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Get ready for college - 10th Grade
Grades and Classes Are Just Part of the Equation
Steps you can take outside the classroom at each grade level to get ready for college.
Students:
- Consider taking geometry or algebra II and college prep English—talk with your school counselor about your best course options.
- Begin thinking about the majors of study that most interest you. Visit the Center for College Planning at NHHEAF online at www.nhheaf.org for career exploration tips and tools.
- In October, take the PSAT, a practice exam for the SAT (www.collegeboard.com). You can use PSAT results to see where you are strong and where you may need to improve.
- Talk with your teachers and school counselor about taking an advanced placement (AP) or honors course as a junior.
Families:
- Arrange visits for your student to USNH college/university campuses or other nearby campuses.
- Seek opportunities for your student to job-shadow or interview professionals in careers she/he is interested in.
- Learn the basics about college costs and financial aid from the Center for College Planning at NHHEAF. Visit www.nhheaf.org or call a college counselor at 1-800-525-2577, extension 119.
What Classes Do I Need to Take?
Different colleges have different expectations of the courses you should take and many admissions offices prefer students who have taken more than just the minimum requirements. The NH Scholars Program (www.nhscholars.org) suggests the following:
- English: 4 years of college preparatory English composition and literature.
- Math: 3 years (4 is recommended), including algebra I, geometry, algebra II, or higher mathematics.
- History and Social Science: 3 and ½ years, including 1 year of US history and 1 year of social studies.
- Laboratory Science: 3 years, including 1 biological science and 1 physical science.
- Foreign Language: 2 years of the same language.
- Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year of dance, drama, theater, music, or visual art.
- College Prep Elective: 1 additional year of any college prep subject.
Remember: you want to keep up a good overall grade point average (GPA) by working to your potential in every class.
You will have plenty of time to complete these classes if you start planning early. Don’t worry if you feel you are behind—check with your school counselor and she/he can help you.
What Skills Will Help Me to Succeed?
Reading, writing, math, and science form the foundation of your education. It is important to master the skills in these areas, as they will give you the tools you need to succeed in college and beyond.
- Reading: Literature, fiction, and nonfiction—(and lots of it!) helps to improve vocabulary, verbal skills, and writing ability.
- Writing: Expressing yourself well is important in every field. Practice good research and writing techniques. Get feedback and give yourself plenty of time to rewrite and edit your assignments.
- Making Calculations: Having an understanding of math and science in today’s technological world is a must. Progressing from basic math to algebra, geometry, calculus, and trigonometry will give you the tools to new ways of thinking and problem solving.
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New Hampshire Goes to College