It’s that time of year again and your college-bound teen is headed back to school. Every year presents opportunities to get a leg up on the college process. If you and your teen plan strategically before school starts, you’ll have some goals and be able to hit the ground running.

Here is a quick list of back to school tips, broken down by each grade level. The activities are to be done just as soon as your teen gets back to school:

9^th Grade

• Meet with your school counselor and map out a course plan with challenging classes in core academics
• Start establishing strong relationships with teachers and faculty
• Get involved in school and community based activities (showing a 4-year pattern is the best strategy)

10^th Grade

• Sign up for the PSAT and/or PLAN (practice tests) to get an idea of your strengths and weaknesses
• Think about taking on some leadership positions in the activities you’re involved in
• Start researching colleges and make some preliminary college visits
• Do some research on scholarships locally and at the colleges you are interested in attending

11^th Grade

• Sign up for the PSAT since this test counts toward the National Merit Scholarship
• Register for the SAT and/or ACT
• Attend area fall college fairs and parent nights
• Visit colleges in the fall to help narrow down your choices
• Determine which scholarships you are going to apply for and note the deadlines

12^th Grade

• Hit the ground running!
• Get those recommendation letters EARLY
• Finalize your college essays
• Lock in your college choices and finish those college applications
• Get ready to apply ED or EA
• Register and take the SAT/ACT early in the fall
• Research AP tests and CLEP exams (check with colleges for their requirements)
• Watch and keep track of any scholarship deadlines

If you approach each school year with a set of tasks, strategies and goals, you will be well prepared by the time your college-bound teen sends off those college applications.