Fountain Valley High School

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Student Timeline

9th grade- It’s never too early to start planning!

Create a four year high school plan- this is extremely important because you want to make sure the classes you choose are part of the A-G list required to get in to some colleges. Do this now so that you will not have to backtrack and take courses that you didn’t know you needed, when you are in 11th grade.

Start thinking about careers- What do you like, what are you good at? Explore your interests, not just academically, but in all areas. Talk to your parents, counselor, teachers, and community professionals, anyone that can give insight on different careers.

Actively participate in extracurricular activities- Sports, clubs, music, band, choir, theater, video, yearbook, community volunteer activities, anything that can expose you to different activities that you might be interested in.

Meet with your guidance specialist during the year- Discuss high school requirements and classes as well as post high school plans and requirements, this way you can make the most of your high school classes- Remember, they are here to help!

10th grade- Prepare yourself!

Meet with your Guidance Specialist- again! Make sure you are enrolled in the right classes. Work hard to keep your grades up.
Attend college and career fairs- Attend the one here as well as the district fair which will change locations yearly. Venture out to see what schools you are potentially interested in. Find out if they offer the major or majors you are interested in.

Be involved- Extracurricular activities help you develop time management skills, as well as enrich the high school experience, and look great on your college applications!

Tour College Campuses
Start thinking about what you are looking for in a college, look at size, costs, majors, location, and academic requirements.

11th grade- Now’s the time!

Meet with your Guidance Specialist or College Career Specialist during the year.
Look at college options and senior classes that meet your personal requirements.
Visit college websites, attend fairs, meet with college representatives, and talk to your parents about college.
Think about your interests and abilities in terms of possible college majors.

Look into scholarship opportunities, register for NCAA if you are interested in playing a sport in college, visit colleges.

Narrow your list of colleges so that you will be ready to fill out applications.

12th grade- The Final Steps!

Decide which colleges you are applying to and start filling out applications- Be aware of all deadlines!

Retake the SAT/ACT if needed, last dates for seniors are in December.

Fill out the FAFSA for financial aid and create a parchment account for your transcript orders. Make sure you have all required documents needed for FAFSA (income tax info, social security number, etc.).

Attend college representative presentations- These reps are the ones who read your applications, ask questions, AND BE ENGAGING so they will remember you!

Ask your teachers and counselors for letters of rec if needed, ask early so they have enough time to complete them.

SUBMIT all applications, documents, and anything else needed and WAIT… for college responses!

Decide which college you are accepting and communicate with their admissions office on the process to finish enrolling.