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ACADEMIC ADVISING

Metrolina Christian Academy High School Planning Checklist

9th grade

  • Create a four-year high school plan with the school counselor.
  • Map out courses that should be taken to fully prepare for college.
  • Develop good study and work habits. Always follow teacher directions and complete assignments on time. These “work attitudes” will serve you well throughout high school and college! 
  • Always seek out your teacher(s) when you don’t understand the lesson or homework assignments. Teachers truly appreciate students who take the initiative!
  • Attend local college fairs as announced by the school counselor.
  • Begin college and scholarship searches and participate in any age-appropriate scholarship competitions, such as essay contests.
  • Become involved in school, church, and community activities.
  • Assume a leadership position when the opportunity arises. Leadership successes will be important to future college and scholarship opportunities.
  • Meet with the school counselor in the spring to discuss next year’s course of study.


10th grade

  • Review four-year plan with the school counselor to insure 9th grade objectives were met.
  • Continue attending local college fairs as announced by the school counselor.
  • Continue to work diligently and strive for excellence in all subjects.
  • Continue college scholarship searches.
  • Continue researching career options with assistance from the school counselor.
  • Become an active participant in a club, not just membership.
  • Strive for leadership positions within service, club, or athletic organizations.
  • Begin to take practice tests on-line for the SAT.
  • Meet again in the spring to discuss next year’s course of study.


11th grade

  • Continue reviewing your course of study with the school counselor to insure you are on track for graduation/college admission. Keep grades up all year long!
  • Continue attending local college fairs as announced by the school counselor.
  • Meet with college representatives as they visit MCA throughout the year.
  • Begin in earnest to investigate college scholarship/financial aid opportunities – apply when appropriate.
  • Begin meeting with the school counselor (parents are welcome too!) to learn more about colleges in our area, the state, and/or outside-of-state.
  • Continue investigating career-options-Consider Career In*Sight for a thorough examination of your God-given aptitudes and career interests.
  • Continue participation and leadership roles in various school, church, and community organizations.
  • Take the PSAT again in the fall to become eligible for The National Merit Scholarship Competition. Students qualify for this competition in the 11th grade only. 
  • Create a resume.
  • Begin college visits during the spring semester of this year.
  • Take the SAT (The Scholastic Aptitude Test) in the winter of this year. Follow in late spring/early summer with another SAT or an ACT (American College Testing program).
  • Register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility.
  • Meet with the school counselor in the spring to discuss senior year courses and graduation requirements.


12th grade

  • Initiate a parent/senior conference with the school counselor to discuss senior year courses, college/career plans, scholarship opportunities, etc.
  • Attend local college fairs if still undecided about future college opportunities.
  • Consider Career *Insight for a thorough examination of your God-given aptitudes and interests.
  • If displeased with your junior year College Board test scores (SAT and/or ACT), register for the earliest fall test date.
  • Complete college visits during the summer or early fall to determine your top choice(s). Seek God’s will for the “Best fit” for you and your future.
  • Start your college application process in early fall of this year (most colleges are on “rolling admission” or stipulate application/notification deadlines in the fall.)
  • Be very careful about making an “early decision” for any college unless you believe God is calling you to that school once admitted. An early admission decision is always binding!”
  • See the school counselor regularly to complete “transcript requests” as college applications/scholarship applications are mailed or submitted electronically.
  • No “senioritis” please! Accepting colleges do look at second-semester grades when final transcripts are mailed in June after graduation. NOTE: Colleges do reserve the right to change their decisions!
  • Actively pursue scholarships and financial aid opportunities throughout the year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be completed and filed between January 1 and March 15 of this year. 
  • Seniors are encouraged to maintain active involvement in school functions. Colleges (and private scholarship sponsors too) are especially interested in your leadership and community service accomplishments.
  • By May 1, colleges will expect to hear about your decision to accept or to decline on their admission offer. Usually a room deposit “seals the deal” at that time or preferable earlier than May 1. Send a “thank you note” to college(s)that admitted you. 
  • After graduation, ask the school counselor to send a final transcript to the college you plan to attend. Also ask the registrar to send your final transcript to the NCAA if you plan to participate in Division I or II athletics in college.