12 Dec Road Map for December: Sophomores

If you took the PSAT in October your scores are now available. While this is useful diagnostic information, 10th grade is still a little early to focus on standardized testing (unless you have SAT Subject Tests in your future.) Even though I encourage students to test on the early side to get it off their plate before application season, that generally means taking the SAT or ACT 11th grade. So just file these PSAT scores away and contact me in the spring to talk about a testing plan.

There are, however, other things I do recommend 10th graders do to prepare for their college search, such as some initial campus visits.  You can also save the date for a talk I’m giving on college admissions in March. Other than that, focus on doing well in your classes, participating in activities you enjoy, and exploring the interests and talents you might want to pursue in college and beyond.

There is one more thing for parents to note: if your 10th grader goes straight to college after senior year, 2020 is the tax year information that you’ll put on your college financial aid forms.  If you think there might be financial moves you should make before that tax year starts, talk to your financial advisor right away.