a high school reputation and resume. Final course grades are extremely important in 9th grade because they set the tone for the grade point average--both academic and overall. It is important for students to pass all classes and to try to make a B or higher in each one. This sets them up to qualify for HOPE funding for college later. More information about the HOPE Scholarship can be found at HOPE Scholarship | Georgia Student Finance Commission (gafutures.org). Students in 9th grade are also encouraged to get involved with a club, a sport, or even community service. This keeps students busy and allows them to contribute to their school and community. It also adds an element of fun and belonging to the high school experience.
10th Grade: Sophomores can take the PSAT (the preparatory test for college entrance exams like the SAT. During sophomore year, it is important to keep grades up, to add to the extracurricular resume, and to take the YouScience assessment. YouScience is given at school, and it combines student strengths with their interests in order to create a career profile with many suggestions. Students can use this for career exploration that is tailored directly to their interests and aptitudes. Also, remember that sign-ups for dual enrollment will take place in the spring of the 10th grade year. Students who plan to participate may want to take an SAT in February or March in case those exam scores are reinstated for dual enrollment applicants.
11th Grade: Junior year is a time to really start considering post-secondary paths. At the same time, it is important to know that plans can and probably will change! Juniors don't have to commit to a specific college or program of study, but they should start using their YouScience results to plan college visits, schedule entrance exams, and otherwise prepare for next steps. In my experience, students are far less stressed when they have some sort of plan in place, even if it changes later. In their junior year, students can take the SAT on the MCHS campus in the spring OR on any Saturday by registering for Saturday testing at www.collegeboard.org/sat. They may also take the ACT Saturday test by registering at www.actstudent.org. Students who are interested in the military may sign up to take the ASVAB at the high school in Fall and Spring. Students who plan to attend a technical college can begin studying for their placement tests, which will be taken after they apply during Senior year. This is also a good time to look for job shadowing opportunities or summer internships.
12th Grade: Seniors in high school have a lot to consider. Do I want to participate in work -based learning or dual enrollment? Do I want to be on campus and have a "true" Senior experience? When I step off the stage in May, where am I headed? How many clubs do I want to join, and how many hours do I have left to earn my community service seal?
Seniors have three priorities: 1) Narrow down the college interest list in order to apply; 2) Look for scholarships and apply for them; and 3) Be sure high school requirements are completed. Students who are not college-bound should solidify their options by working with a military recruiter or searching for jobs that offer on-the-job training.
Students at MCHS can take numerous tests on campus, such as a Fall SAT or a Fall and Spring ASVAB. Saturday SAT and ACT testing are also available for seniors off-campus. An important skill for Seniors to learn is to stay on top of deadlines for applications, scholarships, and activities. Seniors should always attend scheduled school meetings and events and should check their Teams account and she school website often. Each Senior will have the opportunity to discuss future plans with their high school counselor in a one-on-one meeting; follow up meetings are also available throughout the year, as well as an on-campus college fair, application and FAFSA assistance, and many more activities to help propel them toward success. Many available scholarships are posted in the Class of 2024/Senior Teams account as their applications become available.
Parenting a high school student is not easy, especially when those students begin to plan for adulthood. Please know that guidance is offered at the high school level to help create a path and to help students complete the activities that make that path a little more navigable.
For details on any of the information listed above, you may reach out to jernigan.melissa@marion.k12.ga.us.