The Next 90 Days Are Critical for ALL High School Grades

Hi parents ~ 

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know this time of year is what I call “game time.” September, October, November. Three months that will make a massive difference in your teen’s college journey, whether they are a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior.

This is not about adding pressure. It is about adding clarity. The reality is, the next 90 days set the tone for the rest of the year. Let’s talk about what each grade should focus on right now, and how you, as parents, can play a supportive (but not overbearing) role.

Seniors: This Is Your Super Bowl Season

🎯 Finalize and balance your college list
Make sure your teen has a realistic mix of reach, target, and safety schools. A lopsided list leads to stress later.

✍️ Finish personal and supplemental essays
Do not let procrastination creep in. Essays written in November after a turkey coma are not great.

📆 Meet application deadlines
October 15 and November 1 come fast. Rolling admissions, Early Action, Early Decision, they all matter. The more that is done before the holidays, the better.

💡 Pro Tip for Parents: Give gentle nudges, not panic attacks. Keep coffee stocked, proofread only when asked, and remind your teen that commas do matter.

Juniors: Build Your Foundation

🏫 Visit colleges (virtually or in person)
This is the season for exploring options. Your teen does not need to love every school they see, but they need to experience different environments.

📝 Prep for standardized tests
If testing is on the table, now is the time to commit. SAT, ACT, pick one, plan a schedule, and practice.

📚 Challenge your student academically
Colleges look closely at junior year grades. Encourage focus and accountability.

💡 Pro Tip for Parents: Ask questions that spark reflection, like: “Could you picture yourself here?” rather than “Do you like it?”

Sophomores: Planting Seeds

🤝 Get involved in the school community
Clubs, teams, service, sophomore year is about exploring what feels authentic.

📘 Develop academic habits
Sophomore year is where habits stick. Study routines, organization skills, time management, it all matters.

🔎 Begin light research on colleges
Not to apply, just to get curious. Introduce them to resources like college websites, YouTube tours, and maybe even a casual visit.

💡 Pro Tip for Parents: Encourage exploration, but do not force passions. If your teen wants to try robotics and drama in the same semester, let them.

Freshmen: Start Strong

📖 Focus on academics
Grades in 9th grade do matter. A strong start builds momentum.

📈 Choose the right courses
Course sequencing (the classes that build on each other) is important for long-term success.

🧭 Get comfortable with high school life
Freshman year is less about pressure and more about adjustment. Build confidence, discipline, and social awareness.

💡 Pro Tip for Parents: Celebrate small wins, passing a tough quiz, making a new friend, joining a club. Confidence fuels growth.

Why the Next 90 Days Are Critical

If you wait until December or January to catch up, the stress multiplies. Essays get rushed, deadlines sneak up, and family dinners turn into strategy sessions instead of celebrations. I have seen it happen too many times.

The next 90 days are not about perfection. They are about preparation. Every grade has a role, and every family can set themselves up for success.

Our College Application Action Plan

This is exactly why we created the College Application Action Plan. Parents and teens do not see the process the same way, and that is okay. That is why we work with parents separately and students in groups. Everyone gets what they need, in the language they understand.

Parents hear strategy. Students hear motivation. Together, it clicks.

Think of September through November as your family’s investment window. What you do now pays dividends later. Whether it is applications, visits, or simply building habits, the work you do in these 90 days saves you from holiday meltdowns and January regrets.

So, let’s get to work together.

👉 Join our College Application Action Plan
👉 Order The College List Builder for your teen
👉 Or simply start with a complimentary call at www.callwithsaa.com