Our Schools

Planning for College

Planning for college is a process that starts long before senior year. College preparation is about more than simply meeting admissions criteria. It is about developing the skills and knowledge you will need to be successful once you get to the college or university of your dreams. In addition to focusing on academic achievement, the college planning process involves the exploration of extra-curricular activities and volunteerism. 

8th grade 

All 8th graders in MISD take the Career Pathways course. In this course, students create their initial four-year plan for high school. This plan is housed in Xello and is available for students and their families to review at any time. Changes can be made to the plan each year. 

Freshman Year 

  • Take challenging coursework that not only aligns with graduation requirements, but also your areas of interest. 
  • Get to know your school counselor! They can provide a wealth of assistance. 
  • Develop good study habits. These include: 
    • Developing an organizational system that works for you 
    • Completing assignments on time 
    • Managing your time effectively 
    • Developing good note-taking skills 
    • Reading for comprehension 
    • Preparing for tests in a timely manner 
    • Don’t be afraid to ask questions! 
    • Ask for help when you need it. 
  • Get involved in extra-curricular activities. 
  • Volunteer in our community.

  • Review the difference between dual-credit and AP courses 

  • Explore CTE options 
  • Review your grades often on Skyward 
  • Review your graduation plan in Xello with your counselor and with your family

Sophomore Year 

  • Do your very best academically 
  • Stay involved in extra-curricular and community activities 
  • Research career interests and potential majors; look for colleges that match these interests. 
  • Take the PSAT. This exam can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship program, as well as other scholarship opportunities. 
  • Review results from the PSAT to help you prepare for the SAT or ACT 
  • Review your grades on Skyward 
  • Review your GPA on Edugence 
  • Attend the College and Career Fair in the fall 
  • If you are an athlete, be sure to review the NCAA and NAIA websites and create any needed accounts 
  • Sign up for the TSIA 2 so you are able to enroll in dual credit courses, if interested 
  • Review your plan in Xello and talk with your counselor about your high school and post high school plans. 
  • Continue with good study habits and read often! 

Junior Year 

  • Continue to focus on academic achievement 
  • Attend the College and Career Fair in the fall 
  • Visit the Go Center to research colleges that match your interests and personal preferences, such as location, enrollment size, and available programs of study 
  • Take the PSAT and use your results to prepare for the SAT/ACT 
  • Review your senior year schedule with your counselor to ensure you have all necessary coursework 
  • Stay involved in extra-curricular and community activities 
  • Look for scholarships and other sources of financial aid
  • Participate in college visits. Don’t forget to get an approval form from your AP or counselor, so that your absence is excused.
  • Review your grades on Skyward 
  • Review your GPA on Edugence 
  • Talk with your counselor about your college plans and make sure you are on the right track
  • Register to take the SAT and/or ACT 

Senior Year 

  • Don’t ease up on schoolwork! Continue taking challenging coursework and maintain your grades 
  • Continue with extra-curricular and volunteer activities 
  • Retake the SAT or ACT, if needed 
  • Participate in college visits. Don’t forget to get an approval form from your AP or counselor, so that your absence is excused. 
  • Determine the colleges where you want to apply 
  • Make a master calendar with all application deadlines 
  • Create your FSA ID and attend FAFSA nights for assistance 
  • Complete the FAFSA 
  • Write application essays 
  • Apply to your colleges of choice 
  • Ask teachers or counselors for any needed recommendation letters and make sure to give them plenty of time 
  • Look for scholarships and other sources of financial aid 
  • Let colleges know of your acceptance or rejection by May 1st. 
  • Send in any deposits that are needed for the college you will be attending. 
  • In the midst of all of this college preparation and hard work, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy your senior year!