Academic Planning 101

Senior Year

Things to Think About:

Am I continuing to challenge myself?
Am I giving my best to senior coursework?
Have I obtained enough information about the colleges of my choice and application deadlines?
Am I meeting with my counselor regularly?
Have I made enough campus visits to my top colleges?

Things to Do:

Update my personal file and finalize my resume (see Files: High School Resume on this website).
Register for ACT if not satisfied with score
Maintain strong academic record and attendance.
Check your graduation requirements.
Seek assistance from teacher and counselor when needed.
Continue extra-curricular activities and community involvement.
Meet with counselor to finalize post high school planning (November).
Meet with college representatives during visits (College Fair in October off campus; representatives at our school).
Complete college applications (September – December).
Be aware of deadlines including early decision and early action options.
Complete Local Scholarships application beginning in January (watch school website for notifications).
Attend Financial Aid Workshop for FAFSA information.
Have parents complete the Financial Aid Form with FAFSA on the web.
Take AP Exams

Junior Year

Things to Think About:

Am I taking courses that lead to my post-high school plans?
Am I giving my best to Junior coursework?
With which teachers have I established a strong rapport? (potential college/job letters of recommendation)
Which talents or strengths might I want to further develop through college studies or post-high school plans?
Which activities will I highlight on my college/job application?

Things to Do:

Update my personal file.
Keep a record of all grades including tests, homework, papers, etc. in all classes.
Continue extra-curricular activities.
Prepare for the ACT.
Maintain strong academic performance and an excellent attendance record.
Check graduation requirements.
Talk with teachers, parents and counselor about senior year course selections (late January).
Talk with parents about college needs, interests, etc.
Take the ACT at school in April.
Make college list. Top three picks. Visit those campuses to see if it is a good fit.
Talk to a representative from a community college about career and vocational opportunities. Seek out the counselor for local community resource information.
Take AP Exams in May.
Continue to explore career options.

Sophomore Year

Things to Think About:

In which subjects did I excel?
Am I taking courses that lead to my post-high school plans?
Am I giving my best to sophomore courses?
Of my unique talents and strengths, which would I most like to develop?
Am I involved in at least one extra-curricular activity or community service?
What potential career/post-high school option have I considered?

Things to Do:

Update my personal file.
Keep a record of all grades including tests, homework, papers, etc. in all classes.
Seek assistance from teachers and counselors when needed.
Participate in the PreACT in October.
Maintain strong academic performance and maintain an excellent attendance record.
Be aware of your graduation requirements.
Talk with your teachers, parents, and counselors about course selections for Junior year (late January).
Visit counselor to explore post-high school plans and interest.
Continue involvement in extra-curricular activities.
Consult with academic teacher and counselor concerning AP classes and Dual Enrollment Opportunities.

Freshman Year

Things to Think About:

Things to Do:

Become familiar with graduation requirements.
Develop a personal file, highlighting academic, extra-curricular and community involvement/awards.
Develop a relationship with your counselor and teachers.
Maintain strong academic performance and maintain excellent attendance record.
Keep a record of all grades including tests, homework, paper, etc. in all classes.
Seek assistance or support from teachers and counselor.
Talk with teachers, parents, and counselor about your sophomore course selections (late January).
Become involved in an extra-curricular activity, sports, clubs, music, volunteer work, etc.
Review finalized 10th-grade course selections in May.

8th Grade Year

Things to Think About:

Things to Do:

Get Organized- Teachers will often only tell you of a project/test date once. You will be given the responsibility of remembering and preparing for it without constant reminders.
Get Involved- No matter who you are and what you like, there will be something for you, but it is YOU who has to search for it.
Complete your 4-Year Plan in Kuder, Alabama Career Planning System.
Start looking into colleges that are well known for the subject(s) that you’re most interested in.
Prepare for more independence, but also more responsibility.
Take initiative and push boundaries.
Develop a relationship with your counselor and teachers.
Ask Questions- Any questions asked is a good question.
Review finalized 9th-grade course selections in May.

7th Grade Year

Things to Think About:

Things to Do:

Keep a sense of humor whenever possible. Today’s most awkward moments will be tomorrow’s funniest memories.
Make it your goal to peak later in life. Make good choices that set you up for a bright future. If you’re not a superstar now, that’s OK. This simply means there are better things ahead as you continue to evolve and learn.
Think twice before texting, emailing, or posting on social media. Cool off before giving someone a piece of your mind, venting, jumping to conclusions, reacting out of jealousy or anger, embarrassing someone, or sending an inappropriate photo. Use the Internet for good, not as a dumping ground.
Surround yourself with good company. Good friends lift you up. They don’t put you in risky or compromising situations.
Be yourself. You’ll never influence the world by trying to be like everyone else in it

6th Grade Year

Things to Think About:

Things to Do:

Get organized- 1. Use a planner 2. Use folders and notebooks for each subject 3. Keep your locker and backpack cleaned out
Do your homework- In middle school teachers expect more of you. You will have more homework.
Schedule your time wisely by allotting a certain amount of time for each subject.
Do not wait until an assignment is due, start early
Talk to your teachers, ask questions if you are unsure of your assignment. Your teachers are there to help you!
Get involved in extracurricular activities- this is a great way to meet new people and have fun
Get good grades- Turn your homework in on time and ask questions
Stay healthy- get a good nights sleep and eat breakfast before school.
Talk to your parents- let them know what is going on
Find an adult you trust to talk to when you have problems
Choose your friends wisely- don’t choose friends who make bad decisions

Oak Grove High School

Counseling