🎓 Seniors
Mid-Year Reports to Colleges
Your mid-year grades will be sent to any college you applied to. These reports include your first quarter and second quarter grades. Be sure to study for those midterm exams and finish the semester strong!
Free Application for Federal Student Aid - FAFSA
Create your FSA ID NOW The FSA ID, or studentaid.gov account, is a combination of your account username and password which gives students and parents access to complete the FAFSA®. We STRONGLY ENCOURAGE families to create their FSA ID prior to December 1.
To create the FSA ID account, the student and parent or guardian need to follow these steps.
*Every contributor who is required to provide information on the FAFSA form needs an FSA ID before accessing and completing their section of the online form.
*Contributors without an SSN can create a StudentAid.gov account to fill out their portion of your FAFSA form online.
All families of graduating seniors are strongly encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The FAFSA form will be available by December 1, 2024.
Transcript information
Unofficial Transcripts Available for View!
Unofficial transcripts for all seniors have been posted to Synergy. All seniors should review their transcripts for accuracy and let us know of any issues as soon as possible. Feel free to print your unofficial transcript directly from Synergy if you need it for any purpose.
What About Official Transcripts?
If you need your official transcript for college applications please enter the colleges in either Common App (if you are applying using the Common App) or Naviance (for non-Common App Schools).
If you need your official transcript for any other reason (scholarship applications, personal use, internships, etc) please complete this request form.
Juniors
As we approach the spring semester, here are some things to keep in mind to help you stay on track and make the most of your 11th-grade year:
Stay Focused Academically: Junior year grades are crucial for college admissions. Work hard to maintain or improve your GPA, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. Use resources like peer tutoring, teacher office hours, or study groups to stay on top of your classes.
Start Exploring College and Career Options: Begin researching colleges, trade schools, or other post-secondary paths that interest you. If possible, visit campuses, attend virtual info sessions, and start making a list of places you’d like to apply. Think about summer opportunities like internships, volunteer work, or programs to boost your experience in your field of interest.
Plan for Standardized Testing: If you’re taking the SAT, ACT, or other tests this spring, start preparing now. Use study guides, take practice tests, and set up a study schedule. Check registration deadlines so you don’t miss them!
Stay Involved: Keep participating in clubs, sports, or other extracurriculars. These activities not only enrich your high school experience but also show colleges and employers your interests and dedication.
Focus on Wellness: With all the demands of junior year, don’t forget to prioritize your mental and physical health. Make time for rest, exercise, and hobbies that help you recharge.
Sophomores
It is hard to believe that it is time to begin planning for the next school year. Please keep the following in mind when selecting classes and preparing for next year...
To be promoted to grade 11, students must have ten credits including one English credit and one mathematics credit and have two years of high school attendance.
Most career academy options at the ARL start in 11th grade. If you are interested in a career academy you will select this during the course registration window that opens on December 16th.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your school counselor. Remember all students will automatically be assigned an individual appointment with their school counselor to discuss course selection and ensure graduation requirements are being met.
Freshman
School Counselors deliver lessons throughout the year to help support students in their personal/social, academic and college and career development. School Counselors will be presenting a lesson on high school planning to all 9th grade students in December. This lesson included helpful information for students to consider during the high school course registration process.
The objectives for the lesson included:
- Assess a transcript and the purpose of the document
- Be able to calculate a GPA
- Review ways to keep track of your progress towards graduation
- Begin working on a 4-year plan
School Counselors will meet individually with all current 9th grade students throughout January and February to review high school planning and course selection. Students will receive a copy of their individual graduation checklist during this meeting and course requests will be reviewed.
If your family is planning to move it is important that you update your address with the Student Services Office. Please contact Ms. Sultan, Registrar, for more information about what is needed to keep your file accurate.
Atholton's Beyond School Hours (BSH) After-School Academic Support Program
The Academic Intervention program will provide invited students an opportunity to receive additional time (in-person ONLY) after school most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays (2:45pm to 4:00pm) for support in completing classwork, homework, or studying for upcoming tests or quizzes as well as learn key concepts that they are learning both in Math and English. One or two educators will be on hand to provide support. Sign UP
HCEA Tutor List
As service to the community, the Howard County Education Association maintains a list of educators willing to tutor. If you are interested in hiring an HCPSS teacher to provide tutoring, please pick up a list of these tutors from the AHS Student Services office.