College Bound - What I Shoud Do...and When!

If you have not began to take attending college seriously, but you know you want to attend, do so now. This is your second year preparing your GPA for college. At the close of the first semester this year, your GPA will be at the midpoint towards your college admissions GPA. Remember, most colleges base admission on your end of 11th grade year cumulative GPA. Why? Because when you become a senior you have no semester grades until December for colleges to view. Therefore, your GPA and grades during the 9th-11th grades will be the only available information. If you have drifted off this should be your wake-up call to get things back on track. Your courses and grades should reflect the wonderful academic student you are becoming. Colleges look for students who do well academically, study hard and your record will demonstrate that you can.

Core courses are the classes you need to graduate, so make sure you take them. Get the best grades you can.

Elective courses are classes that are not required to graduate but need to be taken in order to have enough credits to graduate. Take ones that will challenge you and contribute to your collegiate goals. Do not get caught with more “fluff” classes than challenging ones.

Also, find out if your school offers any Advanced Placement (AP) courses for 10th grade students. If not, find out what’s available for your junior year. Ask how you can enroll for them and what classes you should be taking now to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) courses later.

In October of this year students can take the P SAT. The P SAT is a preliminary (practice) test for the SAT college entrance test. The tenth grade P SAT is also a practice test for the eleventh grade P SAT. The eleventh grade P SAT will qualify you for national scholarship dollars if your score is within a certain range.

Also, in the fall 10th graders can take the PLAN test. This is a preliminary (practice) test for the ACT college entrance test.

You should take both tests. They will give you an idea of where you are academically compared to other 10th grade college bound students across the country, show you what subjects you need to devote additional study time to before the real test and give you an excellent opportunity for test prep/practice. It also gives you the opportunity to strengthen your weaknesses. After you receive your scores take note of the areas you scored the lowest in and work on getting better in those areas. Look into tutoring or getting a practice book at your local bookstore. The goal is to get the highest score possible on the “real” SAT and ACT.

Continue in programs you have begun. The Tennessee Governor’s School (summer program) applications should become available during the first semester. Contact your counselor for additional information and applications. Academically advanced students may also apply to Summer Prep Schools. Many colleges and organizations offer wonderful opportunities for students during the summer. Again, see your counselor. Look tino in-state and out-of-state colleges for special summer programs such as academic enrichment programs, writing camps, etc.

If you have been neglecting leadership roles in the extra-curricular activities you participate in, now is the time for you to develop those leadership skills. Don’t be afraid to go for the president or vice-presidential roles! If those don’t interest you what about treasurer or secretary? Volunteer to chair a committee, be a delegate, or head a project. Do something!

Begin thinking of a special community project you may want to start or sponsor to help others in need. This should be a great, unique and needed program you begin and continue throughout high school. You can help others while helping yourself.

Begin collecting college application essays. These will be vital if you are applying to private colleges, special public college programs or special scholarships. Review the essay questions and practice responding to the question within the guidelines listed.

The 10th grade is the a crucial step in your college admissions journey. Make sure you are taking the courses necessary for graduation and getting the best possible grades you can. Tenth grade is the year you begin preparing for the standardized tests required for college admissions. Get as much practice as possible. If you see that you are weak in certain areas take this time to get stronger. Never settle. Most academic problems can be solved with hard work.