• VERY IMPORTANT! Begin maintaining a folder or filing box to store any certificates, pictures, letters, awards, newspaper clippings, medals, etc. that demonstrate academic, leadership, community service, and/or athletic accolades or accomplishments. This documentation will be invaluable when you begin the college and scholarship applications in a few years.
• GRADES COUNT. From the first day you step into the classroom in the beginning of ninth grade throughout the rest of your highschool and college education, grades count! Every single semester grade you earn will go on your high-school transcript as a permanent record of your grades.
• While a good GPA is important for admissions and scholarships, it may be secondary to your ACT or SAT score and rigor of curriculum (Honors, Advanced Placement, Distance Learning, Career Tech, and Dual Enrollment courses). Do not be tempted to take "easier" classes to have a higher GPA. Remember, most colleges would prefer to have a student with a low A or B in a challenging course than an easy A in a simpler course. Plus, these challenging courses often help students increase their ACT and SAT scores, which most often determines scholarships and admissions.
• READ! Reading will help increase your vocabulary, your knowledge, your grades, your test scores, and your college and career success!
• WRITE! Learning to write well in high school will also help to prepare you for college-entrance exams; college essays; and for all the writing you will be required to do in college and in your career!
• This is the time to really use your standardized test results (ACT, SAT, ASPIRE, and/or EXPLORE) for remediation in your areas of weakness. Ask your teachers for help; attend all after-school tutoring sessions or test-preparation seminars; and if necessary, ask your parents to find a tutor for you. Taking responsibility NOW for improving your skills will help you to perform better on all other standardized assessments.
• It is important to develop good study habits by putting forth much effort in your classes and in your studies. If you need help with time-management and study skills, please ask your counselor and teachers to help you.  It is also important in the ninth grade to really know your interests and your personality in order to research careers. It is important now to develop your career goal and to create a four-year plan that relates to your career goal. You will need to know the education required for your career and to make sure you are taking the courses in high school that are required for admission and for your program-of-study at your chosen college.
• Now is also the time to research colleges. Look at colleges' admission requirements; scholarship-eligibility criteria; financial aid; cost of attendance; size; location; campus life; etc. Be informed! Know what you need to do to be admitted and to earn a scholarship from colleges.
• Attend the National College Fair sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). This Fair is always held on a Sunday afternoon in September at the Birmingham/Jefferson Civic Center. Go to**www.gotomyncf.com** to register. See your counselor for further information.
• Ninth grade is also a good time to start planning your college visits. Whenever you can, try to visit colleges so you can find the college that best suits you.
• Be sure to ask your parents/guardians to schedule a time for you and for them to meet with your school counselor. Your counselor will assist you with determining your strengths; weaknesses; interests; personality; and goals. Your counselor will help you use your assessment results and all other academic, career, and personal/social information to help you create your high-school fouryear plan and to assist you in your post-secondary planning.
• Be sure to discuss your career ideas with your counselor, your teachers, your parents and with recent college graduates so they can help you better prepare for your chosen career and so that you will be a better informed student.  Visit the high-school Counseling Office where you will find books, DVDs, and other college and career resources that will be helpful in your college and career search. 
• It is important to get involved in your school. If possible, join one of the many school clubs offered at your school and participate in the volunteer activities in which these clubs are involved.  Your volunteer service is also a very important factor for college admission and for scholarship organizations. Colleges, scholarship committees and prospective employers want to see that you have a committed involvement in one or two service organizations and that you are doing your part in making your community a better place in which to live. Ask your teachers about all the clubs in which you have interest in joining.
• You can also spend time volunteering with organizations outside of school in a career field that you are interested in pursuing. Talk with your parents, your counselor and your teachers for more information on these organizations.
• Keep a record of all your volunteer activities because these will be included on your resume that you will be completing in the eleventh grade.
• If you are a student athlete and want to participate in college athletics, it is your responsibility to know the requirements for eligibility. You will find information on NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA in this handbook. Be sure you read this information carefully. The most important thing for you to do in the ninth grade is to keep your GPA up and to score as high as possible on the ACT or SAT.
• Finally, it is important to know that your counselor is here to assist you with any academic, career and personal/social issues. Please talk with your counselor if you have any of these concerns!

