All Year, Every Year Applies to grades 9-12
This one is obvious but encourage your child to try to consistently get good grades. Your child’s GPA matters more now that so many schools have gone test-optional. Take high-level classes in areas of interest. Colleges like to see students challenge themselves with honors, Advanced Placement (AP) and other ambitious offerings that show rigor and curiosity.
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Middle School Middle school?! Yep. “Before students even get into high school, we focus on making sure they are positioned to take full advantage of those four years when high school grades and experiences count for college,” says Krystle DiCristofalo, educational consultant and owner of My Ivy Education in Summit. There are math prerequisites kids should ideally take by 7th or 8th grade if they hope to enroll in AP classes. Plus, it’s an ideal time to master the art of studying, she says. “The knowledge of not just ‘what’ to learn, but also ‘how’ to learn to get good grades,” is a competency more kids should be taught.
Be strategic about extracurricular activities. Delve into passion projects where they can make an impact and maximize leadership.
Teach your child study skills or consider hiring a tutor specializing in them. Every child can benefit from enhanced organizational and executive function skills.
Choose meaningful summer activities. Volunteering, traveling, interning, working, special interest camps… anything truly engaging counts towards building a well-rounded resume.
Start discussing what interests and inspires them with the goal of discerning how they might make an impact on their community and world.
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By JENNIFER KANTOR
If the road to college seems daunting, you’re not alone. The pressure on students and parents is intense. The hyper competitiveness, amplified by social media, can be overwhelming. But remember there are countless paths available to your kid. If college is the path your child is on, our year-by-year time line will help keep you and your family on the college application straight and narrow.
