The road to college can be complicated and confusing for students and parents alike. We鈥檝e gathered unbiased and comprehensive input from multiple expert sources — from high school college counselors and heads of college admissions teams to data sources and academic research — to create four, year-by-year, inclusive timelines to help all aspiring college students and their families organize their college prep efforts.
For high school sophomores, our 10th grade college prep timeline helps parents and students understand concepts like the important distinction between classes that count toward high school graduation but not for college admission, the importance of taking on academic and extracurricular challenges, the best strategies for communicating with teachers and college counselors, and the nuts and bolts of writing strong papers, making effective presentations, and practicing effective study habits.
There are a lot of important decision points for high school sophomores, many of which students, parents, and even counselors can miss. Our timeline offers 10th grade college prep information, tips, and insights to help parents help their high school students navigate the road to college without missing a single step.
10th grade college prep timeline
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September 鈥� October 鈥� November 鈥� December 鈥� January 鈥� February 鈥� March 鈥� April 鈥� May 鈥� June
August college prep to-do’s
Make sure classes count
Sophomores should be taking courses that will count toward high school graduation and getting into college. If you鈥檙e not sure if your teen鈥檚 courses this year count, double check with the school counselor.
Talk up the extracurriculars
Students who participate in extracurricular activities, like sports, drama, debate, and music, get better grades and have higher self-esteem and lower rates of depression than those who don鈥檛. Kids who devote more than one year to the same activity are more likely to graduate from college.
Reality-check your child’s schedule
Make sure your teen will have time for homework, recreation, and rest. Teens need to get enough sleep for their health and learning. Consider instituting a digital curfew for the whole family; research shows that late-night cell phone use has dangerous consequences for teens’ mental health.
Encourage your teen to learn these 10th grade vocabulary words
Teens who know these 10th grade vocabulary words can better understand what they read and hear in class. Post this list on your fridge and use these words in everyday conversation at home. Your teen鈥檚 essays, presentations, and other school work will thank you.
September college prep to-do’s
A high school parent’s guide to saving for college
It’s never too late to start saving for college. Here are 13 smart steps you can take now.
If college sports are in your child鈥檚 future…
If you think your teen may play Division I or II sports in college, . Check with your child鈥檚 college counselor to make sure they’re on track with a core curriculum that meets college and NCAA requirements.
One key skill that raises grades and reduces stress
Staying organized and on top of a demanding schedule is something many adults struggle with. Help your teen develop this important skill for thriving in school and life.
How to help your teen write a great paper
Many high schoolers struggle to make their argument. Here’s how parents can help teens learn this critical skill.
What’s important this month
Are 4 years of college financing enough?
Colleges are four-year institutions, right? The reality is, most students take longer than four years to earn their bachelor’s degrees. So, how will parents and students pay for the extra years?
October college prep to-do’s
Get the PSAT on your radar
Taking the PSAT puts your child on college radars. It’s also a low-stakes way for your teen to get some practice for the SAT. The more comfortable and familiar students are with the test format, the better. PSAT scores have no bearing on college admissions, but you can expect to start getting brochures from colleges and universities. If your child isn鈥檛 yet ready to take this test, there will be more opportunities in the spring and next fall. Here’s how to formulate a PSAT strategy.
Could your child study smarter?
It might surprise you to know that the most effective study technique isn’t highlighting key passages or re-reading material.
Do a mini grade and study skills check — and offer support if needed
One of the most important things sophomores can do to prepare for the college admissions process is keep their grades up. If your child is struggling with a particular class or could use a study skills boost, now’s the time to seek help and get your teen the support they need to set them up for success this year and next (and next).
November college prep to-do’s
College admissions 101
Is your child aware of what the college admissions process involves? Have your teen do a little digging into what the process is like for a private and a public school that interest them. Some questions to explore include: Do these schools require the SAT or ACT? Are there multiple essays and short answer questions? Will these schools require letters of recommendation? Consider buying one of these books on college admissions to help your child get started.
Apply for scholarships (Really!)
It’s not too early! Sophomores are eligible for more scholarships than you might think. By applying now, your teen can start amassing funds for college and get valuable practice writing essays, too.
Sure they can argue, but can your teen construct an argument?
High school students should be able to make a solid argument. Here鈥檚 how you can help them build this skill.
December college prep to-do’s
Consider summer volunteering opportunities
Lots of programs send high school kids overseas to volunteer. Here are questions to consider, such as whether your teenager is mature enough to go abroad, how to find the right match for your teen’s interests, evaluate programs, and figure out how to finance the trip.
If your child isn’t thriving, consider alternatives
Is high school holding your ambitious teen back? Or is something getting in the way of their success? There are alternatives to high school success that may help your teen thrive.
