10th-Grade Checklist

Here are the steps sophomores need to take to progress toward a college education

• Get the second year of high school off to a good start. Encourage your teen to polish study skills. If he or she needs to improve in some subjects, this is the time to start. It will make a good impression on colleges and future employers if they see steady improvement in grades and a good attendance record on the school transcript.
• Make sure your teen takes and passes all five parts of the Ohio Graduation Test.
• Have your son or daughter check into the Ohio Early Mathematics Placement Testing Program (EMPT) which is designed to help high school students decide what mathematics courses to take as they prepare for college.
• Have your child take the PLAN test to get a feel for the ACT.
• Have your teen take the PSAT to get a feel for the SAT and to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
• Check with the school counselor for test dates, locations, and registration information.
• Start the college search early. Check out two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Look into apprenticeship opportunities as well.
• Have your child work with the school counselor or advisor to update career and education plans.
• Stay involved in school activities.
• Plan family visits to colleges your child might consider attending.
• Have your son or daughter sign up for the most challenging classes available for next year, including Ohio Core, Academic Honors, and Advanced Placement courses. Check into Post-Secondary Enrollment Options or Ohio College Tech Prep programs. You'll want the last two years of high school to count.
• With your teen, visit your school's career counseling center. Have your son or daughter ask about the Ohio Career Information System, an online resource from the Ohio Department of Education with occupation matching tools and information about education and training.
• Plan a productive and fun summer. Encourage your teen to look for a job that will help him or her prepare for a career.