10TH GRADE: BUILD
August |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Continue involvement with extra-curricular activities. If your schedule allows, add one more activity to broaden your experiences and opportunities. ACTION 1: "What College Admissions Offices Look for in Extracurricular Activities" |
September |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Proper course mapping is an essential component of becoming "college ready." ACTION 1: Meet with your high school counselor to make sure that you are on track with your college prep curriculum. OBJECTIVE 2: Get a jump on the SAT and ACT by taking a prep course. We recommend that each test be taken once during your sophomore year so that you can focus on prepping and re-taking your junior year (leaving Senior year for college applications without the added stress of re-takes). You can re-take both tests until you are satisfied with your scores (maximum of 12 times for the ACT). Do not wait until the end of your Junior year or Senior year to prepare and take these exams! The ACT is offered the following months: September, October, December, February, April, and June The SAT is offered the following months: October, November, December, January, March, May, and June ACTION 2: Dr. Carlin's ACT Prep Webinar Register for ACT Dr. Carlin's SAT Prep Webinar Register for SAT Dr. Carlin's Podcast Episode - Importance of Early Testing |
October |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Take the PSAT again this month if offered at your school. 10th grade students who take the test benefit from early feedback on their skills. Research shows that students in U.S. schools who take the PSAT/NMSQT in 10th and 11th grades score, on average, 189 points higher on the SAT than students who do not. ACTION 1: PSAT |
November |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Continue to practice reading skills by challenging yourself with difficult material and building your fluency and comprehension. ACTION 1: 101 Great Books Recommended for College-Bound Readers |
December |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Update your high school resume to include accomplishments and awards earned to this point. ACTION 1: College Prep Resume |
January |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Evaluate your high school career thus far (second semester of your second year). Are you doing what is necessary to accomplish your goals? Are your grades where they need to be? What could you do to ensure your success? ACTION 1: Review College Prep Goals |
February |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Build on your knowledge of fields of study or careers that you might consider pursuing. Research what level of post-secondary education would be required for these careers and what types of classes you would need to take. ACTION 1: Bureau of Labor: Occupational Outlook Handbook |
March |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Research the average ACT and SAT scores needed for admission to colleges in your area (state or regional) or for other colleges that you might be interested in attending. ACTION 1: ACT Score Comparison for Top Universities SAT Score Comparison for Top Universities |
April |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Schedule challenging classes for junior year to stay on the ʺcollege readinessʺ track. Don't forget to schedule AP courses and continue foreign language course sequence. Consider scheduling IB (International Baccalaureate) courses if offered. These courses are offered Junior and Senior year and can also result in earned college credit. ACTION 1: Discover the Difference Between AP and IB Classes Explore IB Course Options "Advice From a Dean of Admissions on Selecting High School Courses" |
May |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Make a list of what matters to you in a college - location, size, price, majors, athletics - this can help you keep focused in preparing for the application process. Research 2 or 3 colleges that you've heard of to see what is required to attend and what they offer. Do they fit your list of requirements? ACTION 1: College Inventory |
June |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Continue summer employment and/or volunteering. Job shadowing in a career that you may be interested in could also be valuable. ACTION 1: Research Job Shadowing Sample Cover Letter for Students Requesting Job Shadowing |
July |
OBJECTIVE 1:
Make a committment to yourself to kick your college prepartion into high gear Junior year. As an upperclassman, now is the time to focus on reaching your goals. ACTION 1: "What Should High School Juniors Do to Prepare for College?" |