This page is designed to help students out with their core academics and tests such as AIMS and SAT, ACT, and more by providing useful links, practice guides and related things.



STUDENT TIMELINE


Freshman Year
(9th)
  1. Start your freshman year with the understanding that every class you take is important and “counts.”
  2. Familiarize yourself with what is available for your use on campus for high school and post high school planning, and college and career information which is available in the counseling department.
  3. Read your curriculum guide and learn how the high school system works.
  4. Sit down with your parents and/or advisor and work out your Individual Graduation Plan.
  5. Talk to people who have a career in which you are interested.
Sophmore Year
(10th)
  1. Take the PLAN test for sophomores, especially if you are college bound.
  2. Review your IGP with your counselor and make adjustments based on your freshman year.
  3. Take advantage of college visitation days and nights if you are college bound. Gather information on schools and visit college campuses whenever you can to get a “feel” for college life.
  4. Take the PSAT in October as a practice.
Junior Year
(11th)
  1. Continue your college search. Use the available resources on campus. Check with your counselor early in the year and keep him/her informed. Use your counselor in your decision making.
  2. Write for information on colleges and programs in which you may be interested.
  3. If you are interested in a scholarship, start your search this year.
  4. Investigate financial aid on the “outside” – parent’s work, religious affiliations, professional groups, etc.
  5. Take the PSAT in October if you are college bound.
  6. Review your four-year plan and make adjustments.
  7. Understand that you must have your GPA where you want it by the end of your junior year (sixth semester).
  8. Take SAT/ACT exams in the spring. Plan on the SAT II’s if necessary.
  9. Develop an effective resume.
  10. Go to College and Career Fairs and talk with representatives. Make your contacts with admissions personnel.
  11. Meet with college representatives when they visit WHS.
Senior Year
(12th)
  1. Maintain a strong academic schedule your senior year. We encourage seniors to take math.
  2. If you are pursuing the military, make contact with the recruiters.
  3. Prepare a resume. (The Counseling office maintains information on how to write resumes.)
  4. If pursuing college, refine your college search to four to six schools.
  5. Start to write your applications early in your senior year. Be aware of early decision deadlines, if selecting that option.
  6. Write necessary essays, proofreading all final work several times.
  7. Speak to the people from whom you want a recommendation. Give them a resume. Allow at least two weeks for the letter to be completed.
  8. Arrange for official transcripts to be sent to the colleges of your choice by contacting the Counseling office.
  9. Proofread your college application.
  10. Proofread it again.
  11. Make sure all papers representing you are impeccable.
  12. Complete all applications to college in the first semester of your senior year.
  13. Understand that your deadlines are not other people’s deadlines. You must consider other people when filing your applications. Requesting secondary school reports, writing recommendations, and sending transcripts all require time. The school and its personnel are dealing in volume.
  14. Visit local colleges and talk to college personnel about financial aid and scholarships, if interested.
  15. In October, November or December retake the SAT/ACT exams, if necessary. Take the SAT II Subject Tests, if required. (The registration packets are in the counseling office). Testing should be complete by December.
  16. Check with counseling to obtain scholarship applications.
  17. Apply for financial aid after January, using the FAFSA (Fee Application for Federal Student Aid). This form is available in Counseling. Attend Financial Aid Night with your parent in January/February.
  18. Some out-of-state colleges require the CSS Profile. This is a supplement to the FAFSA but is completed in the fall of the senior year.
  19. In the spring, arrange to visit the campus of the college you have selected, if you have not already done so.
  20. Follow all directions from admissions carefully. Meet the deadlines. Make copies of everything you send. Keep a record of all phone conversations and the name of the person to whom you speak.
  21. Do not be timid in calling the various undergraduate offices if you have questions or concerns. You won’t be a pest. College personnel should be available for you. They understand that selection and admission to college are big steps in your life.