1. Stratford High School Fall 2015 Senior Semester Plan

2. What is T-2-4? Pick a partner or go around the classroom and share what you plan to do this semester to get you on the right path to T-2-4. Share

3. Tips for Success –Choose your friends carefully. –Work hard in school; challenge yourself with difficult courses. –Do well in all your courses. –Learn how to learn. –Love Reading. –Set goals and have a vision of a successful life. –Find a career that will help you be a self-supporting person who contributes to society. –Choose a school that will help you achieve your goals. What to consider this year

4. Colleges and Universities – earn a bachelor’s degree in your area of interest. Community and Junior Colleges – earn an associates degree or earn transferable credit. Technical Training – receive job specific skills which increase your opportunity in seeking employment. Military Career – serve your country, earn a salary, and receive training. Immediate Entry to Work – research your options and begin preparing a working resume. Options After High School

5. You need to know what you want out of a career and your life. –Just a few questions to ask yourself. What are the most important things in my life? What special talents and skilled do I like using and like developing? What are my strengths and abilities now? What training/education is required for my career choice? Know Yourself

6. What does the job market predict for the years following my graduation? Who do I know in this field who could show me the day to day operations and/or answer a few questions? What steps do I take to be on track with the training required? What is a plan of action to reach my career goal? Know Yourself

7. More than 50% of jobs today require some college. 80 percent of the jobs projected to grow the fastest over this decade require some education after high school. A college graduate makes twice as much as a student who has only a high school diploma. A college education provides more job opportunities. As you make your plans for the future, continuing your education with either a certificate, a two-year or a four- year college degree is recommended. because…

8. September –Keep a calendar with deadlines posted for easy visibility. –Register and take SAT and/or the ACT and any SAT Subject tests required if you have not done so! –Difficulty paying ACT or SAT registration fees? See about getting a fee waiver. –Keep up with the scholarship bulletins throughout the year. –Submit applications for college admission http://collegeforalltexans.com and housing (if applicable). –Check for college application fee waivers (See your counselor). Twelfth Grade Semester Checklist

9. October –Attend College Night! Be prepared with questions. Many times the recruiters will be the ones reviewing applications. –Check that you are scheduled to graduate at the end of the year. –Meet with your counselor early to discuss your plans, transcript requests, fee waivers, and letters of recommendation (2 weeks notice). November –Check for scholarship opportunities in Counselor’s office, websites etc. and complete and submit application forms before deadlines Twelfth Grade Semester Checklist

10. December –Request your FAFSA pin # and have your parent request one at www.pin.ed.gov. –Be ready to send out Mid -Year Reports in January if required by the university you plan to attend. So do well on fall finals! –Check for scholarship opportunities in Counselor’s office, websites etc. and complete and submit application forms before deadlines. January –Begin the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov or TASFA –Complete all necessary financial aid forms; fill out at least one form that can be used for federal aid and keep copy. Twelfth Grade Semester Checklist