• GRADES COUNT. Continue to work on your grades and stay focused on academics. Keep your GPA where it needs to be - as high as possible.
• Your counselor will work with you on checking your transcript (record of your high school grades) to make sure you are taking the courses required for your diploma option, for graduation and for your post-secondary goals. It is your responsibility to know what these courses are as well.
• While a good GPA is important for admissions and scholarships, it may be secondary to your ACT or SAT score and rigor of curriculum (Honors, Advanced Placement, Distance Learning, Career Tech, and Dual Enrollment courses). Do not be tempted to take "easier" classes to have a higher GPA. Remember, most colleges would prefer to have a student with a low A or B in a challenging course than an easy A in a simpler course. Plus, these challenging courses often help students increase their ACT and SAT scores, which most often determines scholarships and admissions. o Advanced Placement Student and Parent Information/Resources
• Use the results from any standardized assessments you take to improve your skills in your areas of weakness. If you take this seriously and do this, it will help you to score higher on all standardized assessments. 
• It is time to start thinking about taking the ACT and/or SAT college-entrance exams. One of these is required for college admission and for scholarship consideration. Prepare for the exam by taking practice tests and attending any test-prep seminars available to you and by using your results from all other assessments for remediation. Although ACT recommends that students begin taking it in their junior year, if you are a good student who has completed geometry and biology and are currently in Algebra II/Trig, we recommend you go ahead and take the test in the tenth grade. (You will find the types of questions tested on the ACT website at www.act.org.)
• If you are interested in getting started in college and becoming a dually-enrolled student, you may want to consider enrolling in The University of Alabama's Early College Program. See your counselor for further information.
• Continue to build your resume. Attend leadership programs/seminars/conferences whenever possible. Volunteer in your school clubs and in the community! Remember, colleges want well-rounded students who are high achievers and leaders in their school and in their communities.
• Attend the National College Fair sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). This Fair is always held on a Sunday afternoon in September at the Birmingham/Jefferson Civic Center. Go to www.gotomyncf.com to register. See your counselor for further information.
• Get prepared early and begin your scholarship search for both college merit scholarships and independent scholarships.  Now is the time to continue to develop your lists of possible college choices and to arrange college visits. One of the best times to visit colleges is during fall break, semester break, and spring break while college classes are still in session.
• If you are a student athlete and want to participate in college athletics, it is your responsibility to know the requirements for eligibility. You will find information on the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA in this handbook. Be sure you read this information carefully. The most important thing for you to do in the tenth grade is to keep your GPA up and to score as high as possible on the ACT or SAT.
• Apply for on-campus, college summer programs held during the upcoming summer months. These programs will give you an opportunity to acquire more in-depth information about the college and to enhance your academic skills. 
• If you are interested in attending one of the military academies, it is time to begin looking over the application process. See your counselor for further information.
• Keep up your extracurricular and community service during the summer. Colleges and prospective employers will want to know what you have done during this "free" time.
• VERY IMPORTANT! Maintain a folder or filing box to store any certificates, pictures, letters, awards, newspaper clippings, medals, etc. that demonstrate academic, leadership, community service, and/or athletic accolades or accomplishments. This documentation will be invaluable when you begin the college and scholarship applications.

AUGUST- DECEMBER:

