Student Planner Timeline

• Explore college and university opportunities.

• Discuss the importance colleges and universities place on grades, and at what year in school grades will start to be considered in the admissions process.

• Learn about AP and other honors-level courses you should be taking in high school (9th through 12th grade).

• Find academic enrichment programs (including summer and weekend programs) available through your school or local colleges.

Plan the courses you will be taking in high school carefully. Be sure to sign up for courses that will prepare you academically for college. By deciding which curriculum to follow, you are making important decisions about your future. There are basically two curricula that are available:

• College Prep Curriculum — Professions such as medicine, law, and education — and nearly a quarter of available jobs — require a four-year college degree (bachelor's degree) or more. If you plan to go to college to get a bachelor's degree, you should pursue the college prep curriculum in high school. You will have to take a certain number of English, math, science, social science, and foreign language courses. Earning a college prep diploma does not guarantee admission to a college. It is just one step in a multi-step process.

• Technology/Career Prep Curriculum — Career fields such as automotive mechanics, carpentry, computer technology, business office technology, practical nursing, surgical technology and more require up to two years of education beyond high school. The technology/career prep curriculum includes a certain number of English, math, science, and social science courses in addition to a concentration of units in a specific technology/career area. Foreign language is usually not a requirement for this curriculum. Rather than attending a four-year institution immediately upon graduation, students who complete this curriculum are eligible to attend technical colleges and some two-year colleges. The majority of jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree still require some education beyond high school.

Ask your counselor about pursuing the dual diploma which combines both curricula. Remember, you will have more options if you start planning now and do your best to earn good grades.

Think about pursuing extracurricular activities (such as sports, performing arts, volunteer work, or others that interest you).

Research career information and explore Georgia colleges.

If you are at least 13 years old, create an account on GAcollege411.org to begin saving important information about colleges and the results of your career explorations.

Talk with your family about savings plans and paying for college. Financial Aid 411 explains the basics of financing a college education.

Attend high school orientation programs.