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what should i do in each grade in high school to better my chances of getting into top colleges?
like what should i do in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade?? pls give me a detailed guide :)
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7 answers
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Awesome question Allaya!
1. Take challenging courses
2. Get good grades
3. Participate in extracurricular activities: Colleges want to see that you are well-rounded and have interests outside of the classroom
4. Volunteer or do community service
5. Build relationships with teachers: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers can make a big difference in college admissions
Good luck with everything!
1. Take challenging courses
2. Get good grades
3. Participate in extracurricular activities: Colleges want to see that you are well-rounded and have interests outside of the classroom
4. Volunteer or do community service
5. Build relationships with teachers: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers can make a big difference in college admissions
Good luck with everything!
Updated
Nagham’s Answer
Freshman year: Seek out adults who can serve as mentors, such as school counselors, coaches, family members, or other adults who have navigated the path to college and can help answer questions. Create an ongoing list of skills, potential job interests, and possible colleges.
Sophomore year: Take at least a few challenging courses (AP, honors, etc.) in core subjects (math, science, history, English, language). Spread out your AP, dual enrollment, and honors courses over your sophomore, junior, and senior years.
Junior year: Start preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Begin researching colleges and universities that interest you. Consider taking a college course or attending a summer program at a college or university.
Senior year: Finalize your college list and begin working on your applications. Request letters of recommendation from teachers or other adults who know you well. Write a compelling personal statement and essays. Apply to a diverse selection of colleges.
In addition to the above steps, it’s also important to earn good grades in challenging courses, get a high SAT/ACT score, demonstrate interest in extracurricular activities and community service, manage your online reputation, and build meaningful relationships. Remember that getting into a good school doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. By starting early and planning wisely, you can avoid having senior year become a source of anguish rather than excitement
Sophomore year: Take at least a few challenging courses (AP, honors, etc.) in core subjects (math, science, history, English, language). Spread out your AP, dual enrollment, and honors courses over your sophomore, junior, and senior years.
Junior year: Start preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Begin researching colleges and universities that interest you. Consider taking a college course or attending a summer program at a college or university.
Senior year: Finalize your college list and begin working on your applications. Request letters of recommendation from teachers or other adults who know you well. Write a compelling personal statement and essays. Apply to a diverse selection of colleges.
In addition to the above steps, it’s also important to earn good grades in challenging courses, get a high SAT/ACT score, demonstrate interest in extracurricular activities and community service, manage your online reputation, and build meaningful relationships. Remember that getting into a good school doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. By starting early and planning wisely, you can avoid having senior year become a source of anguish rather than excitement
thank u, nagham !!
allaya
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
The closer you can get to a 4.0 GPA the better. Also, make sure you get some study guides and get as high of a score on the ACT/SAT that you can. Lastly, a lot of schools look at extra curricular activities as well to see that you’re “well-rounded.” Pick something you like such as volunteer work or a sport.
thank u !!
allaya
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Achieving high grades and performing well on your SAT/ACT is a fundamental step. Keep an eye on the average GPA/Scores of your desired schools and aim to fall within that bracket. The emphasis on GPA/Scores is clear and straightforward. However, your participation in extracurricular activities carries significant weight too. It's not merely about signing up for various clubs or honor societies, but about assuming leadership roles within these activities.
Maintaining a clear focus is crucial, so rather than spreading yourself thin across all available clubs, choose those that align with your passions. This way, when you apply to colleges, you can demonstrate a purpose behind your extracurricular engagements. Your motivation, and how you channel it in your activities, will help distinguish you from the rest of the applicants. Remember, it's not just about ticking boxes, it's about showcasing your unique interests and leadership potential.
Maintaining a clear focus is crucial, so rather than spreading yourself thin across all available clubs, choose those that align with your passions. This way, when you apply to colleges, you can demonstrate a purpose behind your extracurricular engagements. Your motivation, and how you channel it in your activities, will help distinguish you from the rest of the applicants. Remember, it's not just about ticking boxes, it's about showcasing your unique interests and leadership potential.
thank u, keith !!
allaya
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
Check out this year by year guide from The College Board: https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/student/college-application-timeline.pdf
It shows each year the steps you should take to be prepared.
Talk with your School Counselor early in 9th grade about your college plans as well so they can help you select the best classes to provide you with a rigorous path. Take advantage of any college fairs, visits, field trips or college reps that visit your school throughout your 4 years. Begin the process early so that you have time to make a college choice that best fits you and your future. Start researching colleges, making decisions on majors and taking a look at colleges. You can start making your list right away. Take the PSAT in 10th grade to practice. Take the SAT and ACT at least once in your junior year and again at the start of your senior year. Use the summer before your senior year to work on your college essay and to request letters of recommendations. Then apply in the Fall on your senior year. Finish your apps by December so you have plenty of time to weigh all your options and then decide. Good Luck! Take it one step at a time and don’t forget to enjoy high school as well along the way!!
It shows each year the steps you should take to be prepared.
