10th Grade Checklist

May 4, 2016

  • Keep those grades up! You might have a lot going on this year, but it's important to stay focused on your schoolwork. Colleges will pay close attention to your grade point average (GPA) in courses taken starting in tenth grade.
  • Make sure you are putting money into a checking or savings account to go towards your college expenses. It's a good idea to start talking to parents, counselors, and other adults about how you’re going to pay for college. Make sure you know all the options! Start looking into scholarships! If there are some you can qualify for this year, prepare to apply.
  • Continue your conversations with your guidance counselors, teachers, family members or trusted adults about your plans for college or other paths towards a career.
  • Plan your AP and other honors-level courses for junior year.
  • Start working on your college application checklist! Use CCGI’s College Application Checklist to start familiarizing yourself with the college application process.
  • Continue extracurricular activities. Remember, many admissions officers look for well-rounded students who are active in their school and communities.
  • If you have room in your schedule, consider a part-time job or volunteer position. Look into participating in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops, and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts, and sciences.
  • Are you taking the ACT in 11th or 12th grade? Consider taking the PLAN test! This is a valuable test to help you prepare for the ACT, which you can take next year. Ask your school counselor for more information about the PLAN test.
  • Are you planning on taking SAT in 11th or 12th grade? You should consider taking the PSAT this year in October. The scores will not count for National Merit Scholar consideration this year, but it is good practice for taking the PSAT in your junior year (when the scores will count).
  • Are you planning on taking SAT in 11th or 12th grade? You should consider taking the PSAT this year in October. The scores will not count for National Merit Scholar consideration this year, but it is good practice for taking the PSAT in your junior year (when the scores will count).
  • It's not too early to start studying for standardized tests like the ACT plus writing and SAT.A great place to start is with the Test Prep section.
  • Did you know that you can take college courses WHILE you are in high school? This is called "concurrent" or "dual" enrollment. If you meet certain requirements, you can take courses in the 11th and 12th grade at a local community college. Talk to your support team to see if this is a good opportunity for you!
  • Are there colleges that you already like? Make a list of reasons why. Consider things like campus programs, location, cost, etc...Visit college campuses and "tour" colleges in the Explore Schools section.
  • Start thinking about what factors are important to you in choosing a college:size, location, availability of extracurricular activities, for example.
  • Keep reading! Expanding your vocabulary and learning new things will help with many things over the next few years.
  • College life can be a big change — you're on your own! Try taking some small steps towards independence this year, perhaps with more responsibility around your house.
  • Continue to talk to people who have attended college to learn about their experiences.
  • Practice managing your time well. Learning to make the most efficient use of your time can help prevent you from get-ting overwhelmed.
  • Improve your reading, writing, and math skills. These basic skills will serve you well in both college and career.

https://secure.californiacolleges.edu/College_Planning/Prepare_for_College/College_Planning_Timeline/10th_Grade.aspx#sthash.iVPMhaWP.dpuf

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