Grade 8 to 12 timeline

Middle school is a low-pressure time to try new things before high school.

A regular homework time and place helps more than last-minute studying.

Besides your assigned school, there may be magnet, charter, or career and technical programs. Some need an application in fall or winter of grade 8.

Students who start high school in algebra or higher usually have room to reach calculus by grade 12.

Ask about honors classes, the math sequence, and which world languages the high school offers.

Some schools give extra points for honors and AP classes (a “weighted” GPA); others don’t.

A little reading and math practice each week keeps skills from slipping before high school.

Schools usually give it in October. Grade 10 scores don’t count for anything; it’s practice.

Teaching newer members, organizing an event, or keeping the club’s records all show growing responsibility.

College Board’s free BigFuture site has a career quiz and career profiles.

Khan Academy offers free official SAT practice made with College Board.

Grade 11 is often the most demanding year, so pick advanced classes in the subjects your child is strongest in.

Many students take one for the first time in grade 11, leaving time to retake.

Visiting any local college, big or small, helps your child picture what they want.

Paid work and family responsibilities count as activities on college applications.

Schools usually give it in October. The grade 11 score is the one used for National Merit.

Aim for a mix of colleges where your child is likely, possible, and hoping to be admitted, and check each one’s net price.

Taking it in winter or spring of grade 11 leaves time for a retake in the summer or fall.

It gives a personal cost estimate. The real price is often far below the sticker price.

Ask before summer, in person if possible, and choose teachers from grade 11 core classes who know your child well.

Spring break is a common time to visit. Many colleges offer free online tours and information sessions.

Good scores can earn college credit at many colleges.

Colleges see senior-year classes and often mid-year grades too.

Common App opens each year on August 1, and its essay prompts are posted in advance.

Fill in the basic sections early so fall can focus on essays and each college’s extra questions.

Early Action and Early Decision deadlines are often in November; Regular Decision deadlines are often in January. Check each college.

The FAFSA opens each fall, by October 1. Some aid is first come, first served, so file early.

Check that test dates arrive before each college’s deadline.

Give them at least a month before the first deadline, with a list of colleges and dates.

The counselor usually sends these. Senior-year grades still matter.

Colleges list anything they still need, like transcripts, scores, or financial aid forms.

Compare the net price, not the total aid. Loans must be repaid.

Paying deposits at more than one college (“double depositing”) can lead to losing an offer.

Follow the college’s instructions, and pay a deposit at another college by May 1 in case.

Colleges confirm graduation and final grades before the first term.

Orientation covers class registration, housing, and campus services. Check that the bill matches the aid offer.

Each college has its own forms and deadlines over the summer.