Timeline for Success

6th - 8th grade
  • Sign up for AVID, CIS and Pre-AP classes.
  • Learn about your GPA. What does it stand for and why is it important for your future?
  • Enroll in high school credit courses if they are available at your school.
  • Talk to your teachers about an ECHS high school in your area or what the difference is between dual enrollment and AP courses. Learn how these courses prepare you for college.

9th grade
  • Take courses such as Geometry and Algebra.
  • Begin reading about possible careers in different fields. Explore topics that interest you!
  • Meet with your school counselor and discuss academic tracks and interests.

10th grade
  • Take AP or Dual Enrollment courses.
  • Take part in school clubs and organizations or a summer camp program.
  • Pursue leadership roles now that will help you later with scholarship applications!
  • Start thinking about what’s important to you in a college or university.

11th grade
  • Attend a college fair and begin gathering information on colleges you’re considering.
  • Take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT).
  • Take the ACT and/or SAT exam.
  • Begin taking campus tours of the universities that interest you.
  • Research scholarship opportunities at the colleges you’d like to attend.

12th grade

What is a Transcript? 

As part of the application process, you will need to request an official transcript, or record of your grades, from your high school to be sent to the college(s) of your choice. If you have graduated, your transcript will list your class rank and grade point average (GPA). You may have to pay a small fee for each official transcript; unofficial transcripts or photocopies are not acceptable because of the possibility of grade tampering.

For information in Spanish, please visit the Timeline for Success en Español page.

How To Choose