Here’s the deal…
Every year, private college counselors tell us the same thing: that they want their students to preview academic work in August. Our kids who preview subjects in advance receive higher grades in September.
Grades are by far the most important factor in a student’s academic profile during college admissions, and 9th grade counts, especially for the most elite universities and colleges.
Below, we’ve outlined, by grade, what our high schoolers are previewing before they head back to school:
Rising 9th graders:
Geometry is a big conceptual shift from everything kids have seen in middle school, which means most students like to do the first chapter from their textbook in August.
Students worried about Biology or, in some cases, Conceptual Physics, might also do some pre-season work in those areas.
9th graders also need to get that analytical paper process down. 9th graders with a strong understanding of literary and historical writing and an effective process find the transition to high school writing far easier.
Rising 10th graders:
Review Algebra I (it’s been a year!) and preview Algebra II and Trigonometry. Try your hand at some math questions you can expect to see this Fall.
Tackle the first unit of Chemistry in August. Balance those equations with your tutor, not on your first test.
Rising 11th graders:
You get the idea–do the first month of math ahead of time. This time it’s usually pre-Calculus!
Jump to the next level in math: kids who want to have Calculus on their transcript senior year (and be ready for the math on the SAT/ACT) often do intensive Algebra II-Trig work over the summer to place into pre-Calculus in 11th grade.
Sharpen those research skills, learn about DBQs, work on the writing process–juniors need it more than ever!
And... it’s time to work on SAT/ACT. If you haven’t already taken diagnostics and customized a plan, now's the time to do it.
Rising 12th graders:
Tackle any foundational Precalc material that feels fuzzy and get a jump on Calculus as early as possible–this class is a toughie, and kids have a ton more going on this year with college on the horizon.
Level up for advanced courses and seminars. The stakes and expectations are higher for our seniors, so sharp analytical and problem solving skills are vital this year!
Conquer that college essay over the summer! Kids who hone and polish their writing with their tutors early on will not only create succinct essays that pack an emotional punch but also free up valuable time for the rest of their academic year ahead.
Let’s figure out what your child should be previewing this August so that we can reserve the right team before they book up. Click the button below to book a call.
Warmly,
Sasha DeWind
CEO
Tutor Associates
