April 2025 Checklists

Into the final stretch of the school year

April is here, and with it comes a whirlwind of important tasks as we head into the final stretch of the school year. While spring brings warmer days, it also brings key deadlines and decisions that can impact the months ahead. Students are finalizing course selections, securing teacher recommendations, and preparing for AP exams—all while solidifying their summer plans. Below, you’ll find checklists by grade level to help students and their parents stay on track during this crucial month.

At a glance…

Upcoming webinars:

Tuesday, April 1st at 2:00 pm EST: “Service that stands out: why community involvement matters”

Why do colleges care about community service? What are they looking for in an applicants service-related activities? Register now!

Tuesday, April 15th at 2:00 pm EST: “How to make a resume for college applications”

What should be included? How is a good resume not only useful but strategic? Where should I start? What does Noelle’s resume template look like? Register now!

Upcoming ACT deadlines:

• April 5th test — good luck!

• May 9th registration deadline for June 14th test (no ACT in May)

• June 6th registration deadline for July 12th test

Upcoming SAT deadlines:

• April 18th registration deadline for May 3rd test (no SAT in April)

• May 22nd registration deadline for June 7th test

• TBD registration deadline for August 23rd test (no SAT in July)

Critical topics:

• Course selection

• Summer plans

• Studying for APs

• Recommendations

First Thursday office hours are open to all! Join me on Thursday, April 3rd from 2-3 pm EST and ask me anything!

9th graders

If you’re a freshman, then your jobs this month are:

• Plan your academic path. If you haven’t selected your courses for next year yet, you’ll need to soon. Think about how your choices will shape your high school transcript, especially in key subjects like math. If you're considering a STEM field, make sure your trajectory aligns with your goals—this might mean taking a summer course to stay on track. Check out our guide to course selection for more insights.

• Explore career possibilities. Make two lists: one with five careers that interest you and another with five that don’t. Sometimes, narrowing down what doesn’t appeal to you is the easiest first step. For careers that intrigue you, pinpoint what excites you about them and see if there’s someone—such as a teacher, family friend, or professional—you can talk to for more insight.

• Start shaping your Admissions Angle. Stay curious by reading the news, watching informative videos, and engaging with content that sparks your interest. Consider starting a blog to document your evolving interests and create a record of your journey toward discovering your unique Admissions Angle.

• Get involved in your community. Long-term, meaningful community engagement is most impactful when it aligns with your interests or Admissions Angle. Look for opportunities you can commit to throughout high school that will allow you to make a real difference.

• Keep your grades up. It may seem obvious, but strong academics remain a top priority. Your transcript is one of the most important factors in college admissions, so stay focused and finish the year strong!

Parents of 9th graders

• Keep an eye on your grades. Just like in March, strong grades remain a priority—aim for as many A’s as possible! Consistency now will set a solid foundation for the rest of high school.

• Explore new experiences. Whether it’s a college visit, an art exhibit, a symposium, a concert, a guest speaker, or a book signing, ninth grade is the perfect time to expose yourself to a wide range of opportunities. If something sparks inspiration, follow that thread and see where it leads!

• Ask better questions. Thinking about the future can feel overwhelming, and students often respond with “I don’t know” when asked broad questions. Instead of asking, “What kind of job interests you?” try, “Would you prefer working for a big company or running your own business?” Instead of, “Have you thought about college?” try, “Would you rather stay close to home or go far away?” Small, specific questions can help uncover meaningful insights.

• Start looking into summer options. While there aren’t many highly competitive summer programs for rising sophomores, plenty of camps, lectures, and classes can help students explore their interests. Ninth grade isn’t about resume-building—it’s about discovering passions. If your student is curious about engineering, medicine, or business but hasn’t had hands-on exposure, this is a great time to explore what those fields actually entail.

10th graders

If you’re a sophomore, then your jobs are: