10th Grade: College Planning Timeline

For this year, you’ll want to stay on track with your high school classes and activities and begin to narrow down the plan for your future.

Take a practice PSAT.

Be sure to be present on the day the PSAT is taken at CCA. Taking the PSAT as a sophomore will help prepare you for the real thing next year. It also allows you to release your name to colleges so you can start receiving brochures from them.

Start getting ready for the ACT and SAT

There are a variety of places who can help you study for the SAT/ACT. One of the best resources, that is free, is the Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat

and the college board https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/study-guide-students.

Begin learning about the college admissions process.

Get familiar with general college entrance requirements. The guidance counselor’s office, college Web sites, and advice articles are all good sources of information.

Continue exploring potential careers.

Career testing is available at CCA in 10th grade. Be sure to not miss the day the test is administered or the results are given. Explore your career options in more detail—research possible careers to learn about the tasks, education, and training necessary for each occupation.

Stay involved.

Stay involved with your extracurricular activities and work toward leadership positions in the activities you like best. Become involved in community service and other volunteer activities. Remember to track your activities (as well as awards and accomplishments for college and scholarship applications; it's easy to forget!).

Read, read, read.

Developing your reading skills will help prepare you for tests and make you a well-rounded individual. Read as many books as you can and read the newspaper to learn about current affairs.

Practice your writing.

You’ll need good writing skills no matter what path you pursue, so work on those skills now to get prepared. Find a teacher or another adult who can advise and encourage you to write well.

Stay on track with your courses.

Work with the guidance counselor to make sure you’re enrolled in the right courses you need to prepare you for college or a career. Be sure to discuss your PSAT scores and options for Advanced Placement (AP) or Dual Enrollment classes next year.

Is CTE (Career Technical Education) for you?

Be sure to get the information regarding the BOCES program at the Harkness Center in fall of Sophomore year. Attend the open house (live or virtual) to learn about the programs and be sure to check out the FAQ listed on this site under BOCES program.

Do well in school; Keep your grades up.

There’s probably a lot competing for your attention, but it’s important to remain focused on doing well in your classes. Remember that your grades affect your GPA and class rank—two factors that colleges consider in the admissions process.

Start your college search.

Use college search tools, like www.collegeboard.org to decide what factors are important to you and see a list of colleges that matches your criteria. Do you want to stay local, in-state, or go to school out-of-state? Do you want to attend a public or a private school?

Attend college fairs and visit with any college representatives that come to school.

Listen to the announcements and be sure to visit colleges that come to school for in-person visits. Even if you are not interested in attending the college, speaking with various college representatives can increase your knowledge of college and help you make more informed decisions.

Contact colleges that interest you.

Begin making a list of 10-12 colleges that interest you. Email colleges/universities and ask for more information about their academic requirements and any programs or activities that you’re interested in. It’s especially important to start this process now if you think you want to attend a military academy.

Interested in a military career?

There are many career opportunities with the military. ROTC is offered at many colleges as well. Visit www.todaysmilitary.com for more information on Military Careers or stop by the Guidance Office to view booklets.

Need extra help?

Sometimes you want to partner with someone to help navigate the college process. College assistance plus has great resources. There is also a discount for families who attend CCA. https://www.collegeassistanceplus.com/

Consider taking SAT Subject Tests.

Some colleges will ask you to take the SAT subject tests. Consider taking these subject tests in May or June while the information is still fresh on your mind.

Get a summer job.

Having a summer job can help you save money for college expenses. A summer job is also helpful for college and scholarship applications.

Source: https://www.petersons.com/blog/10th-grade-college-planning-timeline/

For Parents: Helping your child prepare for college

The classes your child takes the next few year are important. For more information, click on the article below:

https://www.petersons.com/blog/10th-grade-help-your-child-prepare-for-college/