August

• Make sure this fall’s course curriculum is as rigorous as you can handle. Take Advance Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and/or Honors classes. The level of difficulty of student coursework is one of the most important factors college admissions officers analyze when deciding on accepting applicants for admission. You should take Geometry (if you haven’t already done so), English, a second year of Foreign Language, and a college prep science class.

• Plan to meet with your high school/college-career counselor at least every six months to ensure you are on target for graduating high school and fulfilling college admission requirements. Take a rigorous course curriculum that includes courses required for college admission as well as courses beyond those minimum requirements. Take difficult courses to impress college admission officers and to demonstrate you are ready for the competitive college scene.

• Plan to compete in contests, matches, and challenges. Earn honors and awards to build your student résumé.

• Earn top grades this year to have the highest possible GPA and class rank.

• Plan to be a leader in a few extracurricular activities this school year. Leadership is one of the most valuable student qualifications sought by college admission officers.