Future Readiness Checklist

Discover your future with Xello! Whether you're figuring out the perfect career match or diving deep into college options, Xello's got your back. It's like having a crystal ball that actually explains why you're matched with certain careers, and if it doesn't feel quite right, you can tweak things to match your real interests. Explore everything from majors to desired salaries and locations. Plus, seniors, Xello has scholarships and the Common App in one spot—making life after high school a bit less of a mystery. Assessments, lessons, and career deep dives are just a click away!

 Here’s how Xello can help you discover yourself and build the perfect post-grad path:

Adding Colleges Under the College Application Section: Start by adding your colleges, and Xello will keep you on track with deadlines. Set realistic deadlines for your senior year. If your college uses Direct Application, you can request a transcript right through Xello! Already graduated? You’ll need to go through Parchment to request a transcript. If you’re applying to multiple schools, use the Common App option when adding your schools, connect Common App to your Xello account, and we’ll handle the transcript and school report uploads for you.

College Planning and Scholarships: Starting in your junior year, you can create a scholarship profile. Xello will help you find scholarships that match your future goals. Just hit that heart icon, and they’ll be saved for when you're ready to apply! As seniors, remember to check out the College Career Calendar for national scholarship openinings and deadlines.

Explore Careers and Majors: After completing the assessments, Xello will suggest careers that fit your personality and interests. Knowing potential careers can help you figure out the best major to pursue. Once you’ve got your major in mind, Xello narrows down the colleges that align with your goals.

And when you hit senior year, the College Planning link becomes your best friend! The earlier you start exploring your matches, the smoother your entire application process will be.
 

Academics

• Keep your grades up – Freshman year matters for your GPA.
• Develop strong study habits – Stay organized and avoid cramming.
• Take challenging classes – Build a strong academic foundation.
• Meet with your school counselor – Discuss long-term academic goals.

Extracurriculars

• Join clubs and activities – Find what you’re passionate about.
• Try a sport or new hobby – Colleges value well-rounded students.
• Take on leadership roles – Leadership looks great on applications.

College Awareness

• Start thinking about your interests – What subjects do you enjoy?
• Visit college websites – Get an idea of admission requirements.
• Attend school’s college events – Learn from fairs, workshops, or guest speakers.

Organization

• Use a planner or calendar – Keep track of assignments and activities.
• Save your best work – You might need it later for college applications.
• Create a study routine – Stay consistent and avoid procrastination.

Volunteering & Community

• Get involved in volunteering – Community service strengthens applications.
• Explore summer programs – Use breaks to grow your skills or experiences.

Personal Growth

• Work on time management – Balance academics, activities, and fun.
• Develop good habits – Healthy routines for sleep, exercise, and stress management.
• Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses – Self-awareness helps guide your choices later.

By following these steps, you’ll stay on track for college and be ready to apply with confidence your senior year!

Academics

• Explore advanced courses – Look into AP or honors classes for junior year.
• Identify academic strengths – Focus on subjects you enjoy or excel in.
• Get help early if needed – Seek tutoring or extra help in difficult subjects.

Extracurriculars

• Focus on quality, not quantity – Prioritize a few key activities you're passionate about.
• Look for leadership opportunities – Aim to take on more responsibility in your clubs or teams.

College & Career Prep

• Research potential careers – Start thinking about jobs that match your interests.
• Shadow professionals – If possible, spend time with someone in a career you’re curious about.
• Attend college fairs or events – Learn more about different colleges and programs.

Job & Professionalism

• Look for a part-time job – Gain work experience and learn responsibility.
• Start a small business – Consider tutoring, babysitting, or a hobby you can monetize.
• Build professionalism – Practice good communication, time management, and teamwork at work or in activities.

Personal Growth

• Develop networking skills – Build relationships with teachers, mentors, and peers.
• Set goals for junior year – Think about classes, activities, and personal growth areas.
• Reflect on your work-life balance – Balance your responsibilities with downtime to avoid burnout.

This will help sophomores not only excel academically but also develop real-world skills that will be valuable for college and beyond!

Academics

• Keep your GPA strong – Junior year grades are critical for college applications.
• Take the SAT or ACT – Register early and prepare with practice tests.
• Build relationships with teachers – You’ll need recommendation letters for college.
• Start narrowing down college majors – Align your classes with potential fields of study.

Extracurriculars & Leadership

• Step up as a leader – Take on bigger roles in clubs, sports, or activities.
• Focus on meaningful contributions – Make an impact in one or two key extracurriculars.

College Prep

• Start building your college list – Research schools based on location, size, and programs.
• Visit college campuses – If possible, tour schools to get a feel for the environment.
• Start working on your resume – Include extracurriculars, volunteer work, and leadership roles.
• Attend college nights or info sessions – Get insights on the application process and scholarships.

Summer Internships & Programs

• Apply for summer internships – Gain real-world experience in a field that interests you.
• Look into summer college programs – Many universities offer programs to high school students, which can give you a taste of campus life and academics.
• Volunteer in a professional setting – If an internship isn’t available, volunteering in a business or nonprofit can help build your resume.
• Consider job shadowing – Spend time with professionals in careers you’re curious about.

Personal & Professional Growth

• Build a LinkedIn profile – Start networking and showcasing your accomplishments.
• Refine your soft skills – Communication, teamwork, and time management are key in both work and college.
• Set goals for senior year – Identify academic and personal goals to stay on track for graduation and college applications.

This checklist will help juniors focus on the important steps needed to prepare for college applications and gain valuable experience over the summer!

College Applications

• Add schools into Xello – Organize and track your college list in Xello to manage applications.
• Set up your Common App profile – Create an account and start filling out your basic information.
• Request letters of recommendation – Ask teachers early, providing them with enough time and any necessary details.
• Complete your college essays – Write, revise, and ask for feedback from teachers or counselors.

Financial Aid

• Create your FSA ID – Set up your Federal Student Aid ID to start the FAFSA process.
• Start the FAFSA as soon as it opens – Get a head start on financial aid by completing this application early.

College Guidance & Support

• Meet with your College Success Coach – Regularly check in for help with applications, essays, and deadlines.
• Ask for help when needed – Whether it's essay reviews or college application questions, don't hesitate to seek guidance from your coach, teachers, or counselors.

Non-College Options

• Explore military options – Research branches of the military, talk to a recruiter, and start preparing for entrance exams like the ASVAB.
• Look into career training programs – If you’re interested in trade schools, apprenticeships, or certification programs, research opportunities and apply early.

Stay on Track

• Keep track of deadlines – Use a calendar to stay organized with college, scholarship, military, and career deadlines.
• Finalize your post-graduation plan – Whether it’s college, military, or a career, have a clear path laid out for after high school.

This checklist helps ensure seniors are prepared for all potential post-graduation routes, including college, military, and career options.