Have you ever been on a rollercoaster?
If you have, how did it feel? Were you excited, nervous—or screaming your lungs off? Well, believe it or not, you’re about to open a new chapter of your life that can be compared to a rollercoaster. That’s right! Sixth through eighth grade will be one of the most exciting and eye-opening phases of your life. Academics will be the key to your success throughout these years. In my blog, I’ll explore the many ways academics will help you conquer this wild ride. Without further instructions… Let’s get in line!
By the end of this ride, you’ll have a full understanding of why academics are so important—and why sitting through all those lessons will pay off in the next few years.
The Ideal Journey:
Let’s talk about what this ride should look like. Once you’re in sixth grade, I highly recommend applying to High Jump. It’s a program for sixth through eighth graders that helps you become a strong leader, guides you through the high school application process, and introduces you to scholarships—which are especially important if you’re planning to attend a private school.
But here’s the catch: you can’t just apply and expect to get in. You need to maintain good grades and be deeply involved in your community. I’m just saying—higher grades mean higher chances of joining programs like these.
Seventh Grade: The Big One:
Congrats—you’ve made it through sixth grade! But now… seventh grade looms ahead. Did you prepare enough? Are you ready? Did you keep your grades up in sixth? Honestly, none of that matters anymore. Your new focus is seventh grade, the most important year in middle school.
Make sure you maintain a high GPA. A 4.0 in seventh grade can earn you a solid 450 out of 900 points for selective enrollment schools. It’s also a great time to think about the type of high school you’d like to attend. The more prepared you are for 8th grade the better. I highly suggest you choose 3 schools, a selective enrollment school, an independent school, and a parochial school.
Final Stretch: Eighth Grade Hustle:
We’re about three-quarters through the line—working our way to the front. You’re now an eighth grader applying to high schools. And no, the grind doesn’t stop here.
Now, your next academic goal is to be top of your class. You want to be valedictorian. That means test scores, GPA, participation, everything counts. It’s how your teachers will know you deserve the title. Extracurriculars are great—they help with scholarships—but don’t drown yourself in activities if your goal is to be valedictorian. That honor goes to the student with the highest GPA, so take a breath and focus on earning straight A’s.
If you got accepted into your top-choice high school, I’m going to assume you followed my guide. Congratulations—Make sure you buckle your seat belt and secure your seat. It’s finally your turn to ride the rollercoaster! Enjoy every twist and turn, but don’t lose yourself along the way.
Khloe Zavala – Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School – DMSF Class of 2029
Photo Credit: aapsky – Adobe Stock