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!!)

The 4-Year Blueprint for College Success