High School is an exciting time for you and your child. This is a time of self exploration for your child where he or she will get to better understand him/herself. It is a time to explore interests, skills, and career possibilities while preparing for the future. Academic growth is essential to success whether your child chooses a college or career path after high school.
The general timeline for students to follow in preparing for the future is as follows:
Freshman: Develop study habits and work towards achieving high grades because your GPA will determine your scholarship and college opportunities. Work on exploring interests and career ideas in Ohiomeansjobs.
Sophomore: Further explore career interests and skills. Take the the ACT to identify strengths and weaknesses. Work towards strengthening academic skills. Decide if a technical program is right for you.
Junior: College bound juniors should practice ACT skills and retake the test and participate in the PSAT to experience the difference in the SAT vs. ACT. Further explore occupations in Ohio Means Jobs and the Career outlook handbook. Begin to look at colleges that offer degrees you are interested in. Set up a fastweb account for more information on colleges and scholarships that match your preferences.
Senior: Begin sending college applications in the fall. Competitive programs have deadlines as early as Nov. 1st. Visit colleges and speak with college program counselors. Apply for scholarships. File the FAFSA form by Oct. 31. In the spring when you get your financial award letters you can make your decision and set up your housing.