Plan Academic Track (Grades 9-10)
Grades 9-10Select rigorous coursework (AP/IB/honors), maintain strong GPA, and explore extracurricular interests for depth over breadth.
Field context
This workflow is part of 4 niche fields
Free step-by-step college prep timeline for parents of high schoolers. Plan college prep timeline with calculators and checklists covering plan academic track.
Select rigorous coursework (AP/IB/honors), maintain strong GPA, and explore extracurricular interests for depth over breadth.
Plan SAT/ACT timeline, consider test prep investment ($0-$2,000), and research test-optional policies at target schools.
Complete FAFSA (opens October 1), CSS Profile if required, and compare financial aid packages using net price not sticker price.
Compare acceptances by net price, visit campuses, commit by May 1, and budget freshman year expenses.
Track 529 balance against projected college costs. · Compare financial aid packages by net price.
Budget test prep, application fees, and campus visit costs. · Plan freshman year personal expense budget.
Integrate college costs into family financial plan.
Key milestones by high school year.
| Grade | Academic | Testing | Financial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Strong GPA, explore interests | PSAT (practice) | Continue 529 contributions |
| 10 | AP/honors courses | PSAT | Research school costs |
| 11 | Maintain GPA, leadership | SAT/ACT | File FAFSA prep, visit colleges |
| 12 | Finish strong | Retake if needed | FAFSA Oct 1, compare aid, commit May 1 |
Private colleges often cost less than public after merit aid — compare financial aid packages, not published tuition.
Some aid is first-come, first-served — file FAFSA as close to October 1 opening as possible.
Total student loans should not exceed expected first-year salary — $30K debt is manageable for engineering, crushing for humanities without plan.