Goal-setting, mindset, perspective, and priorities are all critical to the success for high school students, college students, young professionals, adults in the workforce and even retirees.
We’ve covered all of this and more, but today we want to focus specifically on the practical application and roadmap of success for high school students.
There are tons of resources out there that can help you walk through these important 4 years and set you up for success, however, sometimes it gets complicated and ultimately convoluted. We wanted to create a resource for you that is both simple to follow and will keep you on track at each stage.
There are 5 main areas that we’re going to focus on and what should be happening at each stage of your high school career in these areas.
Academic Focus
Testing
Involvement
Experience/Personal Goal
College
While the things you’ll see listed below are great suggestions, we also know that success for high school students is not a “one-size-fits-all” situation. Check out the roadmap below and then make it yours as you walk your own journey!
FRESHMAN YEAR
Academic Focus:
Focus on aiming for high grades and boosting them with extra credit. As these are some of your easier classes throughout high school, use this year to really boost your GPA.
Testing:
Prepare for and take the PSAT
Involvement:
This applies to school activities as well as community ones.
Look for volunteer or community service opportunities.
Find a club or sport to join.
Experience/Personal Goal:
This is your first year of high school, so jump in with both feet and get involved at school. This will go a long way into finding success both in high school and afterward.
College:
Develop a relationship with your school’s professional counselor. This is a crucial relationship for the future, so don’t want until your senior year to begin to develop it.
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Academic Focus:
You’ve already built a solid foundation so now, maintain your good grades and choose 1 class to challenge yourself in as well.
Testing:
Prepare for and take the PSAT again.
Involvement:
Look for a place to make a meaningful contribution. You’ve jumped in and gotten involved, but now, you can do even more that you’ve built that foundation.
Experience/Personal Goal:
Attend a college fair at school. Get your feet wet seeing what’s out there and what school’s you might be interested in.
College:
Plan a college visit and request information about the school. Again, this is a “get your feet wet” time. You’re just exploring and feeling out what kind of college you might like.
JUNIOR YEAR
Academic Focus:
With a solid foundation under you, keep your grades high and take on an AP or Honors course.
Testing:
This is the last year you’ll want to take the PSAT as you prepare for the real deal. Don’t pass by it before moving on to the real test though, because taking it again this year makes you eligible for the National Merit Scholarships.
Towards the end of your junior year, it’s time to take the real ACT or SAT.
Involvement:
Seek a leadership role. You’ve found a space you like being involved in by now, so take on a little more responsibility and begin to work on your leadership skills.
Experience/Personal Goal:
This summer is about learning and taking on more responsibility. Get a summer job, complete a job shadow, or even do an internship.
College:
This is an important time to narrow your career focus and create a college list. You’ll also want to plan out more serious college visits.
SENIOR YEAR
Academic Focus:
You’ve worked really hard the past three years – don’t let it go to waste! Finish strong with high grades, including 2nd Semester!
Testing:
Prepare and Focus on ACT OR SAT and work towards getting your best score yet.
Involvement:
Continue to seek opportunities for leadership or mentoring as you sharpen your leadership skills.
Experience/Personal Goal:
It’s time to choose your college. By now you’ve visited and explored a lot of options and it’s time to choose where you want to spend your next four years.
College:
Finish and turn in your college applications — before deadlines as well as completing your Financial Aid applications as soon as possible.
Success for high school students and beyond may seem complicated, but sometimes, you just need a map to get you there. There are a lot of winding roads, turns, and challenges, but with the right tools, you’ll excel into the future! We hope this resource was helpful to you. Feel free to print it out and use it as a real roadmap for your own success. As always feel free to reach out to us anytime with questions.
