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- Thrive
- Freshman Year (9th) – Start Here!
- Sophomore Year (10th) - Start Here!
- Junior Year (11th) - Start Here!
- Senior Year (12th) - Start Here!
- GPS High School Course Descriptions & Catalog
- GPS Career & Technical Education (CTE)
- International Baccalaureate® (IB) Programme
- Earning College Credit in High School
- Student Resources for Success
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College & Career Events / Counseling Office Contacts
- Campo Verde High College & Career Events Calendar
- Canyon Valley College & Career Events Calendar
- Desert Ridge High College & Career Events Calendar
- Gilbert Classical Academy College & Career Events Calendar
- Gilbert High College & Career Events Calendar
- Highland High College & Career Events Calendar
- Mesquite High College & Career Events Calendar
- Testing Information
- Earning Diploma Seals
- Requesting Official Transcripts
- Applying to Colleges
- College-Bound Student-Athletes
- Military
- World of Work
- Paying for School
- Student Social & Emotional Resources
- Local Community Programs, Service & Volunteering Opportunities
- Graduation Alliance
- Gilbert Public Schools
- Junior Year (11th) - Start Here!
- Junior | 4th Quarter
Fourth Quarter
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Study for your finals! Your finals can be as much as 20% of your final grade, so study and take them seriously.
See if your school has special study sessions to work with your peers and tutors.
AZCIS Reality Check
It is never too early to start thinking about life after high school and the costs associated with it. Take this quick reality check to put things in perspective. Then thank your parents/guardians for everything they do to support you.
Logging into AZCIS is easy - Login to Rapid Identity and click on the AZCIS icon > Assessments > Reality Check
Sign up for the ACT and/or SAT
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How do I sign up?
Please Note: ALL 12th grade GPS students had the opportunity to take one ACT test on March 1, 2022 at their high school without outside registration or fees.
GPS will administer ACT (No Writing) to 11th grade students in Cohort 2024 on April 4, 2023 (computer-based).
If you'd like to take an additional ACT test outside of the Junior Year GPS date register below directly with ACT.
What if I can’t afford the fee? Don’t worry, there are waivers available to those with financial need. See your counselor for further information about your situation and what you qualify for.
Please Note: Do you qualify for Free & Reduced Lunch? If so, you may be able to claim your SAT Fee Waivers through your College Board account or learn about ACT Fee Waiver Program.
Do I need to take both tests? The answer to that is mostly dependent upon the university you plan to attend, but you can explore all of the exams here. It never hurts you to take both. Not sure which exam is right for you? Here's a checklist to compare your strengths and help you decide.
Studying
You should not just roll out of bed on the Saturday morning of the exam and "give it your best shot".
These tests require preparation.
For online resources, Khan Academy is the official study guide for the SAT, and there are similar free platform to help you prepare for the ACT. Outside companies also offer test prep courses for a fee that will cover the content of the exams plus test-taking strategies. You can find information for these offerings in your counseling office and career center.
ACT® Testing & Information
- GPS Offers one free test in the Spring for 11th graders. The ACT is taken by high school students and college-bound individuals. The score results are used by colleges for admission, course placement.
- Free ACT Test Prep
- Free Practice ACT Test
- ACT Fee Waiver Program
- ACT/SAT Test Prep - GPS Community Education Enrichment
- ACT High School Student Timeline
- National ACT Testing Dates & Information
- More About the ACT
SAT® Testing & Information
- The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities as part on their admissions decisions. The SAT is a product of the College Board.
- SAT Test Dates and Deadlines
- SAT Fee Waiver Information
- ACT/SAT Test Prep - GPS Community Education Enrichment
- SAT - Inside the Test
- Free SAT Practice
- Understanding your SAT Scores
Summer Goals!
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Don’t waste your summer, make it count!
Consider volunteering and attending a summer program. There are tons of options for summer programs, many of which are inexpensive or even FREE. Check with your Counselor and Career Center for listings based on your areas of interest.
Read, and then read some more!
