Plan now for what’s next.

Start looking ahead before high school graduation is over.

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Think ahead before you graduate.

High school is more than just classes — learn what you need to graduate, get into college, or explore training pathways. Start planning now for a smooth ride toward your future goals!

To keep in mind

Arizona Achievement Assessments

Arizona’s Academic Standards Assessment (AASA) is for grades 3-8, ACT Aspire is for grade 9, and ACT is for grade 11. Passing the above tests is not a requirement for graduation; however, local schools may choose to develop their own academic requirements. 

Civics Test Graduation Requirements

Students graduating in 2026 and after must have a passing score of 70/100. If a student graduates in 2026, and has already taken the civics test and scored a 60-69, they will need to retest and score a 70/100 sometime before they graduate in 2026.

Education and Career Action Plan Graduation Requirement (ECAP)

Education and Career Action Plans (ECAP) for all Arizona students in grades 9-12 is a graduation requirement. An ECAP reflects a student’s current plan of coursework, career aspirations, and extended learning opportunities in order to develop the student’s individual academic, career, and postsecondary plans.

Grade Level Timeline Checklist

Thinking about life after high school can feel overwhelming, but it’s never too early to start planning. Use the grade-level timelines below to stay on track and check off your to-do list each year. Remember, Ask Benji is always here to answer your college and career planning questions!

    • Meet with your high school counselor to create a 4-year course plan (what classes you both need to take to graduate on time and classes you might want to take to learn about new skills or possible career pathways.

    • Explore resources to help you stay on track in your classes (i.e.: school tutoring options, Khan Academy, etc.).

    • Register for courses that are required for admission to AZ universities. ASU | NAU | UA

    • Explore courses that can provide college credit in high school (dual-enrollment, AP, and IB courses can result in college credit while taking courses at your high school). ASU | NAU | UA

    • Join extracurriculars to build key life skills like leadership and problem-solving. Plus, you might uncover new talents and interests along the way!

    • Use summer to explore your future! Try pre-college programs, summer school to get ahead or catch up, and volunteer work to discover your interests and skills.

    • Start exploring careers early with your ECAP! Check out different fields like art, marketing, or business, and take career interest assessments to align your high school courses with what excites you.

    • Attend events at AZ college/university campuses. ASU | NAU | UA | MCCCD

    • Discover ways to fund your education or training after high school. With costs being the biggest hurdle, it’s key to explore your many options early to make your future goals achievable!

      • Create a Raise.me account to begin earning micro scholarships.

      • Begin to explore different scholarship opportunities that you can apply for your junior and/or senior year so you know early what those scholarships will require.

    • Regularly meet with your counselor to build a strong relationship –they’ll help you stay on track for graduation and guide your college and career journey. Use resources like teacher office hours, school tutoring, and Khan Academy to keep up in your classes. Also, review your transcript each semester to ensure you’re on the right path.

    • Take the PSAT, PSAT 10, or PreACT if your school offers them. Timed tests can be tough, and practicing now can help boost your future ACT or SAT scores. Practice tests: PSAT | SAT | PreACT | ACT

    • Stay active in extracurriculars and keep track of everything in a notebook – this info will be key for college and scholarship applications. This includes athletics, school clubs, school programs (i.e.: ROTC, performing arts, student council, etc.), volunteer work, and part-time employment.

    • Use your summer to explore college and career options – join a program on a local campus, find a job that aligns with your interests, or volunteer. These experiences can help you choose electives that build on your skills and passions.

    • Explore colleges or trade programs by connecting with your school’s counseling department or career center. Attend college visits, go to college fairs, and keep your Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP) updated to track your progress.

    • Explore ways to fund your education after high school. Add to your Raise.me account for micro-scholarships and start researching scholarships for your junior and senior years. Keep track of the requirements like GPA, volunteer work, and extracurriculars.

    • Regularly meet with your high school counselor to build a strong relationship. They’ll understand your goals, help you stay on track for graduation, and support you with applications and scholarships. Plus, they’ll likely write you a recommendation letter in senior year.

    • Use resources like teacher office hours, tutoring, and Khan Academy to stay on track. Review your transcript each semester to make sure you’re on course for graduation.

    • Create an Ask Benji account if your school does not already participate. Text “Hi Benji” to 602-786-8171 to get started.

    • Fall: Engage in practice SAT and ACT test opportunities. Take the PSAT in October if it is offered at your school and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSQT).

    • Spring: Take the SAT and ACT. These tests are required for various scholarships (Flinn, Gates, etc.).

    • Visit college or trade school campuses to see if they’re the right fit for you academically, financially, and socially. Also, attend college fairs for schools like ASU, NAU, UA, and MCCCD.

    • Use summer to boost your college and career planning. Try pre-college programs, summer school, community service, or a job related to your interests. Get involved and step out of your comfort zone!

    • Start a file for your college documents. Work on your Personal Statement, think about who to ask for recommendation letters, and begin your Academic Resume or Activity List.

    • Meet with your high school counselor at the start of the fall and spring semester to make sure you are on track for graduation and have all the necessary coursework required for the college, university, or trade school program you plan to pursue.

      • Review your transcript, making necessary class adjustments to ensure you are on track for graduation

      • Utilize resources to help you stay on track in your classes (tutoring, Khan Academy, etc.)

