Blueprint

10th grade: get marketable

Turn a good student into a strong applicant. This is the year to add harder classes, a leadership role and a first look at the tests.

This year's checklist

• Add AP, IB, dual credit or honors classes the student can carry without the GPA slipping.
• Take the PSAT 10 or a practice PSAT. Use the results to plan test prep for junior year.
• Take one full practice SAT and one full practice ACT. Pick the test that fits better and prepare for that one.
• Move from member to leader in at least one activity: officer, captain, organizer.
• Apply for an off-campus academic or summer program. Many have winter deadlines.
• Build a first list of ten scholarships the student could qualify for as a junior or senior, with deadlines.

The money move

Look local. Community foundations, employers, churches, civic clubs and credit unions give awards with small applicant pools. Ask the counselor for the school's list of local scholarships and note which ones last year's seniors won.

For the parent

Have the first honest talk about cost. Use each college's net price calculator for two or three schools so the family sees real numbers, not sticker prices.