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Planning
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2026 Summer SAT and Summer Programs now open!
8th to 12th Grade Planning
Plan smart. Dream big.
One thing some tutoring academies are selling families are "for credit" classes. Be cautious about taking "for credit" classes at other tutoring academies, private programs, or online schools.
Tutoring academies claim students can earn “class credits,” but these DO NOT count towards GPA or graduation credits UNLESS there is explicit approval from the public school—which is rarely granted.
ALWAYS talk to your high school counselor before seeking "for credit" and "for GPA boosting" classes!
There are several effective alternative ways to improve GPA and course rigor for college applications.
While it is ideal to address this before entering high school—especially if a student earned less than an A in middle school Algebra 1 or a foreign language—there are still effective steps that can be taken from 9th through 12th grade to strengthen both GPA and course rigor beyond the traditional path.
To discuss the most effective options for your student, please call to schedule a free consultation.
8th
Academics
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Plan for high school course rigor using our Course Rigor Calculator
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Example: Geometry (8th summer) > Algebra 2 (9th) > AP PreCal (10th) > AP Cal BC (11th) > Multivariable (12th)
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GPA support. High school courses like Algebra 1, Foreign Language are on transcript
Extracurriculars
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Start developing skills for passion projects
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Example: Python programming to design websites or games
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Students discover these skills through Enrichment Programs
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Skill Development
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Logic Development for high school and standardized tests: PrimeIQ
9th
Academics
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Plan for high school course rigor using our Course Rigor Calculator
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Example: Geometry (8th summer) > Algebra 2 (9th) > AP PreCal (10th) > AP Cal BC (11th) > Multivariable (12th)
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In 9th grade, students can take AP Human Geography and AP Computer Science Principles
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GPA support for straight A's. If student needs help, get help with tutoring
Extracurriculars
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Students should start engaging in ECs and passion projects
Skill Development
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Logic Development for high school and standardized tests: PrimeIQ
Recommendation
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Take PE & Health pass/fail over summer to maintain high GPA.
10th
Academics
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In 10th grade, students can take AP World History and AP Capstone
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GPA support for straight A's. For difficult classes like AP World, start the year with tutoring
Extracurriculars
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Students should start engaging in ECs and planning meaningful achievements with passion projects
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Seek Honors and Awards opportunities
Skill Development
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Students take PSAT in 10th grade
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Continue developing logic through PrimeIQ
Recommendation
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Take PE & Health pass/fail over summer to maintain high GPA.
11th
Academics
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Prime Summer SAT Prep over summer before 11th grade
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Take SAT Saturday classes to maintain SAT skills until test day
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For Top 30 schools, 5-6 AP classes during junior year (need total 15 AP classes)
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GPA support for straight A's. For difficult AP classes like AP Calc BC, start the year with tutoring
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AP Test Prep January - March for AP Testing in May
Extracurriculars
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Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and impact with ECs and passion projects
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Seek Honors and Awards opportunities
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For Prime Summer SAT students: Startups (fall) --> Internships (spring)
Skill Development
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All logic and critical thinking skills need to be developed by 11th grade
12th
Academics
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Prime College Apps and Essays over summer before 12th grade
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Early Decision, Early Applications are due November 1st (some October 15th)
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Interviews, Letters of Continued Interest
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Free consultation with Sam
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School Day SAT Test in October for seniors (easiest SAT test)
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For Top 30 schools, 5-6 AP classes during senior year (need total 15 AP classes)
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GPA support with tutoring. Colleges will ask for 1st semester grades for Early Action & Reg Decision.
Extracurriculars
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Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and impact with ECs and passion projects
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Seek Honors and Awards opportunities
NOT SURE WHERE TO START WITH PLANNING?
NEED HELP WITH HONORS & AWARDS, EXTRACURRICULARS, AND PASSION PROJECT?
Having a plan makes all the difference!
Schedule a free consultation with Sam to see how we can help your student participate in the ECs they need to get admitted to the school of their choice.
We would love to meet and speak with you!
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