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Ready, Apply, Go?

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Lesson Plan

Readiness Assessment Guide

Students will complete a diagnostic quiz to assess their readiness for college or career, reflect on strengths and gaps, and develop an actionable next-steps plan to support their transition beyond high school.

Transitioning from high school to college or the workforce can be overwhelming. This session empowers students to self-assess, gain clarity on readiness, and set concrete goals, boosting confidence and ensuring they’re equipped for their next steps.

Audience

12th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Quiz-based self-assessment followed by reflection and goal planning.

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Set a welcoming tone and outline session objectives using the Are You Ready? Slides.
  • Explain that the quiz assesses readiness areas: academics, finances, life skills, and support systems.
  • Assure confidentiality and encourage honest responses.

Step 2

Complete Readiness Quiz

10 minutes

  • Have the student independently complete the College & Career Readiness Quiz.
  • Offer clarifications on any quiz questions.
  • Note areas where the student expresses uncertainty or low confidence.

Step 3

Guided Reflection

10 minutes

  • Review quiz responses together, highlighting strengths and growth areas.
  • Ask open-ended questions: “What surprised you?”, “Where do you feel most/least prepared?”.
  • Use prompts from the Are You Ready? Slides to deepen discussion.

Step 4

Next Steps Planning

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Next Steps Planner for goal setting.
  • Help the student identify 2–3 concrete action items with deadlines.
  • Encourage scheduling follow-up check-ins to track progress.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to “Ready, Apply, Go?”

• Assess your readiness for college or career entry
• Reflect on your strengths and gaps
• Plan concrete next steps for success

Welcome the student and introduce the session. Emphasize a supportive, confidential environment. Mention that the deck’s warm colors will guide them through each step.

Session Objectives

  1. Complete a College & Career Readiness Quiz
  2. Discuss and reflect on your results
  3. Identify 2–3 actionable next steps

Outline goals and flow so the student knows what to expect in the 30‐minute session.

Key Readiness Areas

• Academics (study skills, course planning)
• Finances (budgeting, aid applications)
• Life Skills (time management, self-care)
• Support Systems (mentors, family, peers)

Define each readiness area before the quiz begins. Keep definitions brief.

How to Complete the Quiz

  1. Read each statement carefully
  2. Rate yourself honestly (no right or wrong)
  3. Note areas of uncertainty or low confidence
  4. Total time: ~10 minutes

Explain quiz instructions clearly so the student feels comfortable answering honestly.

Reflection Prompts

• What surprised you most about your results?
• Which area feels like your biggest strength? Why?
• Where do you feel least prepared? What concerns you?

Use these reflection prompts after reviewing quiz results. Encourage elaboration.

Next Steps Planner

  1. Choose 2–3 goals based on your gaps
  2. Assign deadlines to each goal
  3. Identify resources or people who can help

Introduce the Next Steps Planner tool. Offer one quick example (e.g., set a meeting with a college advisor).

Wrap-Up & Follow-Up

• Review your action plan
• Schedule a check-in in 2–4 weeks
• Reach out if you need extra support

Close the session by reiterating support and scheduling follow-up. Encourage accountability.

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Quiz

College & Career Readiness Quiz

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Journal

Next Steps Planner

Use this planner to turn your reflections into concrete, actionable goals. For each goal, think SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and plan the resources and strategies you’ll need.

1. Identify Your Growth Areas

List the top 2–3 readiness areas where you want to improve, based on the College & Career Readiness Quiz.







2. Set Your Goals

For each area you listed above, create a goal and plan how you’ll achieve it.

Goal 1

  • Goal Statement:






  • Target Completion Date:



  • Resources & People to Help (e.g., mentors, websites, campus offices):






  • Potential Barriers You Might Face & How You’ll Overcome Them:











Goal 2

  • Goal Statement:






  • Target Completion Date:



  • Resources & People to Help:






  • Potential Barriers You Might Face & How You’ll Overcome Them:











3. Accountability & Follow-Up

  • Who will help you stay on track? (Accountability partner, advisor, friend)






  • How will you track your progress and celebrate milestones?






4. Reflect on Impact

  • How will achieving these goals influence your readiness for college or your future career?











Schedule your follow-up check-in date: ___________________________

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