College Connections Hawaii: 9th

9th - 10th Grade

The "Write" Way to Practice

Too often, we run across poor writing skills at the worst time: in a student's college application essay. Grades 9 and 10 are an excellent time for teens to practice their writing both by hand and on the computer. The new SAT includes a scored essay, so all seniors will need to express themselves in legible handwriting. It's a great idea to have your teen write handwritten letters and emails as often as possible. Ask them to write you page explaining why they should receive more allowance, or borrow the car Friday night, or the advantages and disadvantages of attending college in the mainland. Will your teen groan each time you dispense one of these assignments? Maybe. Will it make him or her a better writer? Definitely.

More tips...

Learn and practice exceptional study habits to raise grades and strengthen reading, writing, discussion and note-taking skills.

Explore possible jobs and careers of interest.

Participate in 2-4 extracurricular activities.

Work with counselors to ensure you're taking all the right courses for four-year college entrance.

Take the PSAT exam, which gives students an idea how they might score on the SAT for college entrance.

Work at a summer job or unpaid internship in a field you're interested in.