Steps for Academic and Career Planning

GRADE

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Meet with your counselor to discuss, create and update your Individualized Career and Academic Plan (ICAP)

Take career-related assessments in Naviance

Talk to parents/legal guardians, teachers and a counselor about your interests and post-secondary goals

Talk to parents/legal guardians and other adults about their careers

Attend career and elective fairs

Identify and research potential careers

Look at colleges and identify high school courses needed for college admission

Educate yourself about the different kinds of diplomas and the requirements for each

Review the Program of Studies and identify courses you would like to take in the future

Enroll in Honors, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment and other advanced academic courses offered in high school

Challenge yourself academically; strive for a higher GPA each year

Participate in school and community activities

Consider summer enrichment programs, including campus, school-based courses and college courses

Consider volunteering or service learning activities

Create a game plan in Naviance Family Connection and update it each year

Start exploring financial aid options

   

Review your academic record to ensure information is correct

 

Start narrowing your field of potential careers and identify colleges that offer related majors

   

Become familiar with the T.C. Williams College and Career Center

     

Visit the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria office

     

Take PSAT/SAT

     

Identify teachers, coaches or other adults who might write letters of recommendation for you

     

Attend college fairs and see presentations by college admissions representatives visiting T.C. Williams High School

   

Create a résumé in Naviance; update annually

   

Research and start applying for potential scholarships

       

Consider a part-time job or volunteer opportunity in a field related to your career goals

       

Start narrowing your college choices and visit the schools; create a filing system for notes

     

Consider community college, technical schools or apprenticeship programs

         

Start the application process for a military academy

         

Take College Entrance Exams (SAT, ACT, SAT Subject); retake as needed

         

Take the ASVAB if considering military options; retake as needed

       

Practice interviewing skills

       

Narrow your college list to five or six schools and visit the campuses

         

Write your college application essay and/or personal statement

         

Complete and send college applications; decide if you are applying for early decision

           

Consider applying to the Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program through Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)

           

Take the NOVA placement exams if considering the community college

           

Tell your counselor what colleges you are applying to so the appropriate information will be sent

           

Request letters of recommendation through Naviance

           

Complete the Federal Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA) as close to January 1 as possible

           

Complete the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria application and any other scholarship applications

           

Meet with a recruiter if you are joining the military; complete paperwork

           

Inform your counselor of your final post-secondary plans

           

Notify colleges by May 1 of your final decision

           

Participate in the Senior Experience program

           

Graduate with an action plan for your future success