What’s Next

Stay abreast of your state’s tests and graduation requirements so you can successfully go on to the next grade level and graduate on time. Now is the time to prepare for college. If you need further assistance, visit your school’s guidance counselor.

Use the links below to review and practice content for Maryland standardized tests.
MSA Test Samples for students in grades 5 – 8 (Reading and Mathematics – March 8 – 23, 2011)
MSA Test Samples for students in grades 5 and 8 (Science – April 21 – May 11, 2011)
HSA Test samples for students in grades 9-12 (Algebra, Gov., English II, Biol. I – April 12 – 16, 2011)
High School Assessment (HAS) tutorial

Below is information outlining what you need to successfully transition to the next grade level. It has been provided to you by the Department of Education.
Are you thinking about going to college? Whether the decision has already been made or is still years away, please browse through our Planner Timeline, which we have designed to help you prepare for college. Please note that although you can complete most of the necessary tasks in your junior or senior years of high school, you should start planning as early as the eighth grade. Not only will this improve your chances of getting into the college of your choice, but it will also make applying much easier.

Below is a general guideline of steps you should follow while preparing for college. Each step contains links to sections of Student Aid on the Web that contain tools and information to not only help you plan for college, but help you select colleges, apply to them online, and fund your college education. To go directly to the Planner Timeline, click on your grade level below.
Eighth Grade
Ninth Grade
Tenth Grade
Eleventh Grade
Twelfth Grade
National High School Graduation Requirements

Pre-Collegiate Summer Programs for Students
College Prep Programs by State