When To Do Stuff
Summer
Be Addicted to Books
Read books over the summer, even just for fun! It will improve your vocabulary, spelling, comprehension and test scores, which means you’ll be more ready for a good school when the time comes.
Discover New Passions
Start exploring new activities that interest you. Whether it’s soccer, painting, guitar or robotics, trying new things will help you build skills and experiences as you discover what you love.
Crunch Some Numbers
Exercise your math skills over the summer with math apps that challenge your abilities. Keeping your skills fresh will reinforce what you know and make learning new math easier.
Stay on Course
Learn about A–G course requirements for UC so you can stay on track to take the right classes in high school. You’ll be more prepared for colleges like UCLA if you start planning now.
Fall
Go the "Extra" Mile
Get involved in extracurricular activities, like clubs, music, sports and volunteering. It will help you grow and learn, and the activities you choose and commitments you make will reveal a lot about who you are.
Become a Leader
Put yourself up for leadership roles in clubs, student council, the arts or anything that excites you. You’ll gain experience and confidence that will go a long way in high school and college.
Make Your Money Count
Learn about the costs involved with going to college and talk to your family about creating a college savings plan. Sites like California Colleges and ScholarShare 529 can help steer you on the right path.
Aim for Great Grades
Challenge yourself to get As and Bs so you’ll be ready for whatever high school throws your way.
Make Study Habits Strong
Develop good study habits to help you retain what you’re learning, which will pay off in high school and beyond.
Winter
Stick with Study Buddies
If you’re struggling with a difficult class or subject, form a study group so you can learn from and support one another.
Ace the Test
Wait, you don’t need to worry about this yet! Hold off on thinking about the PSAT until next year.
Spring
Make Your Summer Smarter
Start looking into summer enrichment programs, which can be anything from local day camps and overnight camps to camps offered on college campuses. They’re a fun way to develop interests and skills while making new friends.
Choose to Be Challenged
When it’s time to register for 9th grade classes, be sure to sign up for challenging classes that fall within A–G requirements for UC. Taking the right classes will keep you on track to apply to great schools when it’s time.
Put Yourself to Work
Seek out summer jobs and volunteer experiences that will help you grow. You’ll develop a better sense of who you are and what you enjoy.
Anytime
Get Perspectives on College
Start talking to family members and other adults about preparing for college and finding the right school. The insights you gain will help you on your path toward college.
Be a Math Superstar
Don’t let challenging math hold you back! Get extra practice on everything you’re learning in class and more with Khan Academy. They break down concepts to make them easier to understand.
Seek Answers to Big Questions
What do you want to be when you grow up and where do you want to go to college? Talk to adults in your life about how they figured those things out. Their answers may inspire you.
Be Inspired by a Campus Tour
Want to sneak a peek at what your future could hold? Take a virtual tour of UCLA with just a few clicks of your fingertips.
Learn How to Cover Costs
Ask around to learn how others funded their college education. You might hear about financial aid options, such as scholarships, loans, grants and work-study programs, that are available to you, too.
