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    Back to School Strategies For Each Year of High School

    By | Back To School – Mon, Aug 22, 2011 4:29 PM EDT

    By GalTime College Coach Suzanne Shaffer

    It's that time of year again and your college-bound teen is headed back to high school. Every year presents opportunities to get a leg up on the college process. If you and your teen plan strategically before school starts, you'll have some goals and be able to hit the ground running.

    Here is a quick list of strategies, broken down by each grade level. The activities are to be done just as soon as your teen gets back to school:


    9th Grade

    • Meet with your school counselor and map out a course plan with challenging classes in core academics
    • Start establishing strong relationships with teachers and faculty
    • Get involved in school and community based activities (showing a 4-year pattern is the best strategy)
    • Begin studying for the SAT/ACT by doing online practice tests and vocabulary reviews
    • Begin collecting all college-related materials as they become available

    10th Grade

    • Sign up for the PSAT (SAT) and/or PLAN (ACT) practice tests to get an idea of your strengths and weaknesses
    • Think about taking on some leadership positions in the activities you're involved in
    • Start researching colleges and make some preliminary college visits
    • Do some research on scholarships locally and at the colleges you are interested in attending

    11th Grade

    • Sign up for the PSAT since this test counts toward the National Merit Scholarship
    • Register for the SAT and/or ACT
    • Attend area fall college fairs and parent nights
    • Visit colleges in the fall to help narrow down your choices
    • Determine which scholarships you are going to apply for and note the deadlines
    Related: Top 10 Questions Parents Ask About College


    12th Grade
    • Get those recommendation letters EARLY
    • Finalize your college essays
    • Lock in your college choices and finish those college applications
    • Register and take the SAT/ACT early in the fall
    • Research AP tests, CLEP exams, and SAT subject tests (check with colleges for their requirements)
    • Watch and keep track of any scholarship deadlines

    If you approach each school year with a set of tasks, strategies and goals, you will be well prepared by the time your college-bound teen sends off those college applications.


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