Fall
If college is on your radar, your goals are to build your foundation, research paths and start test prep.

For All Paths

• Meet with school counselor. Ensure your credits and course rigor match your academic and career goals.
• Keep grades up. Junior year is the last full year of grades colleges see before admission.

College Bound

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT (typically in October). It’s practice for the SAT and the qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
• Make testing calendar. Decide if you’re taking the SAT, ACT or both.
• Create study plan. Even reviewing test prep strategies online can be a big help!
• Begin online research. Start with Google and U.S. News & World Report. Dare to dream but keep it real.

Workforce Training and Trades

• Explore regional technical centers (vocational, trades and tech). Tip: Find out if your school has partnerships that allow you to take classes there during your senior year.
• Identify fields of interest and high-demand trades (HVAC, electrical, welding, radiology, cybersecurity, nursing) and required certifications.

Straight to the Job Market

• Take career aptitude test
• (online or with a counselor).
• Draft resume. Document your high school achievements, volunteer work, clubs, and informal jobs
• (e.g., babysitting or lawn mowing).

Spring
Where research turns into active planning and initial testing.

College Bound

• Take first SAT and/or ACT (usually in April).
• Request letters of recommendation. Ask teachers who are familiar with your work ethic and how you respond to both success and failure.
• Attend college fairs (local and virtual).
• Plan campus visits. Try to schedule a few during Spring Break.

Workforce Training and Trades

• Attend trade or career fairs. Talk to union reps and gather information.
• Check pre-reqs. Be sure you’ve got the math, science and computing courses needed.

Straight to the Job Market

• Build LinkedIn profile. Use a professional photo and include your school activities.
• Practice interviewing. Ask teachers, coaches and parents to run through common questions with you. Prep a short introduction to who you are.

Summer
It’s all about executing your plans, building experience and getting a head start on your applications.

College Bound

• Brainstorm essay. Look up Common App prompts and start drafting your personal statement.
• Finalize college list. Note deadlines. You want a mix of “Reach” (1-2), “Match” (3-4) and “Safety” (1-2) schools.
• Set up accounts. Create logins for the Common App, the Coalition App and any university portals you’ll need.

Workforce Training and Trades

• Job shadow or volunteer. Experience will help you see if it’s the right fit.
• Gather application materials now. You’ll save time in the fall.

Straight to the Job Market

• Get summer job. Start building your professional network and getting on-the-ground experience.
• Polish and update your resume.