High School

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The Freshman guide to graduating high school college and career ready! Download a PDF version of this guide.


Participate in college/career awareness and exposure programs (financial aid workshops and college fairs, etc.) and consider applying to multi-year enrichment programs offered by CPS and community groups.
Get to know your guidance counselor and the postsecondary education staff (e.g., college & career coach, teachers) in your school.
Develop a four-year individual learning plan that’s aligned with your college and career goals.
Study hard and develop critical thinking, problem-solving, writing and test-taking skills.
Get active and stay active in one or more extracurricular activities.
Improve your reading skills by reading at least 20 minutes per day (newspapers, magazine, books, word-a-day).
Use What’s Next Illinois to identify your interests, skills and abilities. Begin to identify postsecondary educational programs that will help you achieve your goals.
Participate in summer learning/service/employment opportunities that match your career interests and postsecondary goals.
Meet with your counselor to review EXPLORE scores and discuss your progress toward completing the CPS requirements for promotion and graduation.
Plan your sophomore year course load. Take the most challenging options available to you (honors, AP, IB, and virtual High School).
Apply for a social security number or ITIN if you don’t have one already. If you are unable to obtain one, meet with your counselor and postsecondary education staff person ASAP.

The 2011-2012 College Scholarship Guide.

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The Sophomore guide to graduating high school college and career ready!