Grade by Grade

Grade 7

1. Get off on the right foot by building your study skills. The habits you start now will help you succeed in high school and beyond.
2. Find out if your school is part of an early college-awareness program, such as GEAR-UP, TERI College Access, or Think College Early. These free programs are designed to put college within everyone’s reach.
3. Now’s a good time to try something new. Try out for a new sport, sign up for the school paper or any other kind of extracurricular activity that you think might be interesting. The younger you are when you start something, the more time you’ll have to really excel at and enjoy it.
4. Middle school marks the first time your academic subjects are taught by different teachers. That means lots of deadlines from lots of people! Learn how to manage your time.
5. The older you get, the more decisions you get to make on your own. Your choices affect your studies, what you do after school, and your social life. Learn tips for making decisions.
6. Sometimes the pressures of middle school—trying to fit in, striving for good grades, pleasing your parents—can be too much. Get a handle on dealing with stress.
7. Check in with your guidance counselor every term to review your course load and grades. Also, discuss any academic or social problems you may have at school. If there’s something you can’t bring up in person, try sending an e-mail to the Guidance Guy.