The first day of school is just around the corner, and it is important to set yourself up for success. From learning the ropes as a freshman to ruling the halls as a senior, each year in high school plays a significant role in your growth and development. Start your school year with achievable goals and smart expectations to move you toward your desired future.
FRESHMEN
Get Oriented
High school orientation is an opportune time to get off on the right foot and familiarize yourself with a new school. Introduce yourself to your teachers and ask about any materials you may need for their class. Explore the building to find your classrooms, the library, the lunchroom and other important areas.
Get Involved
High schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities, from sports to volunteer organizations. If you’re an athlete, reach out to a coach to learn about tryouts or preseason conditioning. If you’re passionate about academics, joining a mathematics group or debate club may be a good fit. There are organizations for almost every interest, including Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) and Key Club. Find what suits you best! Through involvement in clubs and extracurriculars, you will learn key transferable skills, such as teamwork, leadership and accountability, that will make you a better future employee.
Form Good Habits & Strong Friendships
Prepare for success by creating healthy habits early in your high school career. Be an engaged student, take thorough notes and find your favorite way to study. Your teachers will notice your commitment to excellence, and your grades will reflect your efforts. In addition, a key to forming good habits is having supportive friends who encourage you towards a positive future.
SOPHOMORES
Hands-On Learning
Hard work in the classroom is important, but hands-on learning can be additionally beneficial. Learn about apprenticeships and trade schools that align with your interests. These programs give you the opportunity to learn about real jobs and gain valuable employability skills.
Research Colleges
Although you have plenty of time, it is wise to start considering your long-term future during your sophomore year. Think about your options post-graduation and see what excites you. If you are interested in pursuing further education, research colleges to learn about the requirements for applicants and plan how you can work toward those goals. Talk with your parents about scheduling tours of the schools you are most interested in over the next two years.
Dual Enrollment & Industry Credentials
As you begin taking higher-level classes, consider signing up for courses that get you ahead in your career journey. Dual enrollment courses allow you to earn class credit for both high school and college through the Florida College System. They also are a great way to challenge yourself and prepare for the rigor of post-secondary education. Furthermore, many Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses offered in high schools give students the chance to take industry certifications that apply credits towards high school, college and post-secondary CTE.
JUNIORS
Standardized Tests
Many colleges use standardized tests as baseline measurement for applicants. The SAT and ACT are the most widely used standardized tests. Join study groups and take practice tests to boost your scores and establish expectations going into the test.
Take Leadership Roles
As an upperclassman, your younger peers look up to you. Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles in your extracurricular activities. Serving as team captain or club president gives you experience making important decisions and builds your resume for future applications.
Work Toward Your Future
Junior year and summer breaks are ideal times to gain work experience. Use Earn Up’s internship search tool to explore hands-on learning opportunities. Job shadowing and part-time jobs are other great ways to grow your skills as a high schooler.
SENIORS
Apply for Colleges & Work Programs
Take time before senior year begins to formulate the path ahead. If you want to attend college, decide on a major or area of study that fits your skills and interests. Many college applications open on August 1st, so apply early in the year before your schoolwork piles up. If you want to join the workforce after graduation, begin researching job opportunities and reaching out to your network. There are many apprenticeships, training programs and career pathways in Northeast Florida that may align with your interests.
Apply for Scholarships
You likely qualify for a number of scholarships offered through your school or training program as well as local and national organizations. Build a strong resume to showcase your dedication and involvement in high school. Additionally, ask multiple leaders who know you well—such as a coach, advisor or teacher—to write you letters of recommendation to submit with your scholarship applications.
Finish Strong
Don’t use senioritis as an excuse to slack off! Your performance in the classroom matters, and the material you learn as a senior is an important addition to your education. Stay engaged during school, reach for new heights in extracurriculars and enjoy the final year of high school.
Use the time before school starts to prepare for success in the upcoming year. Whether you are a freshman or a senior, the goals you set for yourself and the steps you take to achieve them will pay off as you move toward a fulfilling future.
