List of 5 items.

• 8th Grade

  FALL
  

  Students take the PSAT 8/9 (pre-SAT) in October for the first time. This test experience is meant to provide familiarity with the test in preparation for junior year (11^th) in high school, when students take the PSAT that could qualify them for a national merit scholarship.
  
  

  SPRING

  Students receive results for the PSAT 8/9. They are advised to sign up on https://studentscores.collegeboard.org/home by using the individual access code provided to each student by the College Board. Here, the students can access the detailed assessment of their PSAT 8/9 results.
  
  

  Students and parents explore high school options at DIS: DIS is the only school in Dallas-Worth Area that offers both the Advanced Bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) and the French Baccalaureate (FB) diploma programs.  
  
  

  Students and parents are provided with information about the two rigorous tracks, its expectations and requirement for graduation. Teachers also hold individual conferences with the students and parents to make recommendations for either program.
  
  

  Students and parents choose between the pre-FB and the pre-IB program. 

• 9th Grade

  FALL

  The majority of the DIS students continue to the pre-FB track in 9^th grade so that they can prepare and receive Brevet, which is the French national diploma awarded at the end of 9^th grade. Tests are conducted in French and students are tested in the subject areas of French language and literature, mathematics, history, geography and citizenship. Tests are conducted both orally and in essay form.
  
  

  Students are reminded to achieve and keep the highest grades possible.
  
  

  Students take the PSAT 8/9 (pre-SAT) in October.
   

  Students are advised to access College Board’s “Big Future” https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ to explore lists of suggested colleges, majors and careers.
  
  

  Participate in school activities, clubs and/or sports.
  
  

  SPRING

  Students receive results for the PSAT 8/9. Students continue to practice SAT tests to improve test scores through the College Board’s partnership with Kahn Academy.
  
  

  Students start to build their college resume by keeping record of awards, community service and extra-curricular activities.
  
  

  Students and parents are encouraged to attend college fairs and college information sessions.
  
  

  Student and parents discuss college plans and 10^th grade academic track and classes with the college counselor.
  
  

  All students partake in an internship project to explore their career interests.
  
  

  Take the AP subject tests as needed.
  
  

  Summer is an excellent opportunity to explore current interests in depth and/or try something new. This could include summer volunteer work, an enrichment program or a job.
  
  

  Start college research on the web: consider location, costs, average GPA and SAT/ACT scores. https://www.youniversitytv.com/ 
  
  

  Visit colleges in the summer, while at home or on vacation. 

• 10th Grade

  FALL

  Students are reminded to achieve and keep the highest grades possible.
  
  

  Students take the PSAT 10/NMSQT (National Merit Qualifying Test) in October.
   

  Continue to build a college resume.
  
  

  Continue to participate in school activities, clubs and/or sports. Seek leadership positions when possible.
  
  

  Continue to view colleges on the web to stay current with the college admission requirements and expectations.
  
  

  Continue to attend college fairs and information sessions. Begin to build a college list including reach, realistic and safety choices.
  
  

  SPRING

  Students receive results for the PSAT 10/NMSQT. Students continue to practice SAT tests to improve test scores through the College Board’s partnership with Kahn Academy.
  
  

  Go to www.collegeboard.org and sign up for the SAT test if you’re ready for the real sitting.
  
  

  Go to www.act.org and sign up for at least one ACT test if you’re struggling with the SAT.
  
  

  Student and parents discuss college plans, 11^th – 12^th grade academic track and classes with the college counselor and the Bac coordinators. This is the last chance for the students to decide on the FB or the IB two-year diploma program.
  
  

  Take the AP subject tests as needed.
  
  

  Summer is an excellent opportunity to explore current interests in depth and/or try something new. This could include a summer volunteer work, enrichment program, job or free online college classes at https://www.coursera.org/ OR https://www.edx.org/
  
  

  Consider attending summer enrichment programs on college campuses.

• 11th Grade

  FALL

  Students are reminded to achieve and keep the highest grades possible. Junior year grades and courses are extremely important!
  
  

  Students take the PSAT 10/NMSQT (National Merit Qualifying Test) in October.
   

  Take the SAT/ACT.
  
  

  Continue to build a college resume.
  
  

  Continue to view colleges on the web to stay current with the college admission requirements and expectations.
  
  

  Continue to attend college fairs and information sessions. Begin to build a college list including reach, realistic and safety choices.

   

  SPRING

  Create CommonApp account with the College Counselor. Fill out personal and family information at home with parents.
  
  

  Start writing drafts of college essays.
  
  

  Request recommendation letters from teachers. Remember to write thank you notes to the teachers who write these letters. 
  
  

  Look for scholarship information for juniors.
  
  

  Continue to participate in school activities, clubs, and/or sports. Seek leadership positions when possible.
  
  

  Take the AP subject tests as needed.
  
  

  Take free online college classes at https://www.coursera.org/  OR https://www.edx.org/ to explore interests and areas of study.
  
  

  Consider attending summer enrichment programs on college campuses.
  
  

  Finalize timelines and college research. Pay close attention to the deadlines. 

• 12th Grade

  FALL

  Continue to take the SAT/ACT if necessary. The last test should be taken before December for most regular admission.
  
  

  Continue to collect recommendation letters as needed. Make sure to provide sufficient information and time for the recommenders.
  
  

  Apply for financial aid starting October 1 by completing the free application for student aid (FAFSA) https://fafsa.ed.gov/ and the CSS Profile https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile. 
  
  

  Hold regular meetings with the college counselor to complete the college admission process.
  
  

  Review, and polish all essays before attaching them to the application.
  
  

  Consider Early Action or Early Decision to a school if attendance at the school is high priority. Early Action is usually non-binding. Early Decision is binding.
  
  

  SPRING

  Complete all mid-year reports.
  
  

  Continue to research and apply for scholarships and financial aid.
  
  

  Upon acceptance, provide the college counselor with a copy of the acceptance letter and scholarship awards. You must inform every college of your acceptance or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid.
  
  

  Make final plans about what college or university to attend. May 1^st is the national reply date to reserve placement in colleges and universities.

  
  

  Make housing arrangements as soon as possible.