      • Create an Ask Benji account 

        • Text “Hi Benji” to 602-786-8171

    • Complete the applications for AZ universities as early as July 1. 

    • Send your current transcript to the institutions you have submitted applications to, if requested (visit the Registrar’s Office on your high school campus or utilize Parchment if that is the transcript service used at your school to request your transcripts be sent to one or more schools).

    • Complete the Common Application if your prospective school(s) participate in the Common Application.

      • Review the student resources to enhance your application, essays, and letters of recommendation

    • Take the SAT and ACT again.

      • Engage in practice SAT and ACT test opportunities 

      • Required for various scholarships (Flinn, The Gates Scholarship, etc.)

    • Finalize your college documents – personal statement, letters of recommendation, academic resume/activity list.

      • Personal Statement

      • Secure letters of recommendation (teachers, counselor, coaches, etc.)

      • Academic Resume

    • Consistently research scholarship opportunities to help pay for education or training after high school.

      • Your school counselor and/or career center advisor are key resources

      • Reputable online scholarship searches

    • Monitor your college/university portals regularly for admission, scholarship, and to-do task updates (i.e.: MyASU, MyMaricopa, MyPima, LOUIE, UAccess, etc.)

    • Send your final transcript to the institution you will be attending after high school graduation (visit the Registrar’s Office on your high school campus or utilize Parchment if that is the transcript service used at your school to request your transcripts be sent to one or more schools).

  • Summer Transition Checklist

    “College Lingo” Glossary of Terms

High School Graduation Requirements

The statewide minimum course of study requires students to take a minimum of 22 credits – some school districts may require additional credits:

  1. Four credits of English or English as a Second Language

  2. Three credits in social studies to include one credit of American History, including Arizona history; one credit of world history/geography; one-half credit of American Government, including Arizona government; and one-half credit of economics 

  3. Four credits of mathematics to minimally include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (or a personal curriculum), and a fourth credit that contains high school content**

  4. Three credits of science in preparation for proficiency at the high school level on the statewide science assessment

  5. One credit of fine arts or CTE

  6. Seven credits of additional courses prescribed by the local school district governing board or charter school

**In Arizona high schools, students can request a Personal Curriculum plan, which is a documented process that may be used to modify high school graduation requirements for mathematics; however, depending on the mathematics class(es) a student takes, they may not be eligible for admission to an Arizona public university following high school graduation but they can begin their postsecondary education at a community college and transfer to an Arizona public university.

Admission Requirements for Arizona Public Universities

The admission requirements for the Arizona public universities differ slightly from Arizona high school graduation requirements and can be confusing for students and families. The three Arizona public universities honor an “assured admission” model, meaning that if students meet specific admission requirements and complete a respective application, they are “assured” admission and don’t have to wonder if they will be accepted. 

Below are the admission requirements for Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona.

Arizona State University | Northern Arizona University | University of Arizona

Arizona High School Diploma Seals

The Arizona State Board of Education has approved four specialized diploma seals for graduating seniors. These diploma seals serve to recognize high school students that achieve proficiency in related coursework and complete additional exams along with extracurricular requirements. Students are recognized with a seal on their diploma and a notation on their high school transcripts.

More about ADE Diploma Seals

    • Seal of Personal Finance

      • Complete all requirements during grades 9-12

      • Complete all social studies courses with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

      • Complete one activity from each of the four categories:

        • Passage of an assessment of personal finance

        • Completion of an approved personal finance program

        • Participation in a co-curricular or extracurricular program

        • Completion of a college and/or career readiness plan

    • Seal of Civics Literacy

      • Complete all requirements during grades 9-12 (except passage of the Arizona State Civics Exam)

      • Complete all social studies courses with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

      • Pass the Arizona State Civics Exam

      • Complete activities from each of the three categories:

        • Category 1 – Civic Learning Program (select any 3 activities)

        • Category 2 – Civic Engagement Activities (complete 30 hours)

        • Category 3 – Written Reflection of Program

    • Seal of Biliteracy **

      • Successfully complete all English Language Arts requirements for graduation with an overall GPA in those classes of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

      • Attain the required score on an English language assessment selected from the menu of assessments adopted by the State Board of Education

        • If the primary home language is other than English and the student is receiving ELL services in grades 9-12, the student shall obtain a score of proficient based on the AZELLA; if the student passes out of ELL services prior to grade 9, that student will need to use a different English language assessment selected from the menu of assessments adopted by the State Board of Education

      • Demonstrate proficiency in a second language through an assessment selected from the menu of second language assessments adopted by the State Board of Education or an alternative evidence model

    **The Seal of Biliteracy can be used as a means to address a deficiency for students who are unable to meet the two-year world language requirement for admission to the Arizona public universities. 

    • Seal of Arts Proficiency

      • Final GPA of 3.0 or 4.0 in each qualifying arts/CTE course

      • Four minimum credit requirements in one of the following ways:

        • Minimum of 4 credits in one artistic discipline (dance, music, theater, visual arts, or media arts);

          OR

        • Three credits in one artistic discipline, and 1 qualifying creative industries CTE course or separate artistic discipline;

          OR

        • Two credits in one artistic discipline, and 2 credits in a qualifying creative industries CTE course or separate artistic discipline

      • 80 hours of arts related extracurricular activities

      • Student capstone project

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