Hi, Reader!

All of you are likely well into the thick of the school year now — and from what I hear, teachers didn’t waste any time assigning projects and scheduling tests. I hope y’all are adjusting to the new schedule well.

It’s back-to-school time in our house, too. My son started his junior year of college, and it’s always been tradition in our house that I have hot, fresh, homemade chocolate chip cookies waiting for the kids when they get home from school. My son and I have been in a years-long search for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe, and I think we finally found it. (Check it out here.)

I mean, could you even resist? They’re huge, but so, so good.

But I’m pretty sure my new cookie recipe isn’t the reason you’re subscribed here (though I’m sure it’s a bonus!), so let’s get back to school topics, shall we?

As we make our way through September, I wanted to share these things high schoolers in every grade can be doing to make the most of their high school career.

Ready? Let’s go.

9th Graders

• Welcome to high school! Top 8 tips for ninth graders:
  • Get organized: read your syllabi and map out your calendar/planner
  • Get involved: join clubs, sports, and volunteer opportunities
  • Create good study habits: ask a teacher for tips for each subject
  • Set attainable goals: track your progress
  • Nurture relationships: aside from your peer group, be sure to build relationships with your teachers, counselors, administrators, employers, coaches, and club sponsors. These relationships will help support you throughout high school.
  • Challenge yourself within reason academically and personally
  • Consider a part-time job
  • Create healthy habits: eat well, get enough sleep, set aside time for studying and alone time
• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
• ​Be careful with your social media use: Any words or pictures you post are part of your permanent online record. Don't post anything that would cause a college (or anyone else) to question your maturity or integrity.
• ​Challenge yourself academically: Take advantage of course offerings, and don’t be afraid to ask about higher-level classes if you aren’t feeling challenged.

10th Graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
• Stay involved with your clubs and other extracurricular activities. Let go of things that don’t interest you. If you can’t find anything at school, look for volunteer opportunities outside of school. Here’s a database with tons of volunteer opportunities.
• ​Be careful with your social media use: Any words or pictures you post are part of your permanent online record. Don't post anything that would cause a college (or anyone else) to question your maturity or integrity.
• As you are starting 10th grade, start thinking about what lies ahead and how you can pave the way for a smooth application process in a couple of years: What Do Colleges Look for in Students​
• Something else to keep in mind as you start thinking about colleges is Demonstrated Interest. Listen to this: Podcast #108 w/Monica James: Demonstrated Interest: How to Build Authentic Relationships with Colleges (and Why It's a Good Idea).
• ​Start exploring possible careers: There are so many possibilities out there. What sounds interesting to you? Start with your interests, and see where your research takes you. Talk to your school counselor about shadowing and internship opportunities.

11th Graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process for 9th through 12th grade.
• Taking the PSAT can help qualify you for the NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship).
• ​Be careful with your social media use: Any words or pictures you post are part of your permanent online record. Don't post anything that would cause a college (or anyone else) to question your maturity or integrity.
• Consider visiting a Fall College Fair in your area. NACAC travels the country and visits cities, but there are also virtual fairs. Learn How to Make the Most of a College Fair Experience.
• Listen to this podcast series on What Colleges Want Part 1-9.
• ​Corsava: Check out this awesome resource that helps you figure out what you want (and don’t want) from your college experience.
• ​Challenge yourself academically: Take advantage of the course offerings, and don’t be afraid to ask about higher-level classes if you aren’t feeling challenged.
• Read this: What are “Hooks” and “Institutional Priorities”?​

12th Graders

This is a critical time for seniors. By this point, you should (we hope) have a close-to-final college list and be working on (and submitting) your college applications.

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process for 9th through 12th grade.
• ​Be careful with your social media use: Any words or pictures you post are part of your permanent online record. Don't post anything that would cause a college (or anyone else) to question your maturity or integrity.
• Make sure you have a Balanced College List. Check out this guide on How to Choose a College.
• Continue filling in the Common App.
• ​University of California and CSU: For those of you applying to the UC and CSU systems, the applications are due on Dec. 1.
• ​EOP Application Guide: Educational Opportunity Programs offer extra resources and support to help under-resourced students succeed in college. If you’re applying to Cal State Universities, this guide is a must-read.
• ​Create a spreadsheet of requirements and deadlines: Keep track of application deadlines, number of required recommendation letters, scholarship deadlines, portfolio requirements, etc., all in one organized spot.
• ​QuestBridge and Posse Foundation: See if you qualify for these great opportunities to win a full ride to college. If you decide to apply to QuestBridge, this is a must-read.
• There may be some information that needs to be explained in your application. For example, a medical illness, a low grade, something that is not explained in your school profile, or something that needs to be showcased for you to feel your application is complete. You can learn how to utilize your additional information section for this here: How to use the Common App Additional Info Section.
• This is the time to get started on your Supplemental Essays, as they’ll be due starting in October/November. You can also find School-Specific Supplemental Essay Crash Courses on the College Essay Guy website.
• Do you identify as undocumented or a member of the LGBTQ+ community? If you’re wondering how much to disclose in your personal statement, these guides might help you map out your content.
• ​Letters of recommendation: This is a good time to check in with your recommenders to make sure they know your deadlines. And if you haven't already, read this blog and then ask your teacher(s) if they’ll write a letter on your behalf. Be sure to make an official request in Common App, Naviance, SCOIR, SchoolLinks, etc.
• ​Demonstrated interest: Remember that it’s important to let the colleges on your list know that you’re really interested in attending their schools. Keep connecting with college representatives when they visit your school, your community, or via virtual sessions online.

I hope you have a great, productive weekend! I'm off to (over)pack for my trip (read more on that below).

Happy Writing!

Julia

​​​​

​Interested in Coaching? Let's Talk! | ​View My Resources | Need Help? Open a Support Ticket.​

This email may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a percentage of the sale in commission, but using these links doesn't affect the price you pay. I recommend only products I use myself and believe in. Thank you for supporting me! Read more: Privacy Policy​

You're receiving this email because you opted in to my mailing list or because you're a current or past client. Don't need (or want) this information anymore? No hard feelings. Just use the links below to adjust your subscription.

• ​Unsubscribe From All: To stop receiving all communication from me, including emails related to any purchases. (Coaching clients will still receive service-related emails.)
• ​Unsubscribe to Newsletter: To unsubscribe from my newsletter but still receive updates on any purchases you've made.
• ​Update your Profile: To fix your name or update your email address.

If a friend has forwarded you this email and you'd like to subscribe, come join the party by clicking here.​