Freshmen To-Do List

Meet with your school counselor and learn about the different high school diploma options: Honors, Advance Placement, International Baccalaureate, College and Career Ready, Standard. The choice is yours. Go here for more information on diplomas:  www.washoeschools.net/Page/3301.

With your counselor, decide on a graduation plan with classes and electives. Set a goal for a high GPA. Each college has different GPA requirements and academic scholarships. 

Learn to use the school’s Compass Career Center to explore career, college & scholarship opportunities.

Know the eligibility requirements for the Nevada's Millennium Scholarship - visit http://www.nevadatreasurer.gov/GGMS/GGMS_Home/

Get Active! Get involved in leadership activities and community service activities, and stay involved until graduation. Try something new. High school is a great time to try out new things. There are a lot of clubs and athletic opportunities that may not have been available to you previously. 

Explore the opportunities offered at community college high schools and dual credit programs. A student may graduate high school with college credits completed. Some students can even graduate with an associate degree at the same time they graduate from high school. 

Become familiar with the college admissions requirements of various colleges and attend a college fair. 

It's never too early to start preparing for college admission exams. For information on the ACT go here: ACT Learning Resources - ACT Solutions | ACT  For information on the SAT: Official Digital SAT® Prep | Khan Academy.

Understand the federal financial aid process: FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid

At the end of the ear, write down your accomplishments. Were you in band? What clubs did you try? Did you play a sport? Did you have an after-school job? Did you complete any community service? Draft a resume that includes all these activities and any other unique educational experiences. 

Have fun and study hard!

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