May marks the final push of the school year—a time for wrapping up academics, navigating AP exams, and looking ahead to what’s next. For students, this month is about finishing strong, tying up loose ends, and taking meaningful steps toward summer goals. Whether it’s locking in a summer program, registering for standardized tests, or reflecting on the year’s growth, May is a key moment for both closure and preparation. Below, you’ll find grade-specific checklists to help students and their parents stay focused and forward-thinking through the end of the school year.
At a glance…
Upcoming webinars:
“Who, When, How: A strategic guide to college recommendations”
Tuesday, May 6th at 2:00 pm EST
A solid letter of recommendation can make the difference between blending in and standing out. Gain the tools to learn how to ask for a letter of recommendation in a way that secures a strong, specific response.
“Webinar: The Power and Value of Research in High School—With Special Guest Dr. Serena McCalla”
Tuesday, May 20th at 3:00 pm EST
Join us for a special webinar featuring renowned science educator Dr. Serena McCalla, founder of the iResearch Institute and central figure in the Emmy-winning documentary Science Fair, as we explore the value of high school research in college admissions—and beyond. Learn how to get started, what makes research impactful, and why it’s worth pursuing early.
May 9th registration deadline for June 14th test (no ACT in May)
June 6th registration deadline for July 12th test
Upcoming SAT deadlines:
May 3rd test — good luck tomorrow!
May 22nd registration deadline for June 7th test
TBD registration deadline for August 23rd test (no SAT in July)
Critical topics:
Summer plans
Studying for APs
Finishing with strong grades
Reflection
9th graders
If you’re a freshman, then your jobs this month are:
Reflect on your year. What classes did you enjoy the most? When did you feel most motivated—or least? Use those insights to think about the kinds of subjects, careers, or extracurriculars you might want to explore further next year.
Finalize your summer plans. Whether it's a local camp, an online class, or a creative project at home, make sure your summer includes something enriching and purposeful. Even informal exploration—like reading, tinkering, or shadowing someone at work—can provide clarity. Check out our downloadable PDF for 5 high-impact summer activities!
Deepen one interest. If something piqued your curiosity this year, now’s the time to pursue it more intentionally. Join an online community, start a personal project, or schedule an informational interview with someone in the field.
Finish strong. Your end-of-year grades matter, especially if you're aiming for selective colleges down the line. Stay organized through finals and make sure all assignments are submitted on time.
Parents of 9th Graders
Talk about takeaways. Ask your student what they learned about themselves this year—academically, socially, and personally. Framing this as a casual conversation can lead to meaningful reflections.
Encourage summer structure. Teens don’t need a packed schedule, but some routine and intellectual stimulation go a long way. Support opportunities for growth, even if they look informal or unconventional.
Encourage summer reading (as best as you can). Many teens resist reading when it feels like a chore, but consistent reading—even just 20 minutes a day—can sharpen critical thinking, build vocabulary, and improve writing skills. Let your student choose what they read—graphic novels, biographies, sci-fi, or sports journalism all count. Or check out this list of recommended books for all high schoolers!
Support autonomy. Ninth grade is a great time to let students start managing their own schedules, emailing teachers, and taking ownership of their responsibilities. These small steps build confidence.
Stay curious together. Attend events, read articles, or watch documentaries with your student. Modeling curiosity helps reinforce that learning can be lifelong and joyful—not just something that happens in school.
10th Graders
If you’re a sophomore, then your jobs this month are:
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