Encourage academic challenges for next year
Have your child talk to teachers and/or the school counselor about the options for taking honors, IB, AP classes, dual-enrollment, or advanced classes in the next two years. Taking on academic challenges looks very good on college applications.
Talk about career goals
What does your child want to do they grow up? Have your child pick two possible careers (they can use this list or this list or take a personality test for inspiration) and research what sort of degree they’d need and what the day-to-day life and salaries are like for each.
January college prep to-do’s
Do a grade check
While some colleges don鈥檛 consider freshman year grades, sophomore year grades are a different story. With your child halfway through sophomore year, this is an excellent time to sit down together and talk about grades.
Help your child ease test anxiety
Learning expert Annie Murphy Paul shares two effective techniques to help kids relax before a test. In our podcast episode “This is only a test”, a psychologist explains why a little bit of worry before a test is not a bad thing.
Make an appointment with a college counselor
Explore your child’s college options with the school counselor or a private admissions advisor. Start learning a little bit about the process.
Check out this year-by-year parent’s guide to the ACT and SAT
Your college-bound teen may take one or both of these college entrance exams at least once. Here’s what you need to know.
See what surprising math skill your teen needs
This math skill is key for solving real-life problems.
February college prep to-do’s
Think about leadership opportunities
Colleges value leadership. Encourage your teen to pursue a leadership role in a favorite extracurricular activity. Would student government suit them? Could your teen hold an office in their favorite club? How can your athlete step up on the team? Think creatively and let your child’s passion lead. (Kids can start their own clubs, too, which definitely shows leadership.)
Check out a college fair
Soon your child will start making a preliminary list of colleges they’re interested in. Do a search for upcoming college fairs in your area and plan to attend at least one together.
3 things all college-bound teens should do when they read
Did you know that 70 percent of high school students need some form of reading help? Make sure your 10th grader is developing the reading skills they need. It’s not too late to improve — and it may really help for junior year (and college).
March college prep to-do’s
Forget cramming: 3 better ways to teach kids how to remember what they learn
To really learn something, kids need to move the information from their short-term memory to their long-term memory. Here are three strategies your teen should use.
What are your teen鈥檚 summer plans?
Even if your child needs a well-deserved break before junior year, consider including enrichment activities and/or learning into your child鈥檚 summer plans. What your teen does this summer can be a game-changer. Summer jobs, internships, volunteering, college classes and learning opportunities, leadership opportunities, and helping others (even in your own family) are all pursuits that look good on college applications. (Tip: The school counselor is often a great source of summer planning ideas.)
Understanding college admissions tests
College admissions tests have long been a rite of passage for high school students, but things are changing. Many colleges are “test-blind” or “test-optional” now. Still, it may be a good idea for your teen to at least consider taking the ACT and/or SAT. Read about the two major college admissions tests: the ACT and the SAT. Learn about how these tests differ to understand if one may be a better choice for your teen than the other. (Hint: these tests have changed since most parents took them.)
April college prep to-do’s
AP exams already?
Yes, but only if your child is taking an Advanced Placement (AP) class this year. If so, encourage your child to take the AP exam this spring while the material is top of mind.
What college really costs
It’s not too early to plan for the hidden costs of college. Here’s the breakdown of what college really costs.
A high school parent’s guide to saving for college
It’s never too late to start a college savings plan. Here are 13 smart steps you can take now.
May college prep to-do’s
For athletes, look into NCAA rules
There are a lot of misconceptions about getting into college (and getting scholarships) for NCAA sports. Now is a good time to look up the so you and your child know what’s up.
Getting ready for college math
Make sure your child is building the math skills needed for success in college and beyond.
Choose the right classes
As your child chooses classes for junior year, the two keywords are challenge and balance. Encourage your teen to challenge themself by taking an honors, IB, AP, dual-enrollment, or advanced class (or two… or up to six). And encourage your teen to make the most of their electives. Help your teen find balance by considering the demands of these tougher classes and making sure they choose a course load that they’re excited about and will be able to handle next year.
June college prep to-do’s
3 ways to make summer count
There are many ways for your child to squeeze college-prep activities into summer. Here are just three:
1) Getting a job;
2) Volunteering;
3) Signing up for an enrichment program (e.g. a class at your local community college, a chess competition, a community theater production, a coding challenge). Here are a few resources to check out: , projects by , data science learning opportunities for teens, or sign up to tutor kids online with .
Encourage summer reading and writing
College admissions pros have three suggestions for encouraging your teen to read and write every day this summer:
1) Have your child sign up for a daily source of in-depth articles and read two articles per day.
2) Encourage your child to read 10 books from this list.
3) Persuade your teen to keep a daily journal and write about what they鈥檙e feeling, reading, and doing each day.
