September 2025 Checklists

Back-to-school moves that set the tone for the year

September isn’t just the start of another school year—it’s the launchpad for everything that follows. The choices students make now will ripple through the next nine months, shaping both their experiences and opportunities. This is the moment to set intentions, commit to good habits, and lean into new challenges. Whether it’s exploring fresh extracurriculars, clarifying goals, or building strong academic routines, September is about laying the groundwork for a year that feels purposeful and rewarding.

At a glance… 

Upcoming ACT deadlines:

• 9/6 test - good luck!

• 9/12 registration deadline for 10/18 test — remember, you might not get these results back in time for most early deadlines

• 11/7 registration deadline for 12/13 test (no November test)

Upcoming SAT deadlines:

• 9/13 test - good luck!

• 9/19 registration deadline for 10/4 test

• 10/24 registration deadline for 11/8 test

• 11/21 registration deadline for 12/6 test

Critical topics:

• Attend club fairs

• Pave the way for strong grades

• Finalize EA/ED plans

Upcoming webinar…

The College Roadmap: Year-by-Year Musts for High School Students

Every year of high school matters — but each one plays a different role in shaping your path to college. This webinar offers a big-picture strategy overview, breaking down success strategies by grade level, from building strong foundations as a freshman to balancing applications as a senior. Additionally, we will follow real-life examples of students year by year.

Even though the advice is divided by grade, the entire roadmap is useful for students and parents at any stage. Seeing how the stepping stones align year by year will help you visualize the bigger picture and understand how today’s decisions set you up for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Join us on Tuesday, September 16th at 12 pm EST for “The College Roadmap: Year-by-Year Musts for High School Students,” and don’t forget to stay for the Q&A!

9th graders

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

• Find your people wisely. The friends you choose now can shape your habits and outlook. Surround yourself with peers who encourage and support you, but keep an open mind — the best connections are sometimes unexpected.

• Ease into involvement. Don’t just sign up for everything at the club fair — start small. Join one or two groups that excite you, or try a sport. Leap to introduce yourself and meet new people; a broad foundation of experiences now will help later.

• Check your academic fit. As classes get underway, pause to ask: Are these the right levels for me? If something feels off, be honest, seek advice from teachers, and don’t overload too soon. Balance matters more than bravado.

• Make grades and habits a priority. That first assignment sets the tone. Establish strong study routines early and prioritize academics over extracurricular distractions. Good habits built now will carry you through high school.

• Explore at the club fair. Wander with curiosity. Look for groups that seem fun, different, or aligned with long-term goals. Collect info on a few that catch your eye — you don’t need to decide on the spot.

Parents of rising 9th graders:

• Remember your own freshman year. Chances are, it felt awkward, exciting, frustrating, and new all at once. Maintaining this perspective will help you empathize with what your teen is currently experiencing.

• Watch for subtle struggles. Transitioning to high school can bring stress in different forms. Has your child pulled back socially? Do they seem weighed down by a particular class? Are they avoiding activities? Stay attentive to signs that they might be having a harder time than they’re letting on.