Resume Building - Creating an Early Path Toward College College 101 For Ninth and Tenth Graders

Planning for College – When should I begin? It's never too early - or too late - to begin but earlier is always better... Did you “Jump Start” your college career while in middle school by taking your education seriously?

OLD HABITS DIE HARD Why should middle school students prepare for college? How do middle-school students prepare for college? - Pay attention in class - Do your homework -Apply yourself -Become involved in extracurricular activities -Choose activities that you already have a natural interest or ability in. Take your education seriously

I'm only in the ninth grade! Yes, we know that you won’t be going to college for another four years! But a little work now will pay big dividends in the future!!

Most ninth grade students have already charted a course for their high school years and beyond without even knowing it. (What have you been doing – or not?)

Your first year of high school is an excellent time to begin preparation for college, if you have not done so already. It may seem early, but choosing a class schedule focused on college preparation will help you lay a good foundation – no matter what your final college choices are.

What do your parents know? They may have mentioned a couple of times (multiple times?) how important it is to make good grades. They may be clueless on some things, but they’re right about this!! - Academic Transcripts

Are you ready to join? Things that you participate in outside of the classroom are also important. Colleges are looking for the “well-rounded” student! (But don’t try to do everything!!!)

Too young for a job? Build your college credentials by planning fun ways to get involved on the weekends, after school, or during the summer!

Have some fun There always needs to be a balance between work and play.

You don’t have a choice! Placement of students in grades nine through twelve is determined by the number of credits earned. (Plus one academic year in a grade) Freshman –4.99 credits Sophomore –10.99 credits Junior –15.99 credits Senior credits

High School Graduation Requirements English/Language Arts credits required English I, English II, English III, English IV Language arts must be taken each year of high school. Mathematics credits and the successful completion of a grade-twelve math course required Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II will continue to be requirements for all graduates. Science credits required Social Studies credits required To include content strands of U.S. history, economics, government, world geography, and world civilizations

Health /2 credit required Physical Education /2 credit required History and Appreciation of Visual and Performing Arts credit required History and Appreciation of Visual and Performing Arts or another arts course that incorporates such content; or a standards-based specialized arts course based on the student’s ILP Electives credits required Electives shall include the following: Academic or Career: A four-course sequence of electives connected to his or her academic or career interest goals as listed on the ILP World Language: Two world language credits are recommended for college-bound students. Many colleges will be looking for a minimum of three years! Technology Competency: Students must demonstrate performance-based competency in technology. TOTAL credits

Don’t forget… YOUR Individual Learning Plan (ILP) Each student shall complete an ILP every year that emphasizes the following: Career exploration and plans Related postsecondary education options, including information about financial planning for postsecondary education Educational needs, including courses that the student intends to take

Your Freshman Year Schedule: Tips and Tactics Don't get bogged down in planning for college prep your freshman year. Have an overall plan.

A good freshman schedule will be challenging but well balanced. Taking challenging courses can illustrate how hard working you are, but never overload your schedule beyond what you can handle. You’ll want to maintain good grades as well.

Your Sophomore Year Schedule: Tips and Tactics The countdown to college has begun. The primary focuses of your sophomore year should be: keeping your grade point average up, getting involved in extracurricular activities and preparing to take standardized tests like the SAT or the ACT.

There are no make-or break college admissions issues in the tenth grade, BUT… This is NOT the time to start goofing off! Your grades matter more and more each year!

It’s far too early to start sending out college applications. However, there are a few steps you can take to help your chances of being accepted into your dream school. Here are a few tips to help create a stronger resume:

Take Advanced Placement (AP) classes when you can. Taking AP classes prepares you for college life and may provide you with college credit too. - Just make sure you are interested in the subject because an AP course is more rigorous than the honors and advanced-level courses.

I think I wanna be… Shadow a professional -This is an excellent way to look at different careers of interest. Apply for any available opportunities – Many times, sophomore year is the first chance that students have to apply for summer programs at colleges

Think about things you enjoy and careers that may lend themselves to those areas. Talk to working professionals. Keep track of all of your activities as you go.

Join a sports team or get involved in a school club, or two. Consistency is the key. Maintain a commitment to your extracurricular activities. Colleges are more impressed with someone who made a contribution to a certain activity every year, than the student who participated in theater for a year, music for a few months and basketball for one season.

Parents… It’s OK if your child is undecided on a career or a college major!

Volunteer for a worthy cause Colleges are attracted to a student who gives back to the community and volunteering lets you explore areas of interest.

Remember, above all else… BE TRUE TO YOURSELF