College Pathway

Personalized Test Prep for Every Step of your Student’s Academic Journey

Wondering what academic support your student needs at each grade level? Our Road Map outlines key milestones, testing timelines, and tutoring recommendations, so you can plan with confidence. Whether your child is in middle school or preparing for college, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8Grade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12
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Foundations & Learning Habits

Academic Support:

  • Math fundamentals: fractions, decimals, ratios
  • Reading comprehension and writing clarity
  • Science basics and curiosity-building

Study Skills Tutoring:

  • Organization, time management, planner use

Private School Test Prep (if needed):

  • Begin light SSAT/ISEE prep for 7th grade admissions

State Tests:

  • Georgia Milestones (ELA, Math)

Enrichment Ideas:

  • STEM or reading summer camps
  • Academic clubs or early music lessons

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)

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