Linden High School Counseling Department

Checklist By Grade

Freshman Checklist:

Make sure you are enrolled in required and elective courses that prepare you for meeting future plans.

Begin developing your high school transcript. Your transcript is an official record of the classes that you enroll in, the grades that you receive, and your grade point average. Colleges and Universities, as well as future employers, will be interested in this information.

Participate in career exploration activities. Discuss possible careers with school personnel, parents, friends, relatives, and local employers.

Explore various career pathways and update your high school Educational Development Plan (EDP) at www.careercruising.com

Begin exploring post-secondary education and training opportunities

Sophomore Checklist:

Meet with your counselor to discuss high school and beyond.

Select challenging courses that will prepare you for future career options.

Keep grades up so you can have the highest GPA possible.

Participate in career exploration activities. Discuss possible careers with school personnel, parents, friends, relatives, and local employers.

All sophomores take the PLAN (the Pre-ACT) in October. This test will help prepare you to take the ACT during your junior year.

Review and update EDP and course selections to reflect your career path at www.careercruising.com

Remember the importance of being a well-rounded individual. Work toward leadership positions in the activities that you like best. Become involved in extracurricular activities, community service and/or other volunteer activities.

Begin thinking about post-secondary education and training opportunities (community college, university, military, technical, on-the-job) needed for your career of interest.

If interested, explore the skill center course offerings. Attend Skill Center & Three District CTE Program presentation.

Explore post-secondary options by visiting colleges and viewing college websites over the internet.

Investigate summer training programs or volunteer activities.

Junior Checklist:

Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your career goals and course selections.

Review your transcript, credits needed for graduation and GPA. Continue to improve your performance in the classroom.

Meet with representatives who visit our school from colleges, military, and technical training institutes.

Plan to attend College Night in the Fall.

Sign up for and take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of your junior year. This test is necessary for students hoping to be considered for National merit status and is recommended for students with GPA of 3.5 or higher.

All junior take the ACT during the second semester as part of the newly required Michigan Merit Exam (MME). The ACT is required by nearly all Michigan colleges and universities for admission. The best preparation for college entrance exams is a solid core of academic courses.

Explore financial aid and scholarship options at our website.

Continue visiting colleges you may be interested in attending.

Update your EDP at www.careercruising.com

Senior Checklist:

Enroll in classes that are academically challenging and will prepare you for your career path.

Meet with your counselor to discuss graduation and post high school plans.

Check to make sure you have all of the credits necessary for graduation and you are enrolled in the correct courses.

Discuss college choices with parents, counselors, and teachers.

Begin obtaining and filling out applications for two year colleges, four year colleges, and technical institutes. (August – November)

Retake the ACT/SAT if necessary. Make sure the results are sent to the colleges you are considering.

Maintain and improve grades. Colleges you have been accepted to will monitor your senior year grades.

Check all available sources for scholarships.

Update your EDP at www.careercruising.com

Complete the FAFSA after January 1^st and attend the January Financial Aid night.

Apply for local scholarships in March.