2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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.)

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

7. 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.

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

9. 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.

10. 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?

11. 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

12. 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
Username and Password
Ask counselor for an activation code

13. 2 Year Community College
Choices
Work
Military
Technical School
2 Year Community College
4 Year University

14. 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.)

15. 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

16. 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!

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

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

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

20. The eCampusTours college planning newsletter and 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.

21. 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?

22. 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?

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

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

25. 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.

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

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

28. www.eCampustours.com www.planningyourdreams.org www.edsouth.org/SOS
@StudentOutreachServices
@eCampusTours
@EdsouthSOS
@eCampusTours
@EdsouthSOS
@eCampusTours
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@EdsouthSOS
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