Use your transcript and the graduation requirements checklist below to determine if you are on track to graduate. You will want to go class by class on your transcript. For each class that you received a half credit for, you will place a check mark on the space provided. Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Geography, Dual Credit courses, Environmental science, Physical Science, Forensics, and College Transition Math have one line since they are one semester long to get a full credit. Health, PE, a fine art, and foreign language all receive a full credit as a one semester course. Any classes that are not individually listed will be written down under the election section. Once finished, count to make sure that credits on your check sheet match the number of credits earned at the top right of your transcripts. You need 5 credits to be a 10th grader, 11 credits to be an 11th grader, and 18 credits to be considered at senior. 

2023 Graduation Requirement Checklist

11th grade students will want to make sure they are prepared for their junior and senior year by keeping track of important things to do during their junior year.  This will also help them be more prepared for college, vocational school, and the work force. Below is a suggested planning timeline for you to follow throughout your junior year:

Fall Semester:

• Maintain your grades throughout your junior year. It is very important that you keep your grades up during your junior year because colleges put a lot of weight on your grades for this year.

• Make sure you are challenging yourself in your academics because colleges will take into consideration the difficulty of your course load.

• If your schedule permits, stay involved in community activities, such as volunteering.

• Talk to your counselors about the following:

  • Availability of and enrollment in AP classes.

  • Availability of Dual Credit courses.

  • Schedules for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP Exams.

    • Why you should take these exams and how they could benefit you.

    • Which exams would be the best fit for you.

    • How to get ready for the exams.

• Your academic record. Review it with your counselor and talk about ways to improve (if necessary).

• Research what the admissions requirements are for the colleges you are interested in. Do your research and be sure to find out about any additional requirements on top on GPA and test scores.

August:

• Obtain schedules and forms for the SAT, ACT, and AP exams.

September:

• Register for the PSAT exam offered in October. Remember that taking the PSAT during your junior year, the scores will count towards the National Achievement Program. It is also great practice for the SAT.

• Start a file for college catalogs and other admissions information.

• Keep an eye out for college nights at schools in your area that you are considering attending. Many schools are currently hosting virtual events that you can attend online.

October:

• Take the PSAT if you registered for the October test.

• Narrow your list of colleges to include a few colleges with requirements at your current GPA, a few requirements above your current GPA, and at last one with requirements below your current GPA.

• Begin scheduling interviews with admissions counselors and if possible, schedule tours of the campus on the same day. It is great to schedule these visits during spring break, or summer vacation so you will not miss school.

• Sign up for your Parchment account to easily share your transcript with schools and to have an updated copy for yourself. 

December:

• You will receive your scores from ACT/SAT exams if you tested in the fall semester, or from the October PSAT if you took it. Depending on exam results, you will want to consider signing up for free online SAT prep.

Spring Semester:

• If you are choosing your senior year classes, look for class that will give you a strong transcript.

• Consider looking for a summer job or internship. This will help you learn valuable skills, while also earning money for after high school.

January:

• Continue with your campus tours online and in person, this will help you narrow down your list of potential colleges.

February:

• Register for the March SAT, April ACT, or both. Research the requirements of the colleges you are interested in to learn more about admission deadlines and which tests to take.

March:

• Take the March SAT exam if you are registered to take it this month.

• If you are interested in taking an AP exam, you should make sure you are signed up now.

April:

• Take the April ACT test if you are registered for this month.

May:

• Talk to your teachers about writing letters of recommendations for you. Think about what you would like to include in these and politely ask your teachers if they can help.

June:

• Add any new report cards, test scores, honors or awards from the year to your file.

• Continue with your college visits. Call ahead for appointments with the financial aid, admissions, and academic advisors at the colleges you are most interested in attending.

• If you go on visits or interviews, do not forget to send thank you notes.

• Take the SAT and ACT exams if you are registered for June exams.

Summer between Junior and Senior Year:

• Continue to work on your application essays and review the application procedures for the colleges you plan to apply to.

• Decide if you are going to apply under any early decision or early action programs. This requires you to submit your applications early, typically between October and December of your senior year.

• Read your college mail and send reply cards to your schools of interest.

All information has been gathered from CFWV.com