When To Do Stuff
Summer
Multiply Your Skills
Over the summer, play around with apps that are designed to test your math abilities so you can keep your skills fresh. Staying sharp will help make learning new math in 11th grade easier.
Count on Campus Visits
Visit local colleges and universities with family and friends whenever you can and take virtual college tours online. Opening your eyes to the possibilities will help you hone in on what you want your future to look like.
Fall
Stay on Track with Classes
In the fall, make sure your classes meet A–G requirements for UC and go above and beyond the minimum requirements when possible. Your efforts to stay on track and challenge yourself academically will impress college admissions officers.
Be a Fearless Leader
Don’t be shy about taking on top roles in clubs and extracurricular activities. The experience will help you build your confidence and strengthen your leadership skills.
Score Big
Don’t miss your chance to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship! Sign up to take the PSAT in October. Only your junior year scores count toward the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Earn High Marks
Stay focused on getting the best grades possible, even in your most challenging classes. Colleges look for students who have done well in a rigorous curriculum.
Say Hey, UCLA!
This fall, schedule a tour of UCLA so you can get a glimpse at what your future might hold and get a feel for life at college.
Birds of a Feather
Form a study group with like-minded friends who have similar college goals. You can learn from one another while helping each other reach for your dreams.
Winter
Make Test Prep a Priority
Start studying for the SAT and/or ACT by taking workshops and classes and reading test prep books with sample questions. Your efforts will result in higher scores, which will impress colleges.
Pursue Your Passions
Get more involved in extracurriculars that build on your passions, interests and skills. Whether you’re into bass guitar, baseball or baking, colleges will be impressed by your desire to become an expert in the areas that interest you.
Spring
Get College Credit Now
Have you been taking Advanced Placement classes? If so, register for AP exams this spring so you can earn college credit, which will make your transition to college easier in many ways.
Spring into Action
Register to take the SAT or ACT this spring. Some schools require them while others, like UC, do not. Get more info and deadlines from your counselor.
Anytime
Figure out What You're Into
Spend time thinking about career ideas and majors that sound interesting and researching colleges that offer programs in those areas. Once you find schools that seem like a good fit, you can start to get a sense of what they look for in applicants.
Seek Solutions
If you’re finding math to be a bumpy road, get free help online with Khan Academy. Making sure you understand the concepts will improve your grades and test scores.
Be Insightful
Check out the personal insight questions on the UC application so you can start pondering the topics you’ll be asked to explore on college applications.
Find Ways to Cut Costs
Learn as much as you can about the different types of financial aid, like scholarships and grants, that are available to you and when to apply for them. Financial aid can go a long way toward helping you and your family manage the cost of college.
No Place like Home
Don’t miss out on college fairs and visits from college admission representatives and current students. You can learn about colleges near and far without having to buy plane tickets.
