Here’s a guideline for your teen, no matter how old:

• In ninth grade, select courses, such as algebra, that will count toward high school graduation. Keep grades up. Join after-school activities that have meaning to you.

• In tenth grade, continue with sound course selection. Keep up grades and activities. Take a pre-college board test, for practice purposes.

• In eleventh grade, continue with needed courses. Give your best effort to grades and activities. Take a pre-college board test, for scholarship competition.

• In twelfth grade, don’t slack off. Keep up the hard work of junior year. Retake college boards if you need to improve spring scores. Choose colleges to apply to. Get needed recommendations. Work on essays. Note deadline applications, especially if you plan to apply for early decision at any schools.

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