Almost as soon as it started, summer break is coming to a close. In the whirlwind of adjusting to new classes and buying school supplies, it is easy to forget plans that were made in the summer. Here are a few things to remember for each grade level while making plans for the school year.

Freshmen

1. Make a CollegeBoard account. Almost all major national exams, such as AP and SAT exams, are administered by the CollegeBoard, and to register for these exams or see the results, creating an account is necessary. This account also has other functions, such as college planning and scholarship searches through BigFuture.
2. Identify a high school roadmap. Look at available courses in the school (the course list can be found on the school website) and make a rough plan of the courses to take throughout the years. This step can help set appropriate grade goals and avoid stress in junior/senior year.
3. Compile a list of honors/extracurriculars. By sophomore and junior year, out-of-school programs become more selective and will often start asking about activities outside of the classroom that illustrate passion. Create a list now to identify any strengths to fall on or weaknesses to fill.

Sophomores

1. Consider applying for GHP. This opportunity is only available for sophomores and juniors, so by applying early, it is possible to have two chances of being accepted.
2. Investigate school resources. Since freshman year serves as an acclimation period, it was challenging to explore beyond in-classroom resources. However, in higher grade levels, students may be expected to do large-scale projects that may need extra touches, such as lamination, extensive printing, or Tri-board designs. The Media Center (in the cafeteria) and Maker’s Space (in the 600s commons) are excellent places to start investigating.
3. Start building a resume. When applying to out-of-school programs and universities, it is important to show passion. Consider clubs and summer activities that can be added to resumes/applications to demonstrate a clear interest in a particular topic. By starting early, admission officers can better understand students’ dedication and consistency. Also, start thinking about teacher recommenders. Many prestigious programs and universities require a recommendation letter from an adult. To submit an excellent, introspective letter, it is crucial to find a teacher who has observed one’s personality and focus in the classroom.

Juniors

1. Apply for GHP. Juniors have a better chance since they have more items in their portfolio to share, so it is best to make it count.
2. Apply to the College Prep Scholars Program. This selective program provides students with early access to college-specific programs and the National College Match. The application is simple and opens mid-fall, but the deadline is typically mid-spring.
3. Study for the SAT. It is better to have it done in junior year than stress in senior year. There are 8 opportunities in the school year, so a possible strategy is to study in the fall semester and then take the exam in the spring semester.

Seniors

1. Make a Common Application account. The CommonApp opened on August 1, but students can submit applications at any time. It is crucial to find out the essay prompts for any desired colleges so that drafts can start being made. Also, it is an easy way to check application deadlines and fees.
2. Apply to National College Match. If selected as a finalist for this program, students can apply early decision to up to 15 colleges, and if accepted, they would receive a full four-year scholarship. The first part of the application process closes on September 30, so start quickly. Note that College Prep Scholars get early access to this program.
3. Take senior photos. Through the Prestige Portraits website, seniors can start booking appointments to take senior photos. To avoid missing the deadline, it is recommended to have a picture taken by the end of August.

Good luck during this school year!