You Think 10th Grade Doesn’t Matter? Think Again!

You know that moment when you think, “College is years away, we’ve got time…”? Yeah, don’t. I get it. It feels far off when your kid is a freshman or sophomore. But here’s the thing. The earlier you start, the more options your teen has, and the less stressful the whole process becomes.

Think about it this way. If your child waits until junior year, they’re running a race that already started. Colleges notice patterns. They notice rigor. They notice initiative. You want your kid to stand out.

Here’s what you need to know, broken down into three simple, actionable areas: standing out academically, visiting colleges early, and planning a testing strategy.

🎓 1. Help Your Child Stand Out Academically and Extracurricularly

📄 Start by talking with your teen about what they enjoy and what they excel in. Maybe it’s history, maybe it’s math, maybe it’s Spanish. It’s not about what you want for them. It’s about who they are.

💡 Next, think about the courses they take. Are they on a trajectory that challenges them but is still realistic? The right combination now matters later.

🖥️ Encourage involvement in activities aligned with their strengths. Not for the resume. Genuine interest shows, and that’s what colleges notice.

📌 Keep a log or journal of achievements, projects, and recognitions. This will save stress later when applications demand details.

🎓 2. Visit Colleges Early, Even Virtually

📄 Don’t wait until junior year. If your child never steps on a campus before applying, how will they know what truly fits?

💡 Virtual tours are great. But there’s nothing like walking a quad, feeling the campus energy, imagining life there.

🖥️ Schedule visits in the summer or long weekends. Even one or two local trips can spark clarity about what your teen wants in a school.

📌 Keep track of impressions. Ask your child: Did you see yourself here? Could you thrive academically and socially?

🎓 3. Plan a Testing Strategy

📄 Some schools are test-optional. Yes. But don’t skip the chance to understand your child’s baseline. Diagnostic tests are invaluable.

💡 Knowing early if your teen leans toward SAT or ACT and in which areas they excel or need support makes preparation targeted.

🖥️ Remember. Scholarships often require scores. Large state schools often require them. Early insight gives flexibility.

📌 Create a testing calendar. Include practice tests and official dates. Treat it like any other academic planning because it is.

🎓 4. Build a College List Based on Four Pillars

📄 Cost, location, major, and career. These aren’t just checkboxes. They define fit.

💡 Discuss each pillar with your teen. Which locations excite them? Which majors align with strengths and interests?

🖥️ Balance dream schools with safety and target schools. Variety is your friend.

📌 Document thoughts. This is your blueprint for college visits, essays, and even extracurricular planning.

🎓 5. Get Momentum Now

📄 Start small. One conversation a week. One course review. One virtual tour.

💡 The goal isn’t panic. It’s awareness and confidence.

🖥️ Track progress. Celebrate wins, no matter how minor. Each step adds up.

📌 Remember, starting now is not about rushing. It’s about strategic advantage. Your teen will thank you.

I know it feels overwhelming. I know the temptation to push this off is strong. But trust me. The best gift you can give your teen is early momentum. Standing out, visiting schools, planning testing. These are the foundational steps to a smoother, more successful college process.

💡 Ready to start? Reach out to us at www.callwithsaa.com  Let’s make sure your child isn’t just another applicant. They will be a standout.