GOALS
Welcome to 10th grade! It’s amazing you are thinking about a selective school already. Starting in 10th grade gives you the runway to really develop yourself as a strong applicant.
– Your beginning college list
– A strategy, which will inform everything you do with your time from now forward, especially your classes and extracurricular activities.

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Note: I hold monthly group calls for anyone to ask questions or share where they are in their process. Contact me to be put on the email list for the links.
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September
Classes and Grades
1) Selective colleges need to see you take the hardest class load possible at your school AND have a 4.0, or close. So do what it takes. It’s a grind, but this is how you make a better future.
2) If your school doesn’t offer enough* or you can take on more, consider self-studying AP or other courses. You can do this! I self-studied French all through high school and self-studied AP Government my junior year and got a “5” on the exam. Learn more here.
* Good to know: Many suburban schools offer numerous APs that kids start taking their freshman year. APs show colleges you can do high-level work, and also prepare your mind for college work. Even if your school doesn’t offer any, try at least one through an online course or self-study. They are important.

PSATs, SATs, and ACTs – For now, just READ
Selective schools are increasingly moving to test-required. Be ready! Scores are IMPORTANT. It’s a little early to study, as you’re still learning a lot in your classes, but here is what you do now: READ. Read real books, newspapers and magazines, published materials from smart people with interesting vocabulary. This is fun and also critically develops vocabulary and comprehension you must build with TIME.

Extracurriculars – Deepen and Take on Leadership
Selective colleges want to see major leadership roles in substantive extracurriculars. Many rural schools are limited.
1) To learn more about meaningful and impressive activities you can get involved in outside of school virtually, click here.
2) Meanwhile, seriously maximize what you already have going on. Run for class president. Create a “band president” position, put on a fundraiser, and take the band somewhere for a performance. Actually lead things.
3) Think about what you care about and create something new, like…STRuCC! Warning: It takes tons of time, work, and isn’t easy, but it’s also is rewarding and shows initiative (because it takes initiative).

Start College List
Determine key things you want from college. See this page for details. Feeling overwhelmed? For a quick assessment, drop me a note. This is important to start before the early October college fair!

October
1) Many communities have college fairs at this time. Google for any within driving distance. Definitely go. These reps actually read your application, but they change frequently, like basically every year, so for the 10th graders, this is more about your own exploration than standing out to the schools. That will be for 11th and 12th grade.
2) STARS (Small-Town and Rural Students College Network) is also now offering virtual (online) college fairs, which are really great. Click the Events button from their home page here.

November
Think about summer plans. I’m not kidding, research these now. Deadlines are early and applications are sometimes not easy.

Selective colleges increasing have “test drive” summer programs for rural youth, some are free. There are also paid internships and year-long programs with the U.S Government that are prestigious and a huge boost to your application. Get ideas here.

December – May
It feels early to think about college and your future, but it’s NOT. I was amazed at how far along high-achieving urban and suburban kids are in their life goals early in high school. Think, “I plan to pursue an interdisciplinary career in engineering and medicine to advance sustainability in healthcare” or “to explore the intersection of law and finance to drive equitable change with the ultimate goal of inspiring others to embrace the belief that ‘si se puede.’”

I know, it’s a mind blow for most of us. BUT….some is what you love, and some is how it’s worded. For now, think about narrowing your direction and building within it. We’ll think about the wording in a year or two.

June-August
Over the summer:
1) Continue moving along your extracurriculars.
2) Self-study more academics, if desired.
3) Working is often necessary and is good, too.