The Grade 9 & 10 Roadmap: What You Should Be Doing NOW

Many parents believe Grade 9 and 10 are "rest years" before the pressure of Grade 11 and 12. This is a mistake for US admissions.

Grade 9: Exploration

Academics: Your grades count from Day 1. US universities look at your 4-year transcript. A slump in Grade 9 drags down your GPA.

Extracurriculars: Try everything. Join 5 clubs. Quit 3. Find out what you hate so you can find out what you love.

Grade 10: Selection

The Pivot: By the middle of Grade 10, stop exploring and start focusing. Identify the 2 activities you care about most.

Leadership: Don't just attend meetings; look for opportunities to lead small projects.

Summer: Do not waste your Grade 10 summer. This is the prime time for a specialized bootcamp or a self-initiated project.

The Pericles Tip: Use these two years to build your "Engine" — your academic habits and your core interests. You can't build a skyscraper on a shaky foundation.