Steps for Success in High School and Beyond!

Freshmen

Get to know your teachers and other school staff

Get involved by finding out about clubs, sports, activities and programs
Do your best
Stay after school with your teachers for extra help as needed
Take responsibility for yourself: get to school on time, participate in class, take assignments and books home, set aside a regular study time, get enough sleep and eat nutritious meals
If you are absent from school, find out the assignments you missed as soon as you return or get work from a class member
Take career assessments in school
Begin thinking of careers of interest
Gain skills and experience in your area of study by volunteering
Decide on the business/technology or health/science focus at Career
Plan next year's classes with your counselor
Remember that your final grades become part of your transcript and are looked at by colleges to which you apply senior year
Keep in mind that your grades form your GPA (grade point average) and class rank

Sophomore

Continue to be responsible for yourself and your education

. Continue to participate in activities at HRCHS and in the community
. Try a new activity
. Do your best and seek help when needed.
. Earn grades you want to see on your transcript senior year.
. Take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) in the fall
. Take the CAPT (Connecticut Academic Performance Test) in the spring
. Schedule appropriate and challenging classes with your counselor for next year
. Attend a summer program in an area of interest (offered at many colleges)

Junior

Continue to be responsible, participate in activities and do your best

. Prepare for the SAT using books, online studies and practice tests or classes.
. Take the PSAT in the fall. High scores may earn you the chance to receive a scholarship
. Take the SAT and Subject Tests (as required by certain competitive colleges) in the spring

. Research colleges and make note of characteristics such as: location, size, curriculum/degrees of study, cost, admission criteria (such as SAT scores of admitted students), diversity, athletics/clubs and social atmosphere. Use college search sites such as www.collegeboard.com, college guidebooks in the HRCHS Media Center and counselors' offices.
. Send for information from schools of interest
. Make a preliminary list of colleges/technical schools of interest and organize pertinent materials in a folder for each school
. Learn more about schools by attending college fairs, college representatives who visit HRCHS, day trips to colleges through the Guidance Department in the spring, and visiting schools yourself to take tours and attend information sessions
. Keep up your grades! Junior year is very important.
. Choose senior year courses wisely, being sure to meet graduation requirements and have a strong schedule for college admittance
. Get a summer job or volunteer in an area of interest
. Attend a summer program in an area of interest (offered at many colleges)

Senior

Check your transcript information with your counselor for accuracy

. Make sure your list of colleges include "safe", "realistic" and "reach" schools with regards to both acceptance and cost
. Continue the college application process by asking two teachers for recommendations, essays, completing a resume of your activities and accomplishments, and filling out applications. Submit applications as soon as possible in the fall.
. Take the SAT again (October, November, or December)
. Apply for scholarships
. Submit the CSS Financial Aid Profile if your college requires it (visit www.collegeboard.com)
. Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after January 1st.
. You will need a PIN number and income tax information for yourself and a parent. Watch for your SAR (Student Aid Report), issued in two to four weeks.
. Apply for a pin number
. Continue to keep up your grades! Your final transcript is sent to your college of choice and the college has the right to withdraw your acceptance if your grades have significantly declined.
. Receive decisions from colleges and evaluate financial aid awards.
. Reply to colleges with your decision, usually by May 1st.
. Enjoy your time with classmates and friends.