High School & Beyond Plan: Middle School Checklist

Planning for life after high school starts in middle school. The High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) is a Washington State graduation requirement. Beginning in middle school, you may work with career guidance specialists, school counselors, and teachers to start creating your own personalized HSBP.  

Completing the steps outlined in this checklist will help you learn about yourself, learn about resources and opportunities, and help you prepare to enter high school.  

Students, this is your plan, but the staff at your school are ready to support and guide you along the way. For questions or guidance reach out to your advisor or counselor. 

Required

• Complete the Skills and Interest Assessment and research 3-5 suggested careers from your assessment results.   
• In 8th grade take the PSAT test for free at school.  
• In the spring of your 8th grade year, review the high school course catalog and create your Academic Planner in preparation for high school course registration. 

Recommended

• Ask parents to complete Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL) form to be automatically enrolled in the College Bound Scholarship Program. See your counselor for details. 
• To help prepare for each school year, attend back-to-school events at your middle school. 
• Explore your interests and leadership opportunities by participating in sports, school clubs, music or drama groups, community-based organizations, or volunteer activities.  
• As a 7th and/or 8th grade student, enroll in a Career & Technical Education class that fits your interests.   
• In 8th grade, attend high school Enrollment Information Nights at schools you are interested in attending. This can help you find the school that is the right fit for you.  
• In 8th grade, attend high school planning night with a parent/guardian to find out about all the course options available at the high school you will attend. Options include dual credit (earning high school and college credit), career and technical education (CTE) courses, advanced placement, and extra-curricular opportunities.   
• Find an internship/job shadow, participate in summer camps, summer college programs, or volunteer activities. If you do not find one in middle school, think about it for high school.