• At the beginning of your junior year, check your transcript carefully to make sure you have completed all the courses required for your diploma option and for graduation.
• Continuing maintaining a folder or filing box to store any certificates, pictures, letters, awards, newspaper clippings, medals, etc. that demonstrate academic, leadership, community service, and/or athletic accolades or accomplishments. This documentation will be invaluable when you begin the college and scholarship applications.
• Remember, grades are important! Continue to take challenging, rigorous courses and concentrate on your academics. Do not be tempted to take "easier" classes to have a higher GPA. Remember, most colleges would prefer to have a student with a low A or B in a challenging course than an easy A in a simpler course. Plus, these challenging courses can help students increase their ACT and SAT scores, which most often determines scholarships and admissions.
• Colleges are interested in students' leadership skills. Develop your skills by joining school clubs and attending leadership seminars and conferences.
• Colleges are also interested in your community service. Be sure to volunteer regularly with at least one community organization and keep up with your hours to include on your resume.
• Begin developing your resume and college essay that will be turned in to your English teacher at the end of the year. Keep up with your awards, achievements and activities so that they can be included on your resume.
• Take the PSAT. This is the practice SAT and the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Hispanic Recognition Program. It is always given in October, so check out the date early! See your counselor for details.
• Take the ACT with Writing (www.actstudent.org) and/or the SAT(sat.collegeboard.com/sat). If you receive free or reduced lunch, you qualify for a fee waiver to take these tests! See your counselor for this. Further information on these exams can be found in this handbook under "College Entrance Exams."
• Get prepared early and begin your scholarship search for both college merit scholarships and independent scholarships.
• Now is the time to continue to develop your lists of possible college choices and to arrange college visits. One of the best times to visit colleges is during fall, semester, and spring breaks while college classes are still in session.
• Research colleges and begin narrowing your college search. By the senior year, you should have narrowed your choices to no more than five.
• Attend the National College Fair sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). This Fair is always held on a Sunday afternoon in September at the Birmingham Civic Center. Go to**www.gotomyncf.com** to register. See your counselor for further information.
• If you are a student athlete and want to participate in Division I or Division II sports in college, you need to start your certification process now. You must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center or the NAIA Eligibility Center,depending upon the colleges at which you plan to participate. In addition, contact college coaches at your target colleges/universities and include a schedule of your athletic events. Along with a resume of your athletic accomplishments, it is important to develop a video or DVD of your athletic highlights with relevant articles of your successes. You must also have your college-entrance, standardized test scores (ACT and/or SAT) sent directly to NCAA and/or NAIA. Remember, it is your responsibility to know the requirements for eligibility.

JANUARY- JULY:

• Continue to take the ACT and/or SAT to improve your scores.
• Continue to collect information on college application procedures; entrance requirements; tuition and fees; room and board; course offerings; and, campus life. Compare the colleges and universities and continue to narrow your college choices.
• Apply for on-campus, college summer programs. These programs will give you an opportunity to acquire more in-depth information about the college and to enhance your academic skills.
• Ask your junior teachers if they will write recommendation letters for you. These letters will be needed in your senior year for college admissions and scholarship applications.
• Be sure to schedule some college visits during our Spring Break!
• If you are interested in attending one of the military academies, it is in April of your junior year that you will need to file Service Academies and ROTC Scholarship applications! See your counselor for further information. Register for your senior year courses. Be sure you take challenging courses your senior year and the courses you need for admissions to your college-of-choice.
• Take AP Exams in May. This is your opportunity to earn college credit!
• Take the June ACT and/or SAT during the summer to increase your scores! 
• Continue your extracurricular and community service during the summer. Colleges and prospective employers will want to know what you have done during this "free" time.

AUGUST:

• Begin scheduling individual sessions with your counselor to discuss your post-secondary plans.
• Schedule a tour of your colleges-of-choice. Remember, you are the one who will be attending this college for four years, not your friends. Choose the college that fits you. 
• Review your transcript for accuracy and make sure you are taking the courses you need for your diploma option, for graduation, and for college entrance.
• Apply for college admission and begin application for college merit scholarships.
• If you are an athlete and plan to play Division I or Division II sports in college, if you have not already done so, you need to register online with either the NCAA Eligibility Center at www.eligibilitycenter.org or with the NAIA Eligibility Center at www.PlayNAIA.org, depending upon the college you plan to attend. In addition, contact college coaches at your target colleges/universities and include a schedule of your senior-year athletic events. Along with a resume of your athletic accomplishments, it is important to develop a video or DVD of your athletic highlights. You must also have your college-entrance, standardized test scores (ACT and/or SAT) sent directly to NCAA and/or NAIA. See your coach or your counselor for further information.
• Schedule college visits and try to narrow your search for a college that meets your interests, personality and needs.
• Begin writing college essays. Ask your English teacher for assistance or review.
• Sign up to meet with our college representatives when they visit your school to gain valuable college and career information. 
• Now is the time to begin asking teachers for recommendations. Give them a copy of your resume to help them with some talking points.

