MASTER PLAN
For Seniors
Strengthen your argument for admission to your target school. This is the final year to bolster the competitiveness of your package.
The single most important essay as a high school student is due this year. Pick the topic that best helps explain who you are and your strengths – not the one that is easiest to write.
COMMON APP
Reaching your target score early is the best, but if you’re still taking the test, do not worry. Make a study schedule and stick to it.
SAT/ACT
Streamline your extracurriculars to best fit your package. Be strategic and selective about what you choose to highlight in your application.
EXTRACURRICULARS
Obtain relevant experience for your field of interest by summer. Focus on experiences that showcase responsibility, novelty, and dedication.
INTERESTS
For Juniors
By now, you should have a sense of which fields you like and which you absolutely do not want to pursue. The main goal this year is obtaining your target SAT/ACT score and solidifying achievements. Remember, competitive schools favor national and state-level achievements.
Focus on official College Board material for test prep. Set a study schedule and follow it. Reviewing wrong answers and understanding your mistakes is critical. Use test timers when practicing.
SAT/ACT
Start writing full Common App essays for practice, using strong outlines. Make sure you get feedback and understand what your weaknesses are.
COMMON APP
Build up a strong portfolio of experience relevant to your field of interest. Doing this in your senior year will often not be enough. What big splash can you make? A 1,000-hour lab internship, or filing a patent? Think big and be focused.
INTERESTS
Demonstrating unified interest is important, but major recognitions still matter regardless of field. Note down any that you have to use in your essays later.
EXTRACURRICULARS
For Sophomores
Confirm what you learned as a freshman and start building a strong focus for the topics you liked last year.
You should be participating in actual events like sports competitions, science events, and creative recitals.
EXTRACURRICULARS
Become familiar with the test this year by planning test dates. Use official College Board tests online to help you.
SAT/ACT
COMMON APP
For Common App essays, focus on creating strong outlines.
It’s not too late to start building an interest. Look for leadership opportunities that suit your interests and age.
INTERESTS
For Freshmen
Starting early is a great way to get ahead. GPA is the No. 1 criteria looked at by most schools. Focus on getting good scores and maintaining them.
Look for topics that you enjoy and those that genuinely interest you. You will later develop experience in these fields for your Common App.
INTERESTS
How do you create a school club? Start small with steps like online research or visiting smaller events like local science fairs.
EXTRACURRICULARS
Use pre-SAT or pre-ACT books from College Board to familiarize yourself with question formats.
SAT/ACT
Start reading successful sample essays for your Common App to get an understanding of what a good essay requires.
COMMON APP