SOPHOMORE TIMELINE

 September – October
___ Check your high school classes to ensure you are taking courses to meet graduation requirements and post graduation plans.  Contact your counselor if you have any concerns.

___ Develop a serious attitude toward your studies.  Your grade point average (GPA) and class rank are important considerations for post secondary planning.

___ Develop good study habits!  If you are struggling at any time – first, consult your teacher; second, seek tutoring assistance; and third, consult your academic counselor.

___ Set personal goals for academic achievement.  Evaluate and re-assess frequently to make sure you are working toward your goals.

___ The PSAT is administered in October.  Please check which date your school will be administering the PSAT.

___ Encourage your parents to attend Open House and Parent/Teacher Conferences so they can become familiar with your schedule, your teachers, the administrators and your counselor.
November – December
___ Visit the counseling office.  Become familiar with the reference materials for career and post secondary exploration and information.

___ Plan ahead for project deadlines and semester exams.  Visit people employed in your career interest area.  Ask questions about job tasks, helpful skills, advantages and disadvantages; also ask about employment opportunities.

___ Plan your extracurricular class and community activities carefully.  They will be needed on your resume for college or for work.

___ Begin to compile information to develop a resume.  Activities, GPA, class rank, special programs, internships and school awards or scholarships should be included.

___ Read and or listen to the daily announcements.  The announcements will provide information on job opportunities and scholarships

 January – March
____Begin thinking about your Course Selection Process for next year.

___ Review your four-year plan.  Pay attention to your classes required for graduation, college requirements and the Alaska Performance Scholarship.

___ Review your career and educational goals.

___ Review your academic skills with your teachers and counselors: strengths and weaknesses

___ Request recommendations in areas you need to improve or have a deficiency.

___ Discuss your career or educational goals with your parents and counselor.

___ Use the counseling office to review post-secondary materials.

___ Make a list of schools, jobs, and colleges to which you may want to consider applying.

___ Check the entrance requirements to schools listed above.

___ Make sure you select appropriate course work for next year and colleges in consideration.
April – May
___ Take an interest inventory and analyze the results against possible career choices.

___ Learn to use the AKCIS for occupational and post secondary information.  Do your career choices fit your abilities and interests?

___ Plan ahead for major project deadlines and semester exams.

___ Set aside time for reading EVERYDAY during the summer.  This will help prepare you for higher education or college.  Request suggestions from your teachers for reading that will also benefit you in course work for the upcoming year.

___ Use your time wisely.  This is a good time to find a job, volunteer or explore your career interests and think of taking a class or attending a camp sponsored by the university.