Talk with your School Counselor early in 9th grade about your college plans as well so they can help you select the best classes to provide you with a rigorous path. Take advantage of any college fairs, visits, field trips or college reps that visit your school throughout your 4 years. Begin the process early so that you have time to make a college choice that best fits you and your future. Start researching colleges, making decisions on majors and taking a look at colleges. You can start making your list right away. Take the PSAT in 10th grade to practice. Take the SAT and ACT at least once in your junior year and again at the start of your senior year. Use the summer before your senior year to work on your college essay and to request letters of recommendations. Then apply in the Fall on your senior year. Finish your apps by December so you have plenty of time to weigh all your options and then decide. Good Luck! Take it one step at a time and don’t forget to enjoy high school as well along the way!!
thank u, tammy !!
allaya
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
The good news is that you are starting early and that will give you the best chance to put together a compelling application when the time comes.
9th Grade:
Take Honors or AP courses when possible
Work on good grades As, A-, B+ but mostly As. Work on your time management and organization skills so you can keep up with homework and studying.
Join a club (or sports) or two at the high school. Starting early looks good on your application. The Common App has a place to list the years you were in a club; you can check all 4 years if you start now. Also, getting in early will help you be considered for a leadership role in 11th or 12th grade.
10th Grade
Take Honors or AP courses when possible
Continue to keep your grades up.
Continue to be a member of the club or sports team.
Prepare to take the PSAT (if you are a good test taker, the top scores qualify you for National Merit Scholarship and a very valuable asset on your application. If you don't get NMS it's ok, there are other things you can do.
Start preparing for SAT or ACT tests later in the year.
Consider volunteer work if your schedule permits
Optional Summer Pre 11th - Look for a summer internship or a job in an area you think you may want to work.
11th Grade
Take Honors or AP courses when possible
Grades, Clubs or sports, volunteering
Participate in club competitions (example: FBLA state competitions) and get recognition.
Consider becoming a leader in the club or sports team
Prepare for the SAT or ACT
Build relationships with teachers for references in your senior year.
Summer Pre 12th
Internship in Government or relevant to your area of study.
Visit the schools you are interested - Register and take the tour. Send questions to Admissions, to show your interest
Make a list of schools you want to attend
Start working on your college essay
12th Grade
Take Honors or AP courses when possible
Grades, leadership, volunteering
Become President of the club or Captain of the team
National Honor Society
Academic Awards - Academic All-State for sports or clubs
Build relationships with teachers for references.
EARLY ACCEPTANCE - If there is one top school you want to go to, apply for early acceptance. The acceptance rate is much higher.
Continue the applications to other schools.
Good luck.
9th Grade:
Take Honors or AP courses when possible
Work on good grades As, A-, B+ but mostly As. Work on your time management and organization skills so you can keep up with homework and studying.
Join a club (or sports) or two at the high school. Starting early looks good on your application. The Common App has a place to list the years you were in a club; you can check all 4 years if you start now. Also, getting in early will help you be considered for a leadership role in 11th or 12th grade.
10th Grade
Take Honors or AP courses when possible
Continue to keep your grades up.
Continue to be a member of the club or sports team.
Prepare to take the PSAT (if you are a good test taker, the top scores qualify you for National Merit Scholarship and a very valuable asset on your application. If you don't get NMS it's ok, there are other things you can do.
Start preparing for SAT or ACT tests later in the year.
Consider volunteer work if your schedule permits
Optional Summer Pre 11th - Look for a summer internship or a job in an area you think you may want to work.
11th Grade
Take Honors or AP courses when possible
Grades, Clubs or sports, volunteering
Participate in club competitions (example: FBLA state competitions) and get recognition.
Consider becoming a leader in the club or sports team
Prepare for the SAT or ACT
Build relationships with teachers for references in your senior year.
Summer Pre 12th
Internship in Government or relevant to your area of study.
Visit the schools you are interested - Register and take the tour. Send questions to Admissions, to show your interest
Make a list of schools you want to attend
Start working on your college essay
12th Grade
Take Honors or AP courses when possible
Grades, leadership, volunteering
Become President of the club or Captain of the team
National Honor Society
Academic Awards - Academic All-State for sports or clubs
Build relationships with teachers for references.
EARLY ACCEPTANCE - If there is one top school you want to go to, apply for early acceptance. The acceptance rate is much higher.
Continue the applications to other schools.
Good luck.
thank u, charlie !!
allaya
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Getting a 4.0 will set you up for success in terms of college selections. Taking a SAT class, or hiring a tutor, will help prepare you for the exam. Also, do not be afraid to take it multiple times!
In addition, joining extracurricular activities that align with your interests and goals will help you stand out from the crowd. You should consider taking a leadership role in a club. Also, volunteering is a great way to show your dedication to others while growing yourself.
In addition, joining extracurricular activities that align with your interests and goals will help you stand out from the crowd. You should consider taking a leadership role in a club. Also, volunteering is a great way to show your dedication to others while growing yourself.
thank u !!
allaya