Preparing for college at Haas Hall
At Haas Hall Academy, college preparation is not something that begins during senior year. It is a carefully structured process that starts in middle school and builds each year as scholars progress toward graduation. Through academic advising, individualized planning, family involvement, college exposure, and hands-on application support, scholars develop a clear path toward their postsecondary goals.
The Haas Hall Academy Process & Timeline is designed to give scholars the right information at the right time. Beginning in 7th grade, Academic Advisors work with scholars and families to understand academic requirements, make thoughtful course selections, explore college and career possibilities, and ultimately navigate the college application and financial aid process.
College Preparation Begins in 7th Grade
College preparation at Haas Hall Academy begins by helping scholars understand the academic pathway ahead of them. Early in the school year, 7th graders participate in a Q&A with Your Academic Advisor assembly covering high school credits, academic expectations, course requirements, and the transition to high school.
Toward the end of 7th grade, Academic Advisors visit classrooms to introduce 8th-grade course options and help scholars make selections that support their developing academic goals.
8th Grade: Building the Four-Year Plan
In 8th grade, scholars and families begin connecting day-to-day academic decisions with longer-term goals. Academic Planning Night introduces graduation requirements, course planning, career exploration, and important steps scholars can take to prepare for their future.
This is also when scholars begin mandatory Student Success Plan (SSP) meetings with their Academic Advisor and parent or guardian. Together, they develop an individualized four-year academic plan that becomes a roadmap for the scholar’s high school experience.
9th Grade: Establishing a Strong Foundation
Freshman year is about making sure scholars are building an academic foundation that supports their future goals. During Academic Planning Night and the annual Student Success Plan meeting, scholars review graduation requirements, course selections, career interests, and postsecondary goals.
The four-year plan is not static. Scholars, families, and advisors revisit it regularly so it can evolve as interests, strengths, and aspirations become clearer.
10th Grade: Exploring Opportunities
During 10th grade, the college planning process becomes increasingly focused. Scholars receive guidance on ACT and SAT testing, career exploration, course selection, college interests, and potential majors.
Through Academic Planning Night and individual SSP meetings, scholars assess their progress and make adjustments to their academic and testing plans as needed.
11th Grade: Preparing for the Application Process
Junior year marks an important transition from general planning to active college preparation. Scholars focus more closely on testing, college and career readiness, potential majors, course selections, and their individual postsecondary interests.
At the end of the school year, Haas Hall Academy hosts a Junior Lunch & Learn to prepare scholars for senior year and introduce the next steps in the college application process.
12th Grade: Putting the Plan Into Action
Senior year is when years of preparation become action. Haas Hall Academy hosts a Senior Application Seminar covering the Common Application, financial aid, career planning, and other important elements of applying to college. Scholars also hear from representatives of the University of Arkansas Honors College about additional opportunities available to high-achieving students.
College applications receive hands-on attention. Haas Hall Academy English faculty work directly with seniors to review and edit college application essays, helping scholars present themselves effectively to prospective colleges and universities.
A Senior Parent Informational session also helps families understand application requirements, deadlines, resources, and the steps ahead.
College Exposure Throughout the Haas Hall Experience
College preparation extends well beyond scheduled planning meetings. Haas Hall Academy hosts approximately 50 college visits each year, providing scholars opportunities to interact directly with representatives and learn about institutions, programs, admissions requirements, and potential pathways.
Academic Advisors also maintain Google Classrooms where scholars can find information about scholarships, internships, camps, college visits, and other opportunities. Annual Financial Aid Night programming helps families learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), scholarships, and financial considerations associated with public and private colleges.
Individualized Planning. Year After Year.
The Haas Hall Academy Process & Timeline provides structure without taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Scholars have different academic strengths, interests, college goals, and career ambitions. Regular Student Success Plan meetings allow each scholar’s pathway to evolve accordingly.
By beginning the process in 7th grade and maintaining consistent support through graduation, Haas Hall Academy helps scholars and their families approach college preparation with greater knowledge, direction, and confidence.