Crash Course for high school students aiming for top-tier colleges
The course is designed to guide students from freshman through senior year, helping them build a competitive profile for top 20 universities
Module 1: Freshman Year - Laying the Foundation
1. **Understanding High-Level Schools**
- What are top 20 universities looking for in applicants?
- Key attributes: leadership, academic rigor, unique extracurriculars, and personal passion.
2. **Choosing the Right Courses**
- Aim for honors or advanced classes in core subjects (Math, Science, English, Social Studies).
- Start building relationships with teachers for future recommendations.
- Importance of strong academic performance early on.
3. **Extracurriculars: Start Exploring**
- Join clubs that interest you—quality over quantity.
- Consider sports, music, student government, or other group activities.
- Explore leadership roles early, even in small capacities (club treasurer, etc.).
4. **Developing Good Study Habits**
- Create study schedules, utilize tutors (like BC Mentors), and focus on time management.
5. **Volunteer Work & Community Service**
- Start volunteering locally. Look for causes you’re passionate about.
- Track hours and reflect on the impact you’re making.
Module 2: Sophomore Year - Building Momentum
1. **Academic Progression & AP Classes**
- Increase academic rigor with AP or IB classes where possible.
- Maintain strong grades while balancing extracurriculars.
2. **Exploring and Deepening Extracurricular Interests**
- Narrow down your extracurriculars to focus on 2-3 areas you’re passionate about.
- Seek leadership roles (e.g., secretary or vice-president).
- Begin long-term projects or initiatives (organizing a fundraiser, starting a club).
3. **Standardized Test Prep: Early Strategy**
- Explore PSAT, ACT, and SAT testing formats.
- Start light test prep or take practice tests to gauge strengths and weaknesses.
4. **Summer Plans**
- Use summer for enrichment: internships, academic camps, or leadership programs.
- If possible, take summer classes to lighten your junior-year load.
Module 3: Junior Year - Taking the Lead
1. **Challenging Courses & Consistency**
- Continue taking rigorous AP/IB classes.
- Stay consistent in your academic performance; aim for top grades.
2. **Standardized Testing Strategy**
- Take PSAT for National Merit consideration.
- Start formal SAT/ACT preparation; plan for spring testing.
- Explore subject-specific SAT tests if applicable to your desired major.
3. **Extracurriculars & Leadership Roles**
- By junior year, aim to lead at least one club or project.
- Start personal passion projects or community initiatives that stand out on a college application (e.g., organizing a local event or creating a nonprofit initiative).
4. **Volunteering & Building a Resume**
- Deepen commitment to community service or projects that reflect your passions.
- Begin drafting a resume listing all activities, leadership roles, awards, etc.
5. **College Research & Visits**
- Start researching potential colleges. Attend virtual or in-person college tours.
- Identify safety, match, and reach schools.
6. **Summer Before Senior Year: Get Ahead**
- Consider college prep summer programs.
- Begin outlining or drafting college essays.
- Take on leadership or internships related to your intended major.
Module 4: Senior Year - Finishing Strong and Applying
1. **Finalizing College List**
- Refine your college list based on your academic performance, test scores, and fit.
- Consider Early Decision/Action vs. Regular Decision strategies.
2. **College Essays**
- **Main Essay**: How to craft a compelling, personal narrative.
- **Supplemental Essays**: Addressing specific school prompts in a meaningful way.
- Peer review and professional feedback strategies (e.g., guidance counselors).
3. **Test Scores & Application Preparation**
- Final SAT/ACT attempts if needed.
- Organize recommendation letters from teachers and counselors.
4. **Creating a Well-Rounded Application**
- How to show a cohesive narrative: aligning extracurriculars, leadership, and essays with your intended major.
- Highlighting unique experiences (internships, research projects, entrepreneurial activities).
5. **Volunteering & Last-minute Community Impact**
- Final push for community service hours.
- Reflect on how your volunteer work has impacted your community, preparing for interviews.
6. **Preparing for Interviews**
- Mock interviews and strategies for answering common college interview questions.
- How to stand out authentically during interviews.
7. **Staying Motivated & Senior Year Academics**
- Avoiding “senioritis” and maintaining strong grades through the final semester.
- Continue extracurricular leadership and involvement.
Final Module: Beyond Applications
1. **Financial Aid & Scholarships**
- Researching scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
- How to apply for FAFSA and CSS profiles.
2. **Decision Day & What Comes Next**
- Understanding acceptance, waitlist, and rejection processes.
- How to prepare for college once admitted.
**Additional Resources
1. **Workbooks & Templates**
- Goal-setting templates for each year.
- College research worksheets.
- Sample resumes and cover letters.
2. **Mentor Sessions & Peer Advice**
- Opportunities to connect with students already in top 20 universities for real-world advice.
- Access to BC Mentors for personalized guidance throughout the process. (1 on 1 tutoring sessions!!)