Grade 9
- Learn how your district counts GPA (Sep). Grade 9 grades count toward class rank and appear on every college application.
- Join one or two activities (Sep–Oct). Leadership and long commitments take years to build, so they start now.
- Find a place to volunteer regularly (Jan–Mar). Steady hours at one nonprofit mean more than many one-time events, and they can be verified.
- Pick grade 10 courses (Jan–Feb). Advanced courses open up only after their prerequisites.
- A summer camp, course or volunteering (Jun–Jul, summer), optional.
Grade 10
- PSAT practice, optional. A low-stakes look at the test format a year before it counts for National Merit.
- Take a bigger role in an activity (Sep–Dec).
- Pick grade 11 courses (Jan–Feb). Grade 11 is the last full year colleges see before you apply.
- PSAT 10, optional.
- Apply to summer programs (Jan–Mar). Many summer programs close applications between January and March.
- AP exams for AP courses.
- A summer program, job or research (Jun–Jul, summer).
Grade 11
- PSAT/NMSQT. Grade 11 scores decide National Merit recognition and scholarships.
- Start a school list (Sep–Dec). Knowing where you might apply shows which tests, courses and deadlines matter.
- Lead something (Sep–Dec). A leadership role in grade 11 is on the application; one that starts in grade 12 often isn’t yet.
- Pick grade 12 courses (Jan–Feb). Colleges see grade 12 courses on the application, and many check the final grades.
- Take the SAT or ACT. A spring test leaves room for a retake in the fall.
- Apply to summer programs (Jan–Mar).
- AP exams.
- Ask two or three teachers for letters (May). Teachers write letters in the fall of grade 12. Asking in May gives them the summer.
- A summer program, job or research (Jun–Jul, summer).
- Draft your essays (Jul–Aug, summer). Essay prompts are published in summer; drafts done before school starts make fall manageable.
- Choose portfolio pieces (Jun–Aug, summer).
Grade 12
- Common App opens.
- SAT or ACT retake, if needed (Aug–Oct), optional.
- FAFSA opens. Many grants go first come, first served. Fill it out early, together.
- CSS Profile, if your schools ask for it, optional.
- Send applications (Oct–Jan). Early deadlines are usually November 1 or 15; regular ones run through January.
- Keep final grades up (Jan–May). Admission offers can depend on final grades.
- Decisions arrive (Mar–Apr).
- AP exams.
- Choose a college (May). May 1 is the usual date to accept an offer and send a deposit.
In Texas, add the endorsement in grade 9 and plan for the Distinguished Level of Achievement. Texas graduation rules
Pennantist turns this list into your teen’s own roadmap, with official dates for the PSAT, SAT, AP exams and your colleges’ deadlines as they’re published.
