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Grade 9 – Grade 12

Application Timeline

Plan your university application journey year by year, so nothing lands on you all at once in Grade 12.

  1. G9

    Freshman Year

    • Prioritize Academic Excellence: Aim for consistent achievement in core courses, as early performance establishes academic expectations for later years.
    • Academic Engagement: Participate actively in class to establish rapport with teachers (essential for future letters of recommendation).
    • Extracurricular Exploration: Join clubs, sports, or volunteer organizations to identify your interests and potential "spike".
    • Preliminary Discovery: Start identifying general interests in majors or types of campuses without the pressure of a final list.
  2. G10

    Sophomore Year

    • Optimize Academic Rigor: Transition into Honors, Pre-AP, or Pre-IB courses to demonstrate your ability to handle challenging material.
    • Standardized Test Introduction: If you plan to apply to universities in the U.S., take the PSAT or a diagnostic SAT/ACT to understand the test format and establish a baseline for future preparation.
    • Commitment & Leadership: Move from "member" to "contributor" in your activities; look for opportunities to lead projects or initiatives.
    • Targeted Research: Attend virtual information sessions and start identifying specific programs that align with your career goals.
  3. G11

    Junior Year

    • Peak Academic Performance: This is the most critical year for your transcript; aim for your highest possible grades in advanced courses.
    • Standardized Test Execution: If you plan to apply to universities in the U.S., complete your SAT or ACT test attempts, ideally by the end of junior year to allow time for applications.
    • Cultivate Mentorships: Identify two core academic teachers who can speak deeply to your intellectual curiosity and character.
    • University List Refinement: Organize your list into Reach, Target, and Likely categories based on real admissions data.
  4. G12

    Senior Year

    • Narrative Crafting: Finalize your Personal Statement and supplemental essays, focusing on a unique "voice" that data cannot capture.
    • Application Finalization: Finalize and submit university applications, ensuring all required materials are complete and accurately presented.
    • Financial Aid & Scholarships: Complete required financial aid and scholarship applications based on your country and the institutions you are applying to.
    • Decision & Enrollment: Review admission offers, financial aid packages, and campus fit before making a final enrollment decision by reply deadlines.
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