10th GRADE Classes chosen in grade 10 often determine which courses (and course levels) your child will be qualified to take in the important junior and senior years. September: ___ At NHS, all sophomores will take the PSAT/NMSQT in October, during the school day. Registration and payment for the test takes place through the Guidance Department. Details concerning the procedure to be used will be given to students and parents early in the fall semester. October: ____ Note the date for the PSAT/NMSQT. ____ Are first semester classes going well? Extracurriculars? December: ____ Questions about PSAT scores? Scores are usually available and distributed in mid-December. If necessary, contact the guidance counselor to discuss strategies for improving weak areas. January: _____Evaluate academic progress so far. Are grades up to par? Are course levels on target? Do study habits need improvement? _____Is your child enjoying extracurricular involvement? If not, reevaluate. _____ Begin thinking about worthwhile summer plans (job, study, camp, volunteer work, travel, etc.). March: _____ Consider whether your child should be taking any SAT II tests (and, in some cases, AP tests) in May or June. Most students will not take these tests until junior or senior year. However, SAT II's ("subject tests" required primarily by very competitive colleges) should be taken when students finish the last course they plan to take in a particular subject, and this may occur in the sophomore year for some students. Your guidance counselor can help you decide whether or not to register for SAT II's. _____ Register for May SAT II tests, if appropriate. April: ____ Register for June SAT II tests, if appropriate. May/June: ___ Save dates for SAT II (or AP) tests, as needed. ___ Oversee registration for next fall's classes and activities. Urge your child to select (or continue) the most challenging classes possible and at least one community service activity, club, sport, or after school project that is additive/complimentary and helps to define your child's interests and skills. _____ Finalize summer plans. _____ Develop a summer reading list. If your child will be taking Honors level Junior English, s/he will have a required summer reading list related to that course. Summer: ____ It is a good idea to make sure your child has a job or constructive activities during the summer. Summer study, jobs, and volunteer work always rate high with admission officials.