Senior Launch Checklist Senior Launch Checklist
Your Mission Timeline for Post-Secondary Success
Student Name
Date
College
Trade
Military
Workforce
All Paths
Phase 01
Pre-Launch: Summer Before Senior Year
Draft Your Resume
List jobs, clubs, sports, and volunteer work.
Build Your "College List"
Categorize by Safety, Target, and Reach schools.
Contact Recruiters
Research ASVAB requirements for military branches.
Job Shadowing
Identify industries of interest for gap year or career.
Phase 02
Ignition: September – November
Request Recommendations
Ask teachers/mentors 3+ weeks before deadlines.
Early Applications
Complete Early Action/Decision by Nov 1/15.
Complete the FAFSA
Apply for aid as soon as the form opens.
Tour Voc-Tech Centers
Check trade school program deadlines and costs.
Phase 03
Orbit: December – February
Regular Decisions
Submit remaining college apps by Jan 1/15.
Local Scholarships
Check counseling office for community awards.
Update LinkedIn & Resume
Finalize profiles for full-time job hunting.
Schedule Entrance Exams
Take ASVAB or trade-specific aptitude testing.
Phase 04
Touchdown: March – June
Financial Aid Review
Review total cost of attendance vs. grants.
Commitment Day (May 1st)
Send enrollment deposit or sign job offer.
Finalize Employment
Secure housing or transport for start dates.
Final Transcript Request
Ensure grades are sent to your destination.
Mission Log & Personal Milestones
Launch Control: Grade 12 Mission
Junior Prep Checklist Junior Prep Checklist
Laying the Groundwork for Your Post-Grad Mission
Student Name
Date
College
Trade
Military
Workforce
All Paths
Phase 01
Exploration: September – November
Review Graduation Credits
Meet with counselor to ensure your credits are on track.
Take the PSAT / NMSQT
Practice for SATs and enter scholarship contests.
Attend College Fairs
Gather info on potential school size, location, and majors.
Trade Pathway Research
Explore local certification and apprenticeship programs.
Phase 02
Assessment: December – February
Military Interest Survey
Take career inventories or talk to branch recruiters.
Register for SAT / ACT
Plan to take exams in the spring of your junior year.
Identify Career Interests
Use tools like YouScience to find specific career matches.
Extracurricular Profile
Seek out leadership roles in clubs or community service.
Phase 03
Research: March – May
Schedule Campus Visits
Tour schools while classes are still in session if possible.
Select Senior Year Courses
Choose rigorous classes that align with your future goals.
Job Shadow or Volunteer
Gain hands-on experience in your fields of interest.
Military Presentations
Learn about ROTC, Academies, and Enlistment options.
Phase 04
Launch Prep: June – August
Start the Common App
The application system usually opens August 1st.
Draft Your Personal Essay
Brainstorm stories that show who you are beyond grades.
Secure a Summer Job
Earn money and gain professional skills and references.
Organize Deadlines
Create a spreadsheet for all application and aid dates.
Goals & Research Notes
Base Camp: Grade 11 Mission
Sophomore Discovery Checklist Sophomore Discovery Checklist
Exploring Interests & Building Your Foundation
Student Name
Date
College
Trade
Military
Workforce
All Paths
Phase 01
Awareness: September – November
Academic Goal Setting
Maintain a strong GPA; grades impact every post-grad opportunity.
Extracurricular Engagement
Join a club or sport to build teamwork and leadership skills.
Interest Inventories
Take a personality quiz to find your natural career strengths.
Trade Electives
Try coding, shop, or culinary arts for hands-on skill.
Phase 02
Engagement: December – February
Financial Literacy
Learn about budgeting and saving for life after school.
Military Path Discovery
Research academy requirements vs. enlistment benefits.
Start a Brag Sheet
Record your awards and milestones for future college apps.
Community Service
Volunteer to gain perspective and build a professional resume.
Phase 03
Selection: March – May
Course Rigor Planning
Pick junior classes that challenge you academically.
PSAT 10 / Practice ACT
Identify areas for improvement before taking the real exams.
Vocational Tech Tour
Visit your local tech center to see available programs.
Summer Opportunity Hunt
Apply for a summer job, camp, or volunteer role.
Phase 04
Foundation: June – August
Workforce Discipline
A summer job builds professional habits and savings.
Social Media Audit
Ensure your online presence is recruiter-friendly.
Reading Proficiency
Read books outside school to improve test scores.
Interest Reflection
Update your goals based on what you learned this year.
Discovery Log & Future Interests
Horizon Check: Grade 10 Mission
Freshman Foundations Checklist Freshman Foundations Checklist
Mapping Your Start & Navigating the Transition
Student Name
Date
College
Trade
Military
Workforce
All Paths
Phase 01
Orientation: September – November
Graduation Requirements
Learn exactly which credits you need to earn your diploma.
Master Your GPA
Freshman grades are the foundation of your permanent record.
Join Extracurriculars
Start building your community and resume with clubs or sports.
Meet Your Counselor
Introduce yourself to the person who helps you plan your future.
Phase 02
Habit Building: December – February
Develop Study Routines
Find a consistent time and place for homework and review.
Time Management Tools
Use a planner to track all your academic and personal deadlines.
Vocational Exploration
Try a hands-on elective like tech or art to find hidden skills.
Organize Digital Files
Keep folders for work you might want to show off in your portfolio.
Phase 03
Future Glimpse: March – May
Attend a Career Day
Learn about different industries and what they require.
Military Awareness
Understand basic service branches and ROTC opportunities.
Sophomore Course Selection
Pick classes that challenge you while keeping a balanced life.
Identify Career Interests
Start talking about life after graduation with your family.
Phase 04
Growth: June – August
Summer Reading
Keep your brain active; reading improves test scores later.
Explore Passions
Find a camp, volunteer role, or activity you're curious about.
Digital Reputation Audit
Think twice about your online posts; they represent you!
Annual Reflection
What went well? What was hard? Use it to adjust for Grade 10.
Discovery Log & Fresh Perspectives
Base Camp: Grade 9 Mission