High School Timeline
Stay organized and stress less with this simple year-by-year guide to crushing high school.
9th Grade: Get Settled
Focus on getting good grades early. Join clubs or sports you actually like to find your crew.
10th Grade: Step It Up
Start taking lead roles in your activities. Take the PSAT or PreACT for practice. Pro tip: Try the real SAT/ACT now to see where you stand, but don't assume every college will 'superscore' your results.
Check for summer internship opportunities, volunteer programs
11th Grade: The Big Push
This year counts the most for grades. Knock out your SAT/ACT tests and start scouting colleges you love.
12th Grade: Finish Strong
Wrap up your college list, write those essays, and hit submit. Stay on top of FAFSA and scholarship deadlines so you don't miss out on free money!
AP Classes
AP classes are college-level courses you can take right in high school, ending with a big exam. They show colleges you're ready for a challenge and can earn you credits, saving you a ton of tuition money later.
How many should you take? Aim for quality over quantity. Most competitive students take about 6–8 APs total, but piling them on isn't always better.
Choose subjects you actually like or want to study in college to avoid burnout.
⚠️ Remember, a 3 or higher on the exam is generally the goal for credit but AP policies vary by college and subject. Always check the current policy for the colleges you're considering.
College credit = credits may count toward your degree.
Advanced placement = you may be able to skip an introductory course.
Research & Projects
Admissions officers love seeing you geek out over your interests, but don't stress—this isn't a requirement to get in.
Research can be anything from a lab experiment or a deep-dive history paper to a custom coding project. Getting started is simple: pick a topic you're curious about and start exploring. You can also lead community-based projects that solve local issues to show real character.
A big warning: you do NOT need to pay for expensive, 'exclusive' summer research programs to look good. Stick to your own authentic curiosity instead.
SAT & ACT
Standardized tests are a huge part of your journey, but they don't have to be overwhelming.
SAT or ACT? Give both a shot! The SAT focuses on reading and math, while the ACT includes a fast science section.
Timing Matters: While many wait for junior year, taking your first attempt in 10th grade is a smart move. Don't feel like you must wait! Starting early gives you time to improve.
Score Reality: Test-optional is common, but solid scores still help.
Warning: Not every college uses 'superscoring,' so check each college's current rules carefully.
PSAT / PreACT
Think of these as low-pressure warmups for the real SAT or ACT. They help you find your weak spots without hurting your college chances since admissions teams don't see the scores.
National Merit Hype
The 11th-grade PSAT/NMSQT is the only path to the National Merit Scholarship. It's a huge deal, but remember: just taking the test isn't an automatic win—you have to hit qualifying scores.
PreACT Details
Similarly, the PreACT lets you preview the ACT format. Use both to stress less and improve later.
Scholarships
Higher education is expensive, but you can avoid massive debt by hunting down scholarships and grants early. Here is how to navigate the money side of college.
Where to search
Start with the College Board database and the financial aid pages of the schools you are interested in. Your high school guidance counselor is a great resource for finding local opportunities that have way less competition than the big national awards.
Watch for scams
Legit scholarship programs will never ask you for money. If a website requires an entry fee, guarantees you a win, or asks for your bank account information, it is a scam. Just close the tab.
Start early
Do not wait until you are accepted to college to look for money. Many of the best scholarships have application deadlines that pass months before you get an admission letter. The sooner you start, the better your chances are of securing enough funding.