10th Grader's Checklist

• Read!
• Explore your interest in a sport, music or drama group, or community volunteer activity. Look for opportunities to get involved and learn new skills.
• Practice your time management skills.
• Start researching careers and colleges that might interest you.
• Attend college and career events and fairs.
• Look for internships based on your passions.
• Be SOCIAL make new friends.

1. Meet with your guidance counselor.
2. Take challenging courses.
3. Understand how to calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA).
4. Check high school graduation requirements.
5. Ask about AP classes you can take in your high school or other advanced academic classes.
6. Keep your grades up.
7. Prepare to take the PSAT (Preliminary SAT test) when your school offers it in October if you are interested in qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship or any other scholarships offered through the test.
8. Start to identify and create a support network of teachers, mentors, and counselors.
9. Join an extracurricular activity or sport.
10. Create a plan for high school and beyond.

At the end of the school year, it is important to reflect on your successes and challenges. This will help you improve your academic performance moving forward. Here are some ways you can reflect on the school year:

• Develop S.M.A.R.T. goals for yourself. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time specific.)
• Develop your note-taking skills for school. (The Cornell Method, The Mapping Method, or The Charting Method)
• Create a "To Do" summer list. (Find interesting and fun events and places to visit locally.)
• Visit at least one college campus.
• Investigate classes or programs you can enroll in as a high school student that takes place on a college campus.
• Investigate different careers and jobs you can apply to.
• Go to the guidance office in your school and apply for your working papers.
• Investigate different types of colleges and careers.
• Enjoy your summer!