School Counseling Office Fax Number: 615-672-3099
Grade-by-Grade Success Guide
Freshmen
Freshman Year: A Crucial Start to Your High School Journey
Freshman year is key to setting a strong foundation for your high school career and beyond. Keep these tips in mind to ensure you're on the right track:
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Maintain Strong Grades
Your grades matter! If you're struggling in any class, don't hesitate to reach out to your teacher or use the "Homework Helpline" for extra support. -
Stay on Track with Graduation Requirements
Regularly review Tennessee’s graduation requirements and elective options. If you happen to fail a core course, explore your options: retake the course, credit recovery, or summer school. -
Start Exploring Your Future
Take time to consider your career and postsecondary options early. Check out the resources under "Career Guidance" and "College Ready" for advice on how to explore different paths and plan your future. -
Get Involved
Join clubs, sports, and school activities, and look for community service opportunities. Make sure to keep track of your involvement—these extracurriculars will be valuable when you apply to colleges or future jobs. -
Stay Informed
Sign up for school communications to receive important updates and opportunities throughout the year.
Sophomore
Sophomore Year: Laying the Groundwork for Future Success
Sophomore year is all about solidifying your academic foundation, exploring interests, and preparing for the next phase of high school. Keep these tips in mind as you navigate the year:
College and job applications will look for well-rounded candidates, so start building your resume now!
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Focus on Your Academics
Your GPA continues to build, so aim to keep grades high and stay organized. If you're facing challenges in any subject, don't hesitate to reach out to teachers or use the "Homework Helpline" for extra help. -
Plan for Your Future
Now is the time to seriously consider your post-high school plans. Explore career options and start looking at colleges or trade schools. Visit the "Career Guidance" and "College Ready" section for tools to help you get started. -
Strengthen Your Course Selection
Review your graduation requirements and begin thinking about electives or advanced courses that align with your future goals. -
Participate and Build Your Resume
Get involved in your school and community by joining:
- clubs
- sports
- school activities
- Community service opportunities
These activities will be essential for college applications and scholarships!
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Stay Organized and Prepare for Testing
Keep track of important deadlines, such as standardized tests (ACT/SAT) and college fairs. Stay ahead by planning for upcoming tests and college visits, which will be crucial in your junior and senior years. -
Utilize Resources for Support
Take advantage of any academic workshops, tutoring services, or career counseling offered at school. Your success now will set you up for junior and senior year.
Junior
Junior Year: Preparing for College, Career, and Beyond
Junior year is a critical time for setting yourself up for success after high school. It’s a year of focused academic effort, college planning, and beginning to narrow down your post-graduation options. Stay on track with these tips:
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Maintain Strong Academic Performance
Your grades this year are crucial for college applications and scholarships. Stay focused and organized. If you’re struggling, reach out to your teachers or use the "Homework Helpline" for additional support. -
Begin College and Career Exploration
Start researching colleges, universities, and career options. Attend college fairs, visit campuses, and explore programs that align with your goals. Check out the "Career Guidance" and "College Ready" section for helpful resources and guidance on this journey. -
Prepare for Standardized Testing
If you plan to take the SAT or ACT, now is the time to start preparing. Make a study schedule and take practice tests. Test prep resources—be sure to utilize them! -
Participate and Build Your Resume
Get involved in your school and community by joining:
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clubs
-
sports
-
school activities
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Community service opportunities
Junior year is the perfect time to start taking on leadership roles or expanding your involvement. Be sure to document all your extracurricular activities, as this will play a crucial role in college applications and scholarship opportunities senior year.
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Review Graduation Requirements
Double-check your graduation requirements and ensure you’re on track. Review Tennessee’s graduation criteria and elective options. -
Start Planning for Senior Year
Begin thinking about your senior year courses, including AP or honors classes, and other academic opportunities that will help you meet your college or career goals. Talk to your counselor for advice on course selection and post-graduation plans. -
Connect with Your Guidance Counselor
Now is the time to meet with your school counselor to review your goals, discuss college and career options, and get help with planning for the future. They can offer valuable advice and resources that will set you up for success.
Junior Information
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Tennessee Promise: Tuition-Free College
- Letter of Recommendation
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Don’t miss out on federal or state funds for school—submit your FAFSA today! Start your application here: FAFSA Application.
