Grade Level Info
Grade 9 Timeline
Ninth Grade
Ninth grade is the beginning of your high school career; it is an exciting and challenging time! You begin to have more responsibility academically and personally. As a ninth grade you should make sure that you always have your homework written down in your planner. If you are not in school make sure to call a friend in the class, for missed assignments. A ninth graders' schedule is very important. They will be taking english, math, science, social studies, modern language, physical education plus an art such as drawing or music to satisify the state requirements to graduate. The guidance counselors visit ninth grade classrooms in the beginning of the school year to welcome them into high school and review graduation requirements. VERY IMPORTANT: FRESHMEN YEAR GRADES MATTER! These are the first grades a college will see when you are applying in senior year.
Grade 10 Timeline
Tenth Grade
Tenth Grade is a time for career exploration. Students should begin thinking about a what major they would like to pursue in college. Guidance counselors will meet with the tenth graders to review their credits and to make sure that they are taking the necessary classes such as health, in order to graduate. Students seeking to take AP European History must be recommended by their Global 9 teacher. The guidance department suggests that sophomore students take the PSAT in October with the juniors. The guidance counselors will be going into the tenth grade english classes in January to do a future goals and schedules for the following year. Students in the tenth grade should start volunteering and possibly obtain a summer job to begin their college resume. Becoming part of a team or club is also a plus!
Grade 11 Timeline
Eleventh Grade
Eleventh grade is a challenging and crucial year. Students will review credits with their guidance counselors, and discuss the option of participating in college courses at Alexander Hamilton. Students interested in taking college level courses must be recommended by their teacher and take an entrants exam.
Eleventh Grade students should follow these steps to prepare them for the college process:
- Prepare for PSAT in October
- Study for the NYS English Regents
- Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your future college plans
- Attend the College Fair @ AHHS in October
- Begin researching colleges & universities on your own
- Sign up for the May SAT and/or June SAT - SAT & ACT Dates
- Take a review class to prepare for the SAT
- Speak to teachers about writing a letter of recommendation for you
- Over the summer, visit the colleges/universities that you are interested in.
SAT & ACT Test Dates
Grade 12 Timeline
Twelfth Grade
You are almost there!
Graduation: Meet with the guidance counselors to make sure you have all your requirements for graduation.
Twelfth Grade students should follow these steps to complete the college process:
- Attend college fairs
- Complete college essays (with your English teachers) - PROOFREAD
- During the fall, complete & send your college applications
- REMEMBER DUE DATES!!!
- Register and take another SAT or ACT in the fall
- Complete your FAFSA application on (or after) October 1
- REMEMBER SCHOOL FAFSA DEADLINES
- Athletes: If you plan to play a Division I or Division II sport in college, you must be cleared by the NCAA clearinghouse
- Bring in acceptance letter to the guidance department... be proud of your accomplishments
- Notify the college/university that you plan to attend by May 1
- Notify the colleges/universites that you have been accepted to, and do not wish to attend, that you will not be attending their institution.
Senior Checklist