SEPTEMBER:

• Attend the National College Fair, sponsored by the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), to be held at the Birmingham/Jefferson Civic Center this month. Over 150 colleges and universities will be represented at this Fair. In addition, content sessions will be held on ACT and SAT preparation; Scholarship and Financial Aid; Support Services for Students with Disabilities; Historically Black Colleges and Universities; NCAA Eligibility among others. Go to www.gotomyncf.com to register.
• Register for the September and October ACT and/or the October and November SAT. For some colleges, these will be the last college-entrance exams you will be able to take before the December 1st scholarship deadline that many colleges set. 
• Complete college-admission applications online or send in your forms at least six weeks before the college deadline.
• Attend meetings with college-admissions representatives who are scheduled at school.
• Organize your files so that you do not miss college-admissions and/or scholarship deadlines.
• Work on your college essays that are required for many scholarship applications. Once again, ask an English teacher or trusted friend or adult for help, even if it is just proofreading. Let the colleges hear your voice - speak from the heart!
• Study hard and work on your grades. Senior grades do count!
• It is your responsibility to know each college's procedure for application and the priority deadlines for scholarships and financial aid applications.
• If you have any questions, be sure to consult with your counselor about colleges to which you will apply

OCTOBER:

• Remember, the deadline for most colleges for scholarship applications is December 1st.
• It is time to submit your financial aid form to FAFSA, if you are requesting consideration for financial aid. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. See further information in this handbook.
• File CSS Financial Aid PROFILE, if required (usually private colleges).
• Work on your college essays. Proofread! 
• If you have not taken the ACT or SAT, and you want to attend college, you must register and take one of these college-entrance exams, if required by your college of choice.
• Continue to meet with college-admissions representatives at school.

NOVEMBER:

• Early Decision/Early Action deadlines are November 1-15. Check your applications for specific dates and be sure to send these out on time.
• File CSS Financial Aid PROFILE, if required (usually private colleges).
• Continue to apply for scholarships! Remember the December 1st scholarship deadline for many colleges! Postmark your application before December 1st if you are mailing it. Listen for school announcements, check your school's website, and continue to search out scholarships on your own. Contact the Financial Aid offices at the colleges where you are applying and request financial aid and scholarship information from them.

DECEMBER:

• December 1st is the scholarship deadline for many colleges. Do NOT miss this deadline!!!
• File CSS Financial Aid PROFILE, if required.
• Continue sending out your college applications.  Visit college campuses over the holidays, if they are in session!
• Take the ACT or SAT, if you have not already done so. JANUARY:  File the CSS Financial Aid PROFILE, if required by your college. 
• This is the time to take the SAT Subject Tests, if your college requires these for placement purposes.
• Come to the guidance counselor’s office and request that your first-semester grades be mailed to all colleges to which you have applied. They may need your mid-year transcript!

FEBRUARY:

• Some will begin receiving college decisions this month. Be sure to share these with your counselor. 
• If additional information is required for college application, make sure you inform your counselor.
• Continue visiting college campuses.
• Check for independent and private scholarships.

MARCH:

• You will continue to receive college decisions this month. It is now time to begin deciding which college you want to attend and inform the college. If you need help in the decision-making process, your counselor will be glad to assist you.
• March 1st is the priority deadline for many colleges' financial aid applications. Make sure you have completed all application procedures and have sent your "Student Aid Report" to your college of choice.

APRIL:

• The traditional reply dates from colleges to which you have applied are April 1st - April 10th .
• Remember to write a letter of acceptance to the college that you have chosen to attend and enclose deposits requested from you.
• Also, decline in writing to other colleges to which you have been accepted so that they may admit other qualified candidates. 
• This is the month to take the SAT Subject Tests, if they are required for college placement at your college.
• Make sure you send your deposit by May 1st to the college you plan to attend.

MAY:

• Take the AP Placement tests this month, as scheduled and announced. You could receive college credit! 
• Provide your counselor with a list of any scholarships you received.
• May 1st is your reply deadline. Be sure to notify the colleges of your decision.
• Be sure to confirm your housing plans with your college.
• Attend Scholarships and Awards Programs.
• GRADUATION- Congratulations and Best Wishes!