- Use earlier income info: Report income from the previous tax year when filling out the form.
- Step-by-step help: Follow the FAFSA Directions.
- Need to fix an error? Learn how to Make FAFSA Corrections.
FAFSA is the key to unlocking grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans for your education!
Tennessee Promise: Tuition-Free College
The TN Promise is a last-dollar scholarship covering tuition and mandatory fees for community or technical colleges in Tennessee.
Requirements:
- Apply by November 1st
- Attend a mandatory meeting at your school
- File your FAFSA by April 15th
- Complete 8 hours of community service
Helpful Links:
Visit the TN Promise website for all requirements and the latest updates!
Letter of Recommendation
How to Ask Your Professor for a Letter of Recommendation.
How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation
How to Request Letters of Recommendation for College
PRO TIP:
DO NOT ask for a letter of recommendation the day before you need it. Typically, you should give at least two weeks notice for the letter to be written. You should also provide information to the recommender about your achievements, awards, and involvements. Be sure to give dates whenever possible.
Senior
Senior Year: Finishing Strong and Preparing for the Future
Your senior year is the final stretch before graduation, and it’s all about finishing strong academically while making preparations for your future. Here are some important tips to ensure you’re ready for what comes next:
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Stay Focused Academically
Your grades this year are crucial—don’t let senioritis set in! Keep up with your coursework, and if you’re struggling, reach out to your teachers or use the "Homework Helpline" for support. -
Finalize Your Post-Graduation Plans
Now is the time to make decisions about your future—whether it’s college, trade school, or entering the workforce. Finalize your college applications, apply for scholarships, and explore career opportunities. Use the "Career Guidance" and "College Ready" section for resources and guidance. -
Prepare for Graduation
Review all graduation requirements and make sure you’re on track to meet them. Meet with your school counselor to confirm your credits and ensure you have everything needed for graduation day. -
Submit College and Scholarship Applications
Get your college applications in early and apply for scholarships. Many deadlines are in the fall, so start early to ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities. -
Strengthen Your Resume and Portfolio
Continue to build your resume with any final extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or community service projects. Having a strong resume will help whether you’re applying for college, a job, or an internship. -
Stay Organized with Deadlines
Keep track of important deadlines for college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and graduation. Use a calendar or planner to stay on top of everything so nothing slips through the cracks. -
Celebrate Your Accomplishments
As you prepare for graduation, take time to reflect on all that you’ve achieved. Be proud of your journey and the hard work you’ve put into making it to this point. This is your year to shine!
Senior Information
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Tennessee Promise: Tuition-Free College
- Letter of Recommendation
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Don’t miss out on federal or state funds for school—submit your FAFSA today! Start your application here: FAFSA Application.
- Use earlier income info: Report income from the previous tax year when filling out the form.
- Step-by-step help: Follow the FAFSA Directions.
- Need to fix an error? Learn how to Make FAFSA Corrections.
FAFSA is the key to unlocking grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans for your education!
Tennessee Promise: Tuition-Free College
The TN Promise is a last-dollar scholarship covering tuition and mandatory fees for community or technical colleges in Tennessee.
Requirements:
- Apply by November 1st
- Attend a mandatory meeting at your school
- File your FAFSA by April 15th
- Complete 8 hours of community service
Helpful Links:
Visit the TN Promise website for all requirements and the latest updates!
Letter of Recommendation
How to Ask Your Professor for a Letter of Recommendation.
How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation
How to Request Letters of Recommendation for College
PRO TIP:
DO NOT ask for a letter of recommendation the day before you need it. Typically, you should give at least two weeks notice for the letter to be written. You should also provide information to the recommender about your achievements, awards, and involvements. Be sure to give dates whenever possible.
School Counseling Team
Dana White
Brandy Seals
Amy Stark
Explore Your Path: Career and Course Planning
Career Assessments & Career Paths
Take the first step in exploring your future career by completing a variety of interest assessments. These tools help you identify your strengths, preferences, and potential career paths, providing valuable insights to guide your academic and professional decisions. Start your journey today!
Navigating High School Courses
Navigate your high school journey with ease! Our course information page provides guidance on the classes available, graduation requirements, elective options, and pathways to help you make informed decisions about your academic future. Explore your options and plan your course schedule today!