How To Make The Most of Eleventh Grade: Big & Bold Moves
Eleventh grade is the year to make it all count. This year should largely be the pay-off year for the work your student has done so far, since it's the last year to significantly impact their record. This is the year of standardized tests, even more challenging AP/honors courses, and independent projects. At this point, your student can count on two hands how many months they have left before they start filling out those college applications. So, how does your student make the most of this important year?
Make big and bold moves. Apply for scholarships and contests, submit to student journals (if applicable), and excel in extracurriculars. If your student is considering an independent project, they should start planning right away if they are going to execute an impressive project before applications are due.
Test Prep. Your student should have been prepping for this all summer so they can take the test in the fall. This will allow them to focus entirely on their academics and extracurriculars in the spring. It also gives them a chance to retake the tests in the spring if they are not happy with their results. Keep track of the testing dates for both the SAT and ACT. Keep in mind that the new digital SAT launches in the spring, so we definitely advise your student to take the test this fall. Has your student plateaued, and the need some extra help to get a high score? Contact us to learn more about Ivy Link Test Prep.
Tour colleges. If your student hasn't already, the fall and early spring are good times to visit colleges and finalize their college list. To get the best sense of what college will be like, we recommend visiting colleges when classes are in session and campus life is in full swing. And don't just settle for the campus tour! Talk to students, and, if possible, meet with a counselor. Some colleges may even let you sit in on a class.
Select mentors to ask for letters of recommendation (LORs). By this point, your student should have a short list of teachers and counselors that know them well enough to write them effective LORs. If your student doesn’t have anyone who can do that, they must develop these relationships immediately! Waiting until the last minute or asking teachers who barely know them will result in mediocre LORs.
These are just a few helpful tips to help your student make the most of their eleventh grade year. For more in-depth and ongoing admissions Advising, contact Ivy Link and ask about Ivy Link Achieve.
