Preparing for High School: A Guide for JP Stevens Parents

Every student’s high school journey looks a little different, but a few decisions early on make an outsized difference by senior year: which clubs to stick with, which courses to prepare for in advance, and when to sit for the PSAT and SAT. Here’s what we tell JP Stevens families.

Encourage Extracurricular Involvement

Encourage your child to join clubs that align with their interests. JP Stevens offers a wide range of clubs, and students should aim to remain active in one or more throughout high school. College admissions value long-term commitment to extracurricular activities — participating in a club for all four years demonstrates passion and dedication more than a long list of one-year memberships.

Foster Leadership Skills

Active involvement in clubs can lead to leadership opportunities. Colleges take note of leadership roles, so motivate your child to strive for these positions. Leadership can also be demonstrated in other areas, such as mentoring younger students, organizing events, or leading sports teams.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is vital for both college applications and personal growth. Encourage your child to give back to the community through local opportunities. In Edison, students can volunteer at places like senior homes, veterans’ organizations, Liberty Science Center, and Jersey Cares. JP Stevens also offers volunteer opportunities through the Key Club.

Preparing for Challenging Courses

Biology Honors in 9th grade is one of the most challenging courses at JP Stevens, so preparing in advance is key to success. Accessing personalized support can make a significant difference in mastering the material and achieving good results.

Language Courses — Spanish Honors can be difficult, particularly for students entering at Level 2. If your child is interested in changing languages, consider enrolling them in Latin or another language. Language courses impact GPA, so it’s essential to choose wisely based on their strengths and interests.

AP US History (APUSH) is a rigorous course, especially in 10th and 11th grade. The homework load is significant, so help your child plan accordingly — this course requires considerable time and effort, extending into late hours.

Financial Literacy is a mandatory graduation requirement at JP Stevens. To avoid it interfering with other electives, we recommend completing it during the summer before entering 9th grade. The course is offered through Middlesex County College, and enrollment details are on the JP Stevens website.

Elective Courses (Create Career Pathways) — when choosing electives, consider how they align with your child’s career interests and how they progress from basic to advanced levels (e.g., honors or AP). Make sure any elective selected fulfills the prerequisites for future courses, such as AP Computer Science or AP Micro/Macroeconomics.

PSAT & SAT Preparation

Students take the PSAT in 10th and 11th grade, with the 11th-grade PSAT qualifying them for the National Merit Scholarship. It’s crucial to take the SAT early — ideally the summer following 10th grade — to give students room to focus on their academic work during the demanding 11th grade year. For the full timeline, see our SAT & PSAT test prep page.

AP Exams

If your child is taking AP courses, encourage them to take the AP exam in May. Many state colleges offer credit for scores of 3 or above, but acceptance criteria vary by college — check each target school’s AP credit policy directly.

Specialized Clubs: Robotics & HOSA

For students interested in engineering, technology, or robotics, JP Stevens has a competitive Robotics Club (Team 2554). Interested students should register at the club fair at the beginning of 9th grade. Students aiming for a medical career should consider joining the HOSA club, where they can participate in healthcare competitions and volunteer for emergency services once they turn 16.

National Honor Society (NHS)

NHS honors students with exceptional academic performance, leadership, and character. Students must apply in 11th grade, demonstrating their achievements in these areas. In addition to NHS, JP Stevens offers honor societies for individual subjects such as English and Science — each has specific requirements, including minimum grade thresholds (e.g., an A- or above), so students should familiarize themselves with the criteria for each subject’s honor society.

GPA Isn’t the Only Thing That Matters

GPA is a critical factor in college admissions, but it isn’t the only one. A high GPA demonstrates academic excellence, consistency, and dedication — all key indicators of a student’s ability to succeed. That said, colleges also weigh extracurricular activities, leadership roles, volunteering, and unique achievements that help paint a fuller picture of a candidate’s potential.

Need More Information?

Every student’s journey is unique, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions or need further guidance, reach out to us — we’re happy to help with any details or clarifications to make your child’s high school experience successful and fulfilling.