Adapted from Learnmore.org’s “need to know” web resource

Push Yourself

• Set up an appointment with your ETS high counselor to:
  • discuss CORE 40 academic monitoring
  • complete an interest assessment
  • receive Skillstutor access, if applicable 
  • review and find out about upcoming ETS activities/workshops
• Complete your electronic portfolio (e profile) online for FREE.
• Focus on your classes and stay on top of homework assignments – important skills you’ll need for success in high school and college. If you need assistance, contact the Rose-Hulman Homework Hotline (1-877-ASK-ROSE) or visit Homework Help for additional resources.
• Take the Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE) to fulfill high school graduation requirements.
• Take the PLAN or PSAT/NMSQT to prepare for the ACT or SAT. Indiana pays for every student to take the PSAT/NMSQT, so check with your counselor about utilizing this opportunity.
• Review Core 40 requirements, and set a goal of completing Core 40 with Academic Honors or Core 40 with Technical Honors
  • Register for advanced courses like Advanced Placement, dual credit and International Baccalaureate, or plan to take the classes next year that must be completed before you can enroll in them.
  • If you can, sign-up for an advanced math class.

Find the Right Fit

• Set up an appointment with your ETS high school counselor to find out about potential summer enrichment programs.
• Explore careers.
  • Complete a career interest inventory
  • Vist an area career center
  • Try job shadowing or even an internship
• Get involved!
  • Join clubs, play sports, explore the arts and volunteer – great ways to expand your career interests and prepare for future scholarship opportunities and consider running or applying for a leadership position.
  • Remember to keep a list of your involvement as well as any awards or recognitions you receive in your career and course planner.
• Start thinking about college now.
  • Explore Indiana’s public universities and private colleges.
  • Pick 5-10 colleges and contact them to request information.  Learn More Indiana has online tools that can assist you.
  • Make plans to visit a few colleges.
  • Attend a college fair in your area.

Put Your Hands on Some Cash

• If you don’t have one, request your Social Security number by visiting Social Security Online or by calling 1-800-772-1213 – you’ll need it for financial aid and job applications.
• Complete Making it Count to determine a sound strategy for college financial planning.
• Do the Ready for the Real World activity to test your financial savvy.
• Start researching scholarship opportunities unique to your community.
• Start learning about ways to pay for college.
• Consider getting a part-time job this summer to gain work experience and explore a career path.
• Discuss your future plans with your ETS counselor, family, and other adults.
• Get to know your ETS and high school guidance counselors. These skilled individuals can provide you with career and college advice and help you stay on track toward achieving your goals.
• Bookmark the Educational Talent Search home page to your internet favorites and create a shortcut on your desktop
• Bookmark www.learnmoreindiana.org and add 1-800-992-2076 to your speed dial for answers on how to get to college.