The University of Chicago’s Consortium on Chicago School Research analyzed the correlation between how 8th graders fared on the state’s exams and how they performed three years later on the ACT. Interestingly, the report showed that students who earned average scores in 8th grade had only a one-in-four chance of scoring high enough on the ACT to go to college—typically considered at least 20 out of 36 points.

With that said, high school is still important. “The research showed that regardless of their achievement level in middle school, students benefited greatly from attending high schools with strong academics and challenging course work,” said John Easton.

LifeBound’s freshmen success program featuring STUDY SKILLS and MAKING THE MOST OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL launch a stair step success program for every year of high school with these additional books: SOPHOMORE GUIDE TO COLLEGE AND CAREER, JUNIOR GUIDE TO SENIOR YEAR SUCCESS, CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING, AND MAJORING IN THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Rigor and Relevance activities, writing assignments, and reading strengthen students’ critical thinking skills and prepare them for success in the global world.