FRESHMAN TO DO LIST:
*Get good grades in your core/college prep courses: most 4-year colleges recommend 4 years of English, 4 years of Math (must include Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2), 4 years of Science (must include Biology and Chemistry or Physics), 4 years of Social Studies, 2 years of a Foreign Language, 1 year of Fine Arts, 1 year of Technology and 1 year of Physical Education or Athletics.
*Be involved in activities, clubs and organizations both in and out of school. Colleges are looking for students who are active and involved in their school and community. They are also looking for students who have leadership abilities, unique experiences, and an interest in community service. Take Honors classes, if eligible.
*Start creating or a resume` to use for college admissions and scholarship applications. Include all of your activities, awards, honors, unique experiences, community service, jobs, etc. This record will be helpful when you are completing applications—and anyone writing a recommendation letter for you will appreciate having this information.
*Start your research: explore college websites, take virtual tours and visit potential colleges. Explore different types of schools to determine entrance requirements and admission deadlines. Start making a list of colleges that you’re interested in.
*Attend college and career fairs.
*Do invest some time for volunteer and/or community service hours.
*Put your best foot forward and clean up your social media to present a college/career-friendly image online.
*Do your best on grades, benchmarks and STAAR EOC exams. Polish your study habits, behavior, and attitude to show you’re serious about your future.
Need help deciding on a college and/or career? Check out the helpful college/career inventory website details below:
****Career Cruising is an excellent website to learn more about specific colleges and careers.
Go to www.careercruising.com and enter the user name (detroit) and password (75436) to access the following types of information:
SCHOOLS
Click on the state and then choose from a list of colleges and universities to learn these things:
Location
Faculty Information
Undergraduate Admissions Data
Application Deadlines
Entrance Requirements
Entrance Difficulty
Estimated Expenses
Types of Financial Aid Available
Enrollment Numbers
High School Class Ranks
SAT/ACT Scores
Athletics/Programs/Intramural Sports/Majors Offered
CAREERS
Either click on the index of career names or type a career title (ex. Pilot) to learn these things:
Job Responsibilities
Workplace/Environment
Earnings
Texas Outlook (predicted job growth or decline)
Education and Training
Sample Career Paths
Related Careers
~~You can also read interviews with ‘real’ people who are employed in a particular career. These interviews give insight to the pros and cons of entering a profession and the personal opinions of those being interviewed.