HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR! 9th Grade Tips for Survival Choosing a Career Choices after High School Going to School after High School

High school matters! Graduating high school affects your whole life: You’ll have better job opportunities You’ll feel proud of your accomplishments You’ll be able to attend college or technical school You’ll earn higher wages at work You’ll be more likely to stay employed and avoid chronic unemployment

HIGH SCHOOL = A FRESH START! BEHAVIOR FRIENDS GRADES/GPA TEST SCORES ACTIVITIES/ ATTENDANCE CHOICES

Develop Healthy Habits Get enough sleep! The average teen needs 9 ½ hours of sleep every night. Lack of sleep can lead to academic troubles, stress, anxiety, and depression Eat healthy foods – especially breakfast Practice having a positive attitude Participate in exercise Reach out for help when you need it (friends, parents, counselors, etc.)

IMPROVE TEST TAKING SKILLS FRESHMAN YEAR TAKE NOTES GIVE 110% IMPROVE TEST TAKING SKILLS LEARN HOW YOU LEARN FOCUS & GET ORGANIZED

Relax! Have fun and enjoy the first year of high school. TO DO LIST Review 4-year plan with your counselor Challenge yourself/keep grades up Get involved in school and out Choose your friends wisely Explore and discuss college options Start an academic resume – clubs/sports/awards Get your parents involved – discuss college savings Plan meaningful summer activities and college visits Relax! Have fun and enjoy the first year of high school.

WHY YOUR GPA IS SO IMPORTANT 9th Grade TN Lottery Scholarship College Admission Dual Enrollment Opportunities

TEST TAKING TIPS ESSAY ANSWER EASY Collect easy points first MULTIPLE CHOICE ESSAY Collect easy points first Eliminate obvious wrong answers On essays, read, think, then write as concisely as possible.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER INTERESTS? What do you enjoy doing? What job/career interests you most? Which colleges offer degrees in these areas? Which high school courses can help you explore and prepare for earning a degree at these colleges?

Choosing a Career Learn About Yourself Take A Look At: Your Skills Your Interests Focus On Careers That: Pertain to your Personality Represent the Lifestyle you want Reflect the Goals you have set for Yourself Try It Out: Volunteer in a related field Work part-time Job shadow for a day or two Do an internship once you’re in school Interview someone working in your field of interest

Choosing a Career Learn About Yourself Tennessee College and Career Planning System Career Interest Assessment Skills Confidence Assessment Work Values Assessment Begin your career portfolio www.planningyourdreams.org Username and Password Ask counselor for an activation code

2 Year Community College Choices Work Military Technical School 2 Year Community College 4 Year University

WHAT BUSINESSES EXPECT FROM HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Basic Math Problem Solving/Critical Thinking Verbal Communication Teamwork Organizational Skills Professionalism (being on time, work ethic, dress, attitude, etc.)

JOIN THE MILITARY TAKE THE ASVAB TALK TO A RECRUITER NEED BASIC SKILLS LEARN A USEFUL TRADE OR MAKE A CAREER IN THE MILITARY INQUIRE ABOUT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL SCHOOL over 83% of these types of jobs require a tech degree gain technical skills quickly and join the workplace fast and efficiently continue your education while working in your field of expertise apply early! many centers have long wait lists!

Going to School after High School? Type of School Location Majors offered Size of school Cost Campus Activities What Fits?

What Can You Do Now? Attend College Fairs Research Scholarships Create an Academic Resume Meet with College Reps Research Colleges Internet or college visits

Begin your college search by viewing virtual tours of over 1,300 college campuses!

The eCampusTours college planning newsletter and email service reminds students about important deadlines and provides helpful college planning articles and tips. Students are sent dynamic content based upon their year in school. eCampusTours articles have been reprinted in college planning magazines throughout the country.

Campus Visit - Ask Questions Do Freshmen have a specific dorm on campus? Do most students purchase a meal plan? What types of campus activities/organizations are offered? Ask a current student what they like most/least about the university What types of university aid are available? What is the faculty student ratio?

What does it take? Colleges Are Looking For: Grades/GPA (9-12th grade counts!) Rigorous curriculum on transcripts ACT and SAT test scores Extracurricular activities (update your resume!) What does it take?

Paying for School—Financial Aid Money that assists students and their families in funding their education

Know the Lingo: Financial Aid FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid Work Study Grants Loans Scholarships

Tennessee Scholarships Tennessee Promise scholarship pays for two years of tuition at a Tennessee community college or technical school Hope scholarship helps qualifying students cover a portion of tuition at a Tennessee four year university You’ll learn more about these options and others in your junior and senior years.

Getting into College Keep your grades up! Take rigorous classes! Stay in touch with teachers/counselors! Be involved with school activities and community service!

Challenge Yourself Be better tomorrow than you are today! Find what you are good at and become great! Make the most of every opportunity

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