9th Graders
Give yourself permission to ease into high school.
Get to know your teachers and try to review your daily class notes from each academic subject a few minutes every day.
Sign up for as many clubs that interest you and don't worry about committing to all of them. The idea is to give yourself time to figure out what you like best.
10th Graders
Enjoy 10th grade!
Get to know your teachers and try to review your daily class notes from each academic subject a few minutes every day.
Review test materials & take a standardized test only IF you are a strong student and hope to ace the SAT or Act next year. You do NOT need to fill out all the identifying questions that the College Board or ACT asks.
This year look to deepen an activity or interest you genuinely enjoy.
11th Graders
Take a breath. You got this. Junior year is just another year in high school.
Create a personalized testing plan that suits your individual calendar. For example, if you play a fall sport, consider test prep in the spring.
Review test materials & take PSAT (if that's a good idea for you). You may not need to take this. If you decide to take it, be careful how you answer the identifying questions from the College Board (or ACT).
Visit colleges (preferably Likelies). Jewish holidays, Columbus, Election and Veterans Days all great times. February and Spring break are fantastic, too. Please make visiting campuses while in session a priority this year. Register for visits and testing through your email address that you will use for applications.
Think about one or two major activities where you can set yourself apart. If you are already a great student, perhaps you want to start a tutoring service. Or, if you enjoy doing community service, you could provide some free service for senior citizens regularly (like grocery shopping and delivery). It doesn't matter what you do as long as it's authentic to you. For example, if you're thinking about studying medicine/health sciences, consider getting involved in research. If you like to take pictures, ask local stores if you can display your photos in the front of their store like a gallery.
12th Graders
Try to remember to enjoy this journey. You are ready!
Keep your grades up and commit to 5-10 hours per week for college application work until it's all done.
Finalize college list.
Prepare for fall SAT or ACT.
Work on applications and essays. Rolling Decision and EA applications are your priority.
Review transcript for accuracy.
If you need to make a change to your schedule, be sure to do it BEFORE any applications are sent out. For example, if you change your math class after you send an application, you are then required to notify the college that you changed your schedule. No need to bring attention to that!
Confirm recommendation letters from teachers and counselor.
Meet with visiting college reps and attend college fairs to help demonstrate interest.
Set up interviews, if applicable.
Review standardized testing policies at every college on your list. A growing list of colleges will allow you to self-report testing. This will save money, but you need to check each school's website for requirements.
Work on your 150-character explanation for your activities and finalize resume too, if needed.
Match Naviance and Common App accounts if applicable. Check with your school counselor if you have any questions.
You may also need to use a different platform. Check in with your school counselor.
Determine if you will create a supplemental video for your colleges.
Because of recent technology challenges, the FAFSA will be available on December 1, 2024, two months later than usual.
Complete CSS Profile if required by colleges.
Clean up your social media pages.
Schedule any last/ED repeat visits to campuses.
Athletes: stay in touch with college coaches.
HAVE AN AMAZING YEAR!
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