January 2025 Checklists

Starting the New Year fresh.

Happy New Year, Subscribers! We hope you had a refreshing break and are feeling energized to take on the new semester.

Kick off the year with momentum! January is the perfect time to set the stage for a successful spring and summer. Below, we’ve provided tailored checklists for each grade level and their parents to help you stay on track.

At a glance… 

Thursday’s AMA is open to ALL subscribers. Join me from 2:00-3:00 PM EST on January 2nd and ask me anything! Join here!

Upcoming ACT deadlines: 

• 1/3 registration deadline for 2/8 test (no ACT in January)

• 2/8 test

• 2/28 registration deadline for 4/5 test (no ACT in March)

• 4/5 test

Upcoming SAT deadlines:

• 2/21 registration deadline for 3/8 test (no SAT in January nor February)

• 3/8 test

Critical topics:

• Setting up for a semester ahead

• Making a preliminary college list

• Planning college visits

• Researching and applying for summer programs

9th graders

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

• Be introspective. Reflect on your break—did you learn something new about yourself? Were there clubs or activities you missed or didn’t enjoy as much? Evaluate whether your study habits have been effective and how you can improve.

• Plan for the future. As the semester progresses, you’ll have opportunities to join new clubs or even start your own. Think about what interests you and how you want to contribute to your school community.

• Prioritize your grades. A high GPA is critical in today’s competitive college application landscape. Are you ready to tackle the semester with motivation and focus?

Parents of 9th Graders:

• Cultivate their interests. Talk with your 9th grader about their classes and activities last semester. Use this insight to plan for extracurriculars or hobbies that align with their passions.

• Check in with grades. Reflect on your student’s first semester. Identify areas where they might need additional support and celebrate their successes to build confidence—success in one area often spreads to others.

• Visit a college campus. Nothing sparks motivation like stepping onto a college campus for the first time. Experiencing the excitement of campus life can give students a clearer picture of what they’re working toward. See if any speakers, concerts, athletic events, etc., are coming up at nearby colleges.

10th graders

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