Student Checklists
9th Graders, remember to...
Manage your time wisely and get organized. Use a planner to keep track of important due dates, appointments, and deadlines.
Take challenging courses that will prepare you for college. Talk to your school counselor to understand the importance of taking rigorous courses.
Get involved at your school in sports, clubs, and leadership roles.
Work hard to get no lower than a B average.
Aim high! Set goals for things you want to achieve in high school. Keep track of all your accomplishments and honors during the school year.
10th Graders, remember to...
Explore career options that relate to your personal interests.
Begin researching colleges and universities. Explore different areas of study, school location and environment, school size, tuition, and graduation rates.
Get familiar with college admissions test requirements.
Continue to take challenging courses. Register for AP, dual enrollment, and other rigorous courses for your Junior year.
Stay involved in your community and use your summer to gain skills before your junior year begins.
11th Graders, remember to...
Schedule a meeting with your school counselor. Consider dual enrollment and make sure you are on time to graduate.
Take advantage of the chance to get a preview of college. Research schools and be sure to attend college tours, college fairs, and meetings with college representatives who visit your high school.
Get smart about the college admissions process. Know the general requirements, especially grades and standardized test scores.
Build a list of colleges that interest you. Your list should be balanced which means it should include at least two target, two reach and two likely colleges. This includes career and technical education (CTE) programs.
Enroll in ACT prep courses offered at our village, llc, to boost your likelihood for admission.
Once you get your ACT scores back in late spring, review your college or CTE program list and plan for the future.
Continue to use your summer wisely. Get an internship or job, volunteer, or participate in a summer enrichment program.
12th Graders, remember to...
If you aren't happy with your scores, continue taking the ACT. Speak with your counselor or college adviser if you need a fee waiver to register for the test.
Narrow your college choices to 5 – 10 schools, including a few in Alabama. Make sure you know the application deadlines for each college/university. Remember, some schools offer early decision or early action options.
Get recommendation letters from your teachers, school counselor and/or college adviser. Provide them with a list of accomplishments or awards you have received over the past 2 to 3 years. Let them know the schools you are applying to and why you want to study there. Explain your goals and ambitions so your recommenders can write strong, personalized recommendations.
Complete the FAFSA with your parent(s) or guardian(s) at www.fafsa.gov. The application opens October 1 and the earlier you apply the better!
Apply to your final list of schools. You should apply to at least one school by December and a minimum of three schools by March of your senior year. Categorize your schools as “Target”, “Reach”, or “Likely.” and make sure at least one school is in Alabama.
Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Review the applications with your college adviser or school counselor before you submit them.
Enjoy your senior year! You are almost finished with high school. Maintain a well-rounded lifestyle and stay on track!