10th Grade Student Checklist | Pinnacle Charter Schools

Checklist for 10th Grade Students

As a 10th-grade student, it’s crucial to stay focused and proactive in planning for college. Parents can play a supportive role in this journey. Here are some professional tips to ensure you’re on the right track.

Students

To Do:

1. Consult Your School Counselor:

   • Schedule meetings with your school counselor or mentor to discuss college options and their requirements.

2. Prepare for Standardized Tests:

   • Consider taking practice tests for the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) or explore the ACT Aspire exam “sandbox.”

3. Plan Your Summer Wisely:

   • Engage in productive activities such as working, volunteering, or taking a summer course at a local college or university.

4. Explore Career Options:

   • Attend career information events to gain insights into various career paths.
   • Use tools like the U.S. Department of Labor’s career search to research majors that align with your interests and goals.

To Explore:

1. Understand Financial Aid:
   • Learn about the differences between grants, loans, work-study programs, and scholarships to better prepare for financing your education.

Parents

To Do:

1. Attend Informative Events:

   • Find out if your child’s school offers college nights or financial aid nights and plan to attend these events together.

2. Encourage Independence:

   • Help your child develop independence by balancing homework, extracurricular activities, and possibly a part-time job.

To Explore:

1. Standardized Tests Overview:

   • Familiarize yourself with the standardized tests your child will take from 10th through 12th grade.

2. Financial Aid Basics:

   • Get an overview of financial aid options from resources like Federal Student Aid at a Glance.