• Freshman Year

    • Get acquainted with your counselor, your resource person while in high school.
    • Plan an activities schedule that may include participation in one or more: athletics, drama, music, student government, school related activities, job, and community service. 
    • Begin to think about, talk about, ask questions about specific colleges.
    • Develop strong work habits; if necessary obtain tutoring.
    • Study diligently to maintain the highest marks possible.
    • Know your Social Security Number.

     

    Sophomore Year

    • Keep a strong relationship with your counselor and stay informed.
    • Take difficult courses in the areas in which you excel. 
    • Maintain strong study habits to achieve your maximum potential. 
    • Begin to study college and vocational catalogs, guides and related reference materials.  
    • Optional for practice: take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) in October. 
    • Investigate your eligibility for Honors and Advanced Placement courses for junior year. 
    • Consider summer work experience. 
    • If you have not yet found an extracurricular activity at BHS, investigate the possibilities that are available and get involved in some way to compliment your academic growth. 

     

    Junior Year

    • Attend BHS College Night for juniors with your parents (fall).
    • Register for/take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) in October.
    • Check the requirements/costs of attending various colleges.
    • Send away for literature about colleges and vocational programs.
    • Visit the campus or campuses of your choice.
    • Prepare for taking the ACT; there are review courses available, study booklets, facsimile tests.
    • Take the ACT.
    • Investigate your eligibility for Honors, and AP (Advanced Placement) courses in your senior year.
    • Consider taking Dual Enrollment courses.
    • Take the ASVAB test if you’re interested in the possibility of joining the military.
    • Begin putting together a resume/portfolio that highlights your academics, awards, school activities, and community service.

     

    Senior Year

    • Take ACT for the school(s) to which you wish to apply no later than the December test date.
    • Work diligently on current studies, as colleges seem particularly interested in students maintaining rigorous  academic discipline in the senior year. Complete and submit all applications BEFORE THE DEADLINE DATES.
    • Request transcripts be sent to Colleges.
    • Obtain needed secondary school reports from your counselor and letters of recommendation from your teachers as specified on college and scholarship applications. Remember to give your teachers and your counselor at least three weeks advance notice and to supply your recommender with addressed, stamped envelopes. 
    • Attend all college information sessions.
    • Compare the offers you receive from each college.
    • Work with your counselor to learn about scholarship opportunities.
    • Prepare for FAFSA by registering for your FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov.
    • Apply for financial aid at fafsa.ed.gov.  Application opens October 1st of senior year.
    • Attend Financial Aid Information Night and College Goal Sunday in your area.
    • Keep a record of what college admissions procedures you have completed; keep your counselor informed as you formulate plans or revise them. 
    • If qualified, take Advanced Placement Exams. 
    • Take the ASVAB if interested in the possibility of  joining the military.
    • Males:  Register with the U.S. Selective Service. www.sss.gov