FRESHMAN

9th grade is the start of your high school career. The decisions you make during your high school years will affect your future in so many ways. You have opportunities and support through the many programs we offer at the high school. Whitehall High School offers several clubs, sports and activities in which to get involved. We also offer after school tutoring and transportation for students who may need the additional academic support. The school library is an important resource as you learn to write research papers and to develop your graduation project. Talk to your teachers or school administrators if you experience difficulty. Your school counselor is always available to listen and to provide you with support.

It is important for you to keep track of your grades and activities from this point forward. Your High School transcript will show all final grades and a grade point average (G.P.A). Your class rank will also be important information when applying to colleges and universities in your senior year. Your high school transcript will be mailed to you in the summer after you have completed the 9th grade year.

Below are some helpful highlights to keep you on track in your career exploration. Helpful websites to check out: Careercruising and EducationPlanner

• Special Honors and Achievements:
• Short term goals:
• Long term goals:
• Career(s) I am thinking about:
• Post-High School options
• Community College /Business/Technical School
• 4-yr Public College
• 4-yr Private College
• Military
• Job Market
• Apprenticeship
• Class rank: out of
• G.P.A.:
• Total credits:
• Sports played:
• Track Your NCAA Eligibility: Track your personal athletic eligibility for Division 1

and Division 2 colleges and universities through this useful website.

The school ID is: 391785; and the School Code is: 721790020.

See your WHS School Counselor with any questions!

• Extra-curricular activities/Clubs:
• Community Service/Volunteer:
• Work Experience

SOPHOMORE

In 10th grade you feel more comfortable with the school and you now know how to navigate the building. The schedule is more familiar to you and you are better acquainted with the high school teachers, counselors, administrators, and coaches. You also now have a High School Transcript and Grade Point Average (G.P.A).

Also important- Students, start to think about what career you may want to pursue. If students are interested in vocational/technical training, we encourage them to look into the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI) on a part-time or full-time basis. Applications can be obtained in the High School Counseling Office. Helpful facts can be obtained on the website. (Click Here)

● LCTI

Sophomores should continue to use internet based web-resources such as

EducationPlanner or Careercruisin

● Continue to track Your NCAA Eligibility: Track your personal athletic eligibility for Division 1 and Division 2 colleges and universities through this useful website. The school ID is: 391785; and the School Code is: 721790020. See your WHS School Counselor with any questions!

Corecourse

● Join extracurricular activities at school and volunteer in the community. With the variety of clubs, sports, and leadership opportunities offered, you may find an endeavor that meets with your interests and which allows you to give back to your school/community and to develop important leadership skills. Clubs and student groups will advertise meetings throughout the school year. You can access the daily announcements at the WCSD website for club and sport information.

● The first week of September is the deadline to register for the October SAT.

● Request a letter of recommendation from two teachers for your file in the counseling office. If you applied on Common app or Send EDU, be sure to submit the counselor/teachers name.

● Register for tests needed for admission (SAT, SAT Subject test(s), ACT)

● Check the counseling office/counseling calendar, to see which colleges are visiting. Sign up in the counseling office to meet with the representative(s).

● Meet with your counselor to be sure that you list includes colleges appropriate to your academic record and personal interest.

● Application essays should be written and reviewed by your English teacher and/or the librarian.

● Review your transcript to ensure it's up to date.

● Write, call or email the colleges still on your list and request information

● Plan visits to colleges if you haven’t done so; revisit those at the top of your list

● Division I and II athletes must register for initial eligibility at NCAA eligibilitycenter

● Check for scholarship opportunities on the websites and on our Counseling Office website.

● Register now for a PIN from the Federal Government at www.pin.ed.gov. This will allow you to file the FAFSA form online. You will need a PIN for one parent AND a PIN for the student. You can file the FAFSA after October 1, 2017.

● The first week of October is the deadline to register for the November SAT.

● Early decision/early action applications should be submitted now.

● Set up tours and interviews at colleges of your choice. Call the Admission Office to schedule an appointment. Remember to also make appointments with the financial aid offices and ask what type of financial aid application is required and if scholarships are available.

● Consult with your counselor again to review your final list of colleges.

● Check to see if the colleges on your list require the CSS Profile. If they do, register online at www.collegeboard.com.

● If any college on your list requires official test scores sent directly from the college board, make sure you complete this yourself.

● Keep your grades strong. Colleges often request to see senior grades.

● You may file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid after October 1 online at www.fafsa.ed.gov . All types of aid (including a student loan) originate as a result of filing the FAFSA. 2017-2018 Deadlines

● Attend the Financial Aid Workshop at the end of October at Whitehall High School (return the RSVP slip to the Counseling Office after you receive it in the mail).

● Begin to complete WHS Senior Scholarship applications found on the WHS website.

● Applications should be completed (for many institutions) by Thanksgiving.

● Keep all records, test score reports, and copies of applications for admission and financial aid. Do not discard anything until at least the end of your first year in college.

● If you applied for early decision or early action, you should have an answer in this month. If you are accepted, follow the directions for admitted students. If you have not been admitted, check to make sure your other applications are processed and that you have a good chance to be admitted.

● Complete and return Transcript Release Forms prior to Friday, December 4th to have your transcripts mailed before the winter break.

● If you haven’t applied for a PIN for financial aid, do so now. See September for details

● Continue to search for scholarships on the Counseling Office website and the websites and scholarship websites.

● Request midyear grades be sent to the colleges where you have applied if they are required.

● Avoid senioritis. Remember, colleges will evaluate your final high school record.

● Call colleges that you have not heard from and inquire about the status of your application.

● File the FAFSA form now if not yet completed. Many colleges have a February 15 deadline.

● Check on any financial aid forms that the college(s) may require.

● After submitting the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) online. You will need to check this form for corrections. Read and follow all directions.

● Keep track of acceptances, deadlines, and financial aid letters. You should inform the Counseling Office of all decisions.

● Make sure you have sent in housing reservations

● Notify the Counseling Office of all scholarships received for inclusion in the graduation program

● Pay all Advanced Placement exam fees if you want to take any of these tests in May.

● All students enrolled in Advanced Placement classes must pay all fees to sit for the AP exams. Test dates are May .

● Let the college know if you are going to accept their offer of admission by May 1 by submitting a tuition deposit.

● Take time to thank your parents, teachers, and friends for all the support they have given you during high school.

● Write thank you notes to those people who have written letters of recommendations for you and for any scholarships you have or will receive.