Career Checklist for Students

9th Grade

• Read through the CRLS course catalog to determine what classes you would like to take. Consider your interests and areas that you would like to learn more about. Familiarize yourself with the classes and clubs that interest you.
• Visit your guidance counselor to assess your talents and interests, and to map out a four-year career plan that will put you in the most challenging courses you can handle.
• Research future educational opportunities and career fields that match your areas of interest.
• Explore a variety of helpful career and college websites under Career Links for Students.

10th Grade

• Pass the MCAS exam to fulfill high school graduation requirements and become eligible for cooperative work program.
• Take a Career Interest Assessment. An interest assessment will help you identify your strongest work-related interests. Knowing your work interests can help you decide what kinds of careers, college majors or training options you want to explore. 
• Draw up a list of college majors that interest you or careers that are of interest to you. Review your CRLS catalog with these majors and interests in mind.
• Take PSATs and discuss the results with your guidance counselor.
• Look into volunteer work, after-school work, or clubs that are of interest to you. These are great activities to learn more about yourself and your talents, to meet others who have similar interests, and to learn more about careers.

11th Grade

• Review your PSAT results with your counselor and decide whether you would benefit from a SAT Prep course.
• Identify the characteristics of a college or training program that matter to you:  consider geographic location, academic rigor, diversity, and college/technical majors or programs offered.
• Make a list of schools to visit during spring break, summer, and fall. Some schools even help you to arrange an overnight at the school.
• Find a summer job that will boost your skills and your savings.
• Compile a resume of activities, honors, leadership positions, and jobs. Ms. Reese, RSTA's Coordinator of Career Advising Room 1226
• Attend the CRLS College Fair. (October)

12th Grade

• Read the DYK Newsletter daily for information on extra-curricular activities, programs, and scholarship information.
• Finalize your post-secondary plan and identify the application process. Post-secondary options include: college, a technical program, a junior or two-year college, applying to the Union for or Apprenticeship training program, a full-time job, taking a year off to participate in a Gap year, such as City Year, military service, or government service programs.
• Attend the CRLS College Fair. (October)
• Visit the CCRC and make an appointment with UAspire to complete your FAFSA
• See your Guidance Counselor for instructions on Naviance, our College planning and application platform.