Road Map

Skills & Early Testing Awareness

Academic Support:

• Pre-Algebra or Algebra I
• Structured writing & grammar
• Deeper science understanding

Test Prep (Optional):

• SSAT/ISEE prep intensifies for 8th grade private school entry
• Take low-stakes diagnostic for SAT/ACT awareness

State Tests:

• Georgia Milestones
• MAP or CogAT testing for gifted programs

Scholarship / Program Awareness:

• Keep track of talent ID programs (Duke TIP-style options may exist)

High School Readiness Year

Academic Support:

• Algebra I, advanced English, science foundations
• Reading analysis and multi-paragraph essays

Private School Prep:

• Final SSAT/ISEE push for competitive high school entry

Test Readiness:

• Practice test-taking skills across all subjects

State Assessments:

• Georgia Milestones
• EOC if taking high school-level courses (e.g., Algebra I)

Planning for High School:

• Choose courses aligned with college prep (Honors, STEM tracks)

GPA Matters Now

Academic Support:

• Geometry, Biology, 9th Grade Lit/Comp
• Start strong—9th grade GPA counts for HOPE/Zell Miller

Subject Tutoring:

• Reinforce math, English writing, or science

Test Prep:

• Optional SAT/ACT baseline diagnostic in spring
• Start vocabulary building, reading fluency

State Tests:

• EOC Exams (Biology, Geometry, 9th Lit/Comp)

Long-Term Planning:

• Discuss AP/IB track for future years
• Introduce Georgia Tech & UGA admissions expectations

Rigor + Strategic Prep Begins

Academic Support:

• Algebra II, Chemistry, World Lit/Comp
• Begin first AP or IB classes (e.g., AP World, AP Computer Sci)

Study Skills:

• Improve study strategies for rigorous coursework

Test Prep:

• PSAT in October (practice for National Merit)
• Begin structured SAT/ACT prep (especially if applying to summer programs)
• Optional: Take PreACT

Private School Transfer (if applicable):

• Retake SSAT/ISEE if changing schools again

State Tests:

• EOC Exams (Algebra II, Chemistry, World Lit)

Scholarships / Enrichment:

• Apply for Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)
• Summer pre-college camps at GT, UGA, Emory, SCAD

The Deciding Year

Academic Support:

• Pre-Calc or AP Calc AB, Physics/Chemistry, AP Lang, APUSH/IB Hist
• Maintain rigor across 4–6 core subjects

Test Prep:

• PSAT in October – Final shot at National Merit
• Full SAT or ACT prep cycle (start in fall, test by March)
• Aim for UGA (~1350+) or GT (~1450+)

AP / IB Prep:

• AP tutoring in spring for success on May exams
• IB subject support for HL/SL exams

State Tests:

• EOC if enrolled in US History, Pre-Calc

College Planning:

• Build college list
• Start Common App profile
• Resume + activity list
• Tour UGA, Georgia Tech, and others

Summer Before 12th:

• Finalize essays
• Complete applications
• Take final SAT/ACT if needed
• Apply for scholarships (HOPE, Zell Miller, private)

Finish Strong & Submit Early

Academic Support:

• AP Lit, AP Gov/Econ, advanced electives
• Finish strong—first semester grades are sent to colleges

Application Timeline:

• UGA Early Action: Mid-October
• GT Early Action (GA Residents): Mid-October
• Submit FAFSA in October

Test Prep:

• Final SAT/ACT attempt in August or October if needed

AP / IB Tutoring:

• Continue subject support for May AP/IB exams

Scholarships:

• Ensure Zell Miller eligibility (3.7 GPA + 1200 SAT / 26 ACT)
• Apply for school-specific and private merit scholarships

Life Prep:

• College transition workshops (budgeting, self-advocacy, time management)