Grades 9-12

Ninth Grade

  • Do as well as you can in class
  • Participate actively in a few interests outside of class (do not overload)
  • Take biology (or other relevant science) SAT II test if science is a strength
  • Do something productive in the summer—pursue an interest or read!!!

Tenth Grade

  • Do as well as you can in class
  • Keep participating outside of class
  • Take the practice tests of the practice SAT in October (you are automatically signed up for this test)
  • Take relevant science and/or world history SAT II if either is a strength.
  • Be active in the summer -  a job may be an option; read good books!
  • It’s too soon to visit colleges; however, driving by a college because you happen to be in the area to see what a big college or a small college is like is fine - too soon to get out of the car.

Eleventh Grade

  • Do as well as you can in class
  • Keep participating outside of class
  • Take practice SAT (PSAT) in October
  • Meet and plan with your college counselor in the winter/spring
  • Take SAT in January (a few who are strong testers and have no test anxiety tend to take the test in January) or March
  • Take SAT II’s in 3 or more subject areas in May and June
  • Optional but helpful to visit a few campuses over spring break
  • If you are thinking about SAT prep, take the course either in the spring leading to the March date, or in the summer at the end of junior year through September of senior year in preparation for the October test
  • Set up interviews at colleges and visit over the summer
  • Keep being active in other ways during the summer—e.g. get a job

Twelfth Grade

  • Do as well as you can in class (all year)
  • Keep participating in activities outside of class
  • Retake any SAT I or SAT II tests (Oct/Nov)
  • Apply to college by November (early deadline) or January
  • Read the college counseling survival guide

Throughout Upper School, the general rule of thumb is to pursue the five major subject areas (English, math, science, foreign language, history) for as long as possible and to the highest level successfully attainable. It is detrimental, however, to “overchallenge” yourself. Petitioning to take a higher level course, struggling, and earning a low grade is not helpful either to your learning or to your chances of admission at colleges.

Colleges want students to take the toughest courses THAT THEY CAN HANDLE AND IN WHICH THEY CAN DO WELL. Students do themselves a great disservice by accelerating or taking an AP course when it is inappropriate to do so.