March 2025 Checklists

The semester only just began and yet the end is in sight

And just like that we are already seeing an end in sight to the school year. This does, of course, mean things are ramping up and the next few months will go by in a blur. Along with course selection, students are balancing planning for tests, finalizing summer plans, and getting involved with their local communities. Below you’ll find valuable checklists for students and their parents, by grade level.

At a glance… 

Upcoming webinars:

Tuesday, March 4th at 2:00 pm EST: “The college countdown: an essential to-do list for rising seniors” - register now!

Tuesday, March 18th at 2:00 pm EST: “Service That Stands Out: Why Community Involvement Matters” - register now!

Upcoming ACT deadlines: 

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

• 4/5 test

Upcoming SAT deadlines:

• 3/8 test

• 4/18 registration deadline for 5/3 test (no SAT in April)

Critical topics:

• Maintaining strong grades

• Getting involved before the end of the school year

• The college countdown: an essential to-do list for rising seniors

First Thursday office hours are open to all! Join me on Thursday, March 6th from 2-3 pm EST and ask me anything!

9th graders

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

• Build Your Academic Foundation. Strong grades are a key factor in college applications, so stay focused on maintaining solid academic performance. If you're curious about just how much your GPA matters, check out our article on its role in the admissions process.

• Step Outside Your Social Comfort Zone. It’s natural to stick with familiar middle school friends as you start high school, but as you grow, your interests and ambitions may evolve. Expanding your network can help you discover new perspectives and opportunities. Challenge yourself—sit with new people at lunch, join a different club, or change up your usual bus seat. As the saying goes, make new friends but keep the old!

• Get Involved Before Summer Starts. Take a look at your school’s activity catalog and consider joining a club before the year ends. Even if it seems late, here’s a pro tip: On the Common Application, activities are listed by the grade levels you participated in (9, 10, 11, and 12) rather than specific dates. By joining now, you’ll be able to check that 9th-grade box, demonstrating a longer commitment to your interests.

• Start Shaping Your Admissions Angle. Pay attention to what excites you—read the news, watch thought-provoking videos, and engage with content that sparks curiosity. Developing a unique perspective early on can help shape your future college applications. One great way to document this journey is by starting a blog to track your evolving interests and experiences in real time.

Parents of 9th graders

• Keep an Eye on Grades. While some students are naturally self-sufficient, 9th grade can be a tricky transition. Many freshmen struggle to recognize when they need help and may not yet know how to advocate for themselves. Even if everything seems fine, parents should check in regularly—academic performance in 9th grade sets the foundation for future success.

• Expose Them to New Experiences. Many freshmen haven’t yet discovered their true interests simply because they haven’t been exposed to a wide range of subjects. Encourage exploration by taking them to a museum, film, performance, or an event outside their usual comfort zone—it could spark a new intellectual passion!

• Nurture Existing Interests. Talk to your 9th grader about their classes and what excites them. Help them explore activities that align with their interests and ask what kind of support they need to develop these passions further. Your encouragement can make a big difference in shaping their long-term engagement.

• Start Thinking About Summer Plans. While there aren’t many highly competitive summer programs for rising sophomores, plenty of valuable camps, lectures, and classes are available for young high school students. Begin researching options now—collect brochures, browse online resources, and discuss what opportunities might interest your child.

10th graders

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

• Plan Your Junior Year Course Load Wisely. Junior year is one of the most critical years in high school, so choose your classes carefully. Aim for a schedule that challenges you while still allowing you to maintain strong grades. If you need guidance, join our office hours next Thursday, March 6th at 2:00 pm EST. First Thursdays are open to ALL subscribers!

• Develop Leadership Opportunities. Start building connections with current leaders in your clubs—getting involved now can put you in a strong position for leadership roles next year. If no existing clubs align with your interests, consider launching your own club, community project, or publication!