How to Prepare for College in High School: 10th Grade Strategies

Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash

The college admissions journey starts way before you begin your applications. That sounds like good news to some and bad news to others. We’d encourage you to think of it as “forewarned is forearmed” and use it to create a strategy and a timeline for yourself that takes the pressure off of figuring it all out at the last minute (we’ve actually created one if you’re interested). Especially for students looking to get into the Ivy Leagues, or a Top 25 school, an effective plan is key. We’re sharing the top four mistakes we see students make in 10th grade that hurt their Ivy League dreams and what to do instead.

No Strategic Focus on Activities

If freshman year is all about flexibility and exploring your interests, 10th grade is about honing in on a path. You should have a strong idea of what academic path you want to take in college and given some thought to your P-Perspective.  This means now is the time to deepen your involvement in one or two key activities, rather than spreading yourself thin across many clubs or sports.

If you’re a parent who went through college admissions during the “well rounded student” phase, this might sound strange to you. While what colleges are seeking hasn’t changed, per se, the applications are very constrained. Word limits and character counts are rigid - and short. If students spread themselves too thin across too many unrelated activities, the student doesn't create the depth necessary to illustrate the quality that is most valued: curiosity.

We do want to be clear about one thing: this isn’t about forcing you to lock in a lifelong career decision—it’s about giving you room to explore your interests with intention. Students don’t need to know their future job today, but colleges favor applicants who have demonstrated some form of academic or extracurricular depth in high school.

Additionally, many students who don’t begin narrowing their focus in 9th or 10th grade feel more pressure in 11th and 12th grade when they realize they need a strong academic and extracurricular story for college applications. Early engagement allows students to make low-stress, gradual decisions instead of feeling rushed into something later. That being said, 10th grade is the time to take what you discovered you enjoy in 9th grade, and hone in on it. If you cast a wide net across varying interests, be honest with what you enjoyed and begin to narrow down key activities going forward.

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

Failure to Identify a Driving Question

Showing initiative and academic curiosity are a large part of college admissions at rigorous schools. It’s important to demonstrate curiosity or a driving question that motivates you. One of the ways students can do this is with a localized research project or thematic question. Some students choose a formalized research project, while others may use an “investigative journalist” approach.

The Morganelli Method uses the acronym PAGE to describe the necessary components of a successful college application. What ties them all together is the E, for Ethos. Another way of looking at the ethos is as a cohesive narrative around which a student builds their application. And a research project can act as an anchor, connecting experiences to a larger academic or professional goal. And it’s exactly the kind of intellectual engagement elite universities are looking for.

A lot of students miss this step, usually for one of the following reasons.

They Don’t Realize It’s an Option

• Many students don’t think research is “for them” unless they’re in a formal science lab. In reality, research can be done in any field—business, arts, policy, psychology, etc.

They Only Engage on the Surface

• They take advanced classes and join clubs but never apply what they learn to a real-world problem.
• This makes their application seem broad but not deep.

They Don’t Think Local Research Matters

• Students assume they need a big-name internship or a national competition to stand out.
• In reality, colleges value independent, localized research highly because it shows initiative and a connection to real-world issues​.

Photo by Sam Balye on Unsplash

Limited Leadership Initiative

Students often participate in activities at a low level, either from time constraints or not realizing that pushing themselves into leadership roles is a key part of effective participation. In some organizations, there may not be official leadership opportunities, or they may only be available to upperclassmen. But focusing on only “official” leadership roles is to miss what elite schools are looking for you to demonstrate. Leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about taking initiative, creating impact, and driving change.

Ways to Demonstrate Leadership Without a Title

Start a New Initiative Within the Organization

Leadership means identifying a need and filling it, even without being in charge. Consider proposing a new project, event, or committee. One example? In a club like Robotics, a younger student can create a training program for new members or propose a workshop to bring in guest speakers.

This kind of initiative proves that the student is not just a passive member but someone who takes responsibility and creates value for the organization.

Become the Go-To Person for a Critical Task

Students don’t need a title to become indispensable. By mastering a key aspect of the club or team, they can position themselves as a leader naturally. In the school newspaper, for example, a 10th grader can manage social media outreach or become the best editor for younger writers.

Even if seniors hold official titles, faculty advisors and team members will recognize who actually moves the club forward.

Use Digital Leadership to Expand the Organization’s Impact

If a club or team is struggling with outreach or engagement, take charge of digital tools, such as setting up a website, social media account, or newsletter, to enhance the organization’s presence.

Lead Outside the Club Structure

Sometimes, leadership doesn’t happen within the organization—it happens in independent spin-off projects. For example, if an environmental club is inactive, a 10th grader could start a petition for a school-wide recycling program. Colleges love self-starters who don’t wait for permission to make things happen.

Turn Existing Responsibilities Into Leadership

If an underclassman is given a small responsibility (e.g., managing attendance, organizing supplies), they can turn it into a leadership moment by improving how it’s done. Transforming small responsibilities into bigger improvements shows initiative and problem-solving skills, which colleges highly value.

Photo by DS stories

Ignoring Competitive Metrics

Many students are unaware of how their academic performance, test prep, and class rank set the stage for competitiveness at top-tier schools​. Without this awareness, students might:

• Underestimate the importance of GPA and class rank, assuming they can "fix" a low GPA later.
• Delay standardized test prep, missing the chance to start early and gain an advantage.
• Miss opportunities to take more rigorous coursework, making their application less competitive.

There are a few ways to get the information you need and use it in the most effective manner.

1. Know Your Class Rank & GPA in Context. Start by asking your school counselor for an unofficial class rank estimate (or the official one if it exists). Colleges don’t just look at your GPA; they compare it relative to your peers. At elite colleges, students are often in the top 5-10% of their class​. If your GPA isn’t where you want it to be, develop a grade improvement plan (attend office hours, get tutoring, or adjust study habits).
2. Understand the Academic Expectations for Elite Schools. Many students don’t realize just how competitive Ivy League and top-tier admissions are. You should look up the average GPA, SAT, and ACT scores for your dream colleges and compare them with your current standing. Set clear academic goals for improvement if necessary as these are often the minimum bars of entry. Once you’ve achieved these the application story is what matters most.
3. Start Standardized Test Prep Early. Most students don’t realize that serious SAT/ACT prep should begin in 10th grade, not 11th or 12th. Prepping this early allows time for multiple test attempts and score improvements, as well as preparing you for the PSAT. Scoring well on the PSAT is the only way to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. We highly encourage taking a diagnostic SAT/ACT test now to see where you stand. Based on that information you can create a study plan, purchase a prep course, or work with a one-on-one tutor.
4. Choose 11th-Grade Courses Strategically. Your junior-year schedule is one of the most critical parts of your transcript. Unfortunately, too many 10th graders make the mistake of picking an easy 11th-grade course load that hurts their competitiveness at elite universities. When selecting junior-year courses, opt for the most rigorous options you can handle. If you’re not sure how to define “what you can handle”, work with a guidance counselor or trusted teacher for help in determining the right course load.
5. Identify & Strengthen Academic Weaknesses. Don’t wait until your junior year to fix areas of academic weakness. If you struggle with math, or are not a strong writer, seek help now, not later. Consider a summer course or tutoring program to have the skills to confidently tackle upper level classes.

Everything we’ve talked about comes down to this: Are you setting yourself up now to be competitive for your dream colleges later? If not, the time to adjust is right now in 10th grade.

If you’re looking for support, Ivy Tutors Network offers a wide range of college prep services. Set up a free consultation to determine the best path towards success.