July 2024 Checklists

Map out a summer for success.

At a glance… 

Upcoming ACT deadlines:

• 7/13 test (no NY test centers for July test)

• 8/9 registration deadline for 9/14 test

Upcoming SAT deadlines:

• 8/9 registration deadline for 8/24 test

Critical topics:

• Summer programs

• Reviewing successful habits

• SAT/ACT

9th graders

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

• Reflect and Set Goals: Now that you have your middle school years behind you, this summer is a great time to reflect on how you’d like to carry yourself into high school. Grab your SPF, find a cool spot, and set short-term and long-term goals for your high school experience. Write down your goals and plan how to achieve them.

• Practice Time Management: Your high school career will be one deadline after another. If you have any required summer readings or other opportunities to establish a habit of meeting deadlines, do yourself a massive favor and start ahead of the game. Practice managing your time effectively to balance those readings, activities, and relaxation.

• Did you say “required summer readings”? Yes! Double-check with your program just in case. And if you don’t have any required readings, consider checking out Barnes & Noble’s “16 Books Everyone Should Read Before High School”.

• Connect with Peers: Reach out to your friends and classmates this summer for fun, of course, but also to build a supportive community before entering high school.

Parents of rising 9th graders:

• Help Find Volunteer Opportunities: Check in with your child to find local volunteer opportunities if they’re not volunteering already. Their high school career will require a lot of volunteer hours, especially if they’re involved in programs like IB. Help them make volunteering a regular part of their routine now. This will not only help them build good habits but also give them the necessary foundation to dive into a meaningful, resume-worthy service project in the future.