Welcome, High School Freshman! This year is an exciting one for you, but a very important one as well. It's time for you to make decisions that will affect you many years in the future, even into college and your career!

It's very important that you begin challenging yourself this year. Take difficult classes and get involved in some extra-curricular activities. Extra-curriculars provide excellent opportunities to meet new friends, work up a sweat, get to know other teachers and community leaders, and build an impressive college application. Now is also the time when you'll want to learn about what options you have for early admission into colleges or technical schools, so that you can satisfy exit requirements by the end of your Junior year.

If you are not sure where to begin, here's a calendar for each season of your Freshman year:

FALL

• Make sure you are enrolled in challenging classes, and in any prerequisite courses you may need for future classes you plan to take.
• Visit college fairs in the area.
• Pick one or two extra-curricular activities in which to get involved.

SPRING

• Sign up for college preperatory courses.
• Look for a great summer opportunity, like a job, internship, or volunteer position. Try to find one that relates to your academic or career interests.
• Look online for summer school courses offered by colleges. Many of them award college credit, but check with your guidance counselor before finalizing any plans.
• If you are enrolled in any AP courses, study for your May exams.
• Visit college fairs in the area.

SUMMER

• Start a summer reading list. If you didn't get one, ask your teachers to recommend books before your Freshman year is over.
• Make plans to visit college campuses to get a feel for your options. College visits provide great opportunities for family vacations, and are incredibly helpful in choosing a college you'll be comfortable at!

Freshman Checklist

• Plan your schedule for 9th grade, taking courses that will challenge you academically.
• If applicable, enroll in the first elective course of your academy or magnet program.
• Visit Bridges or Choices at your school and ask to do an interest inventory.
• Get involved in extra-curricular activities like band, sports, clubs, volunteering, etc. Stuck with these activity choices and keep a record of your involvement.
• Read, read, read... about careers and your interests. It will increase your vocabulary and help your FCAT and SAT/ACT scores.