High School Programs

The Office of Outreach & Multicultural Affairs offers a wide variety of programs for students currently in high school and wishing to enter the pre-medical field. Below are the descriptions for each program and their corresponding links to their main page.

Click the corresponding link for a very useful suggested agenda of what factors should be looked at for each grade of high school:

9th Grade - Freshmen :

• Research various careers by attending career and college fairs
• Look for volunteer opportunities in your field of interest
• Join clubs associated with professional careers or academics (Club Med, AISES, Honor Society, Academic Decathlon, etc.)
• Plan to diversify your personal traits and experiences (social, academic, athletics, community clubs and activities)
• Be aware of awards given to upper-level classes and make it a long term goal to receive awards
• Ask teachers and counselors for helpful advice about choosing careers and school in general
• Speak with professionals about careers
• Learn research and study skills
• Learn time management, assertiveness, stress management, and physical health
• Start a college fund - it's a plan, not a dream!
• Have fun in school!

10th Grade - Sophomores :

• Visit the Career Center to find out more information about colleges and scholarships
• Make arrangements to visit your first two choices for universities during the summer
• Make a point to contact representatives from college, employment, and the military if you are planning to attend one of them after your senior year
• Review timeline of application processes for colleges
• Become familiar with outline of ACT and SAT (difficulty of questions, pace of test, and other aspects of the tests) or practice taking the PSAT
• Plan to take the SAT or ACT exam in the Spring of your junior year
• Take an aptitude test to determine possible career options
• Prepare a resumé and a personal statement
• Find a job and become accustomed to financial independence
• Plan and choose meaningful summer activities or attend a summer camp program
• Continue saving funds for college
• Select appropriate 11th grade courses

11th Grade - Juniors :

• Prepare and plan your career interests

  • Visit your school guidance counselor to see if you are on the right track for college
  • Speak with professionals about their careers
  • Establish and plan a possible career path
  • Perform some volunteer work in the field of your interest
  • Take advantage of summer school classes that colleges have to offer
  • Attend summer programs that address your field of interest
• Continue researching colleges or vocational schools that offer courses and majors in your field of interest

  • Write to colleges or other programs for brochures and admission information
  • Make appointments to visit your top 2-3 colleges or vocational schools over the summer
• Prepare and take college entrance exams

  • Prepare and take the PSAT test in October
  • Register for the SAT and ACT in March and take the test in May or June
  • Register for AP exams in March and take exams in May
• Continue to research and apply for scholarships, the earlier the better. Visit http://www.fastweb.com to find money for college, tips, your dream school and more!
• Organize a calendar with scholarhsip and application deadlines
• Practice preparing applications and other materials needed for college or vocational school entrance

  • Practice preparing college applications and outline essay topics
  • Develop a resumé and personal statement
  • Develop relationships with teachers, counselors for future requests for recommendation letters
  • Plan to attend Financial Aid Night
  • Pick up NCAA Clearinghouse application if you are involved with athletics. Submit after your junior year grades have been posted
  • Check high school transcript for accuracy of credits
• Schedule and confirm your 12th grade courses with your counselor
• Review college savings plan and plan accordingly

12th Grade - Seniors :

• Finalize choices of colleges or vocational schools
• Review high school and college requirement deadlines:

  • Check with counselor if all credit requirements are met for graduation
  • Check for application deadlines to universities
  • Retake ACT or SAT to improve test scores
  • November is the last chance to register by mail for ACT and SAT. These test scores are a requirement for most scholarships
  • Maintain G.P.A. in order to maintain scholarships
  • Start a folder for college application, letters of recommendation, finances, and checklist of requirements for career path chosen
• Research and apply for financial aid and scholarships

  • Plan to attend Financial Aid Night
  • Research and apply for scholarships early
  • Pick up Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) form to fill out
  • Complete FASFA application and submit as early as possible
  • Review financial aid received and plan accordingly
• Complete applications and other materials needed for college or vocational school entrance

  • Complete college applications and write essay topics
  • Review awards received during high school career and incorporate into resumé
  • Finalize and write resumé and personal statement
  • Ask teachers and counselors for letters of recommendation
  • Check high school transcript for accuracy of credits
  • Apply to schools with early admission application deadlines
  • Request the high school registrar to mail a final copy of your official transcripts to the college of your choice
  • Submit college applications early
• Ask to "shadow" a college student at the college of your choice
• Plan to attend a summer college preparation camp or summer school at a university
• Register for college summer orientation programs
• Notify counselor of scholarships and awards received