Make High School Count

1. Your education is an investment in your future. Take all classes seriously and take advantage of the opportunity you have to learn. Pay attention, sit in the front of the class, and ask questions.

2. Take classes needed for college admissions. Arizona 4-year colleges have the same general requirements . Track your classes and talk to your guidance counselor about your college and career plans.

3. Take additional classes that will challenge you, allow you to gain invaluable skills (keyboarding, study skills, communication skills), and help you to explore your interests and career aspirations.

4. Take pre-assessment tests. Use testing information to determine what areas you need to concentrate on when you study for the final exam. Take extra courses or get tutoring assistance for weaker academic areas.

5. Explore your career options through research and experiences. Research job outlook and educational requirements on the internet. Find a career counseling program, shadow a favorite aunt on the job, and talk to your counselor about internships in careers you are interested in pursuing.

Department of Labor - Job Outlooks and Salaries

Arizona Career Information System - Career Assessment Tests and Outlook information.

6. Start Early. Make college your goal and begin the process of planning, saving for college, applying for scholarships, discovering your career interests, and researching your options. You do not have to pick a major today, you only have to allow yourself the option of pursuing that major later...once you've discovered what you want to pursue.