PLANNING LIST FOR PARENTS
NINTH AND TENTH GRADE
It may seem early to start thinking about getting your child ready for college, but it really is not. Important
groundwork should take place in the ninth and tenth grade. Here is a list to help you make sure your child is on
the right track:
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Create a four-year high school plan that relates to his or her goals. This will be completed with all
9th grade students in the classroom with the counselor.
-Review the plan with your student.
-Make sure you and your child know what high school courses are required for both graduation and by
colleges.
-Familiarize yourself with the various levels of courses offered at West.
Start your student thinking about careers. Encourage your student to develop a tentative career goal.
Of course it will change-often-but it is the thought process that counts.
-Students will be creating a GACOLLEGE411 account.
-Help identify interests, likes and dislikes, not just in academics but in all areas. This will help them
focus on their goals.
-Encourage your student to discuss career options with others, such as teachers, recent college graduates,
professionals in the community, etc.
Suggest and support extracurricular activities. Encourage your student to actively take part in a
sport, school club, or community volunteer activity.
-Extracurricular activities help students develop time-management skills and enrich the school
experience.
-Colleges would rather see real involvement in one or two things wholeheartedly then two or three
things superficially. (quality not quantity)
Take the PSAT/NMSQT. This test is offered on October 14th free of charge.
-Both of the score reports provide valuable feedback in identifying academic strengths and weaknesses
and suggestions for improvement.
Save for college. It is still not too late to start a college savings plan. Every little bit helps!
Obtain a social security number for your student, if you do not already have one. This is often
required for applications, testing, scholarships, and other opportunities.
Attend college and career fairs.
Tour a college campus. If possible, take advantage of vacation or other family travel opportunities to
visit colleges to see what they are like. We have many colleges right in our back door!
-Even if there is no interest in attending the college you are visiting, it will help your child learn what to
look for in a college.
Explore summer programs and opportunities.