Pick up a library card from your local library. Public Libraries have programming all summer long as well as plenty of books to read or listen to. Continue to develop your vocabulary, reading speed and comprehension. These are all crucial skills to help you be more successful.
Don’t like reading? You probably haven’t found the right book. Talk to a librarian about your interests and see if they can recommend something for you.
Don't forget to make your SMART goals.
Spend some time thinking about your dreams, interests, and aspirations. Then write them down and share with someone. Writing and sharing your goals makes you more likely to actually achieve them. Here is a worksheet to help you see if your goals are SMART.
SMART Goals Worksheet & Information
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SMART Goal Worksheet (doc)
A Brief Guide to SMART Goal Setting!
A SMART goal is a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time based. In other words, a goal that is very clear and easily understood.
Specific
The goal must clearly state what is to be achieved, by whom, where and when it is to be achieved. Sometimes it may even state why that goal is important.Measureable
Measurability applies to both the end result and the milestones along the way to attaining a goal. It answers the question of quantity – how much, how often, how many? The milestones are signs along the way that will tell you that you are on the right track to achieving your goal.Attainable
You should ensure that the goals you set are achievable. You must believe that you can manage to do what you are setting out to do. If you set goals that are unbelievable even to yourself it is very unlikely you will achieve them.Relevant
Your goals must be relevant to what you want to achieve in the short term and the long term.Time-based
This sometimes overlaps with the goal being Specific, but it aims to ensure that you put a time-frame to your goals.
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Get & Stay Involved!
Want to find ways to get involved? Keep a lookout for your school’s club fair!
It is always a good time to get involved on your high school campus. There are clubs for everyone ranging from coloring clubs, K-pop, volunteer/service, mentoring, equality and many more. Also, every CTE program has a student organization as do all of the performing/visual arts and sports teams.
GPS High School Clubs & Activities
Campo Verde | Desert Ridge | GCA | Gilbert |
Highland | MesquiteLocal Community Programs, Service & Volunteering Opportunities
Meet With Your Counselor
Make an appointment to introduce yourself and discuss any questions you may have with your counselor today!
Your Counselor can help you with much more than just schedule changes!
GPS Counseling Departments
Campo Verde | Canyon Valley| Desert Ridge | GCA | Gilbert | Highland | Mesquite
Ready for a Challenge?
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If you're already involved in clubs or activities, consider taking on a leadership role this year!
Timeline & Relevant Information for Juniors
College Fair or Tours
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Tri-University Events Information
Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona are coming together to ensure you and your family are well informed about the opportunities and resources available to you, hosting joint virtual information sessions for prospective students and families to discuss the following:
- How to navigate the college admission process.
- Scholarships and financial aid.
- Information about each university.
- The honors experience at each university.
View resources and programming to assist in your college search process.
Arizona College Consortium Virtual Conference and College Fair
Arizona College Consortium (AZ-CC) is a membership of over 30 post-secondary institutions. The organization’s mission is to provide quality education pathways to meet the needs of future scholars. This college fair will allow students and families to:
- Uncover new college options through a robust search tool
- Experience virtual campus tours
- Watch videos and download materials helpful for in decision process
- Schedule meetings and interviews with admissions representatives
NACAC Virtual College Fairs - Sign up now and start exploring!
College Fair Tips – Use these tips from NACAC to make the most out of the experience.
Why should I pre-register? Provide your information one time through a simple, online registration page instead of dozens of times on prospect cards at each college table.
Finish the Semester Strong & Study for Your Finals
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Keep up your good study habits! If you are struggling at any time: 1st-Consult your teacher, 2nd-Seek tutoring assistance, and 3rd-Consult your Counselor.
Take advantage of any teacher or school-wide study sessions. Do not wait till the very last week to get help in a subject you may be struggling with. If you feel like a class is particularly easy for you, help out a friend and be a tutor. Teaching peers can only help solidify learning the material for you, too.
Upcoming Scholarships & Deadlines
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Thursday
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June 13, 2023
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June 15, 2023
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June 19, 2023
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June 23, 2023
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June 26, 2023
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June 30, 2023