College Planning

For the 2026–27 school year, PAUSD is partnering with Foothill College to offer multivariable calculus and linear algebra as part of the official school schedule, with no extra transportation required. The courses are designed for AP BC students, with priority given to incoming 12th graders. Enrollment requires completion of AP BC or the relevant prerequisite course, and a score of 3 on the May AP exam is the minimum threshold.

A ninth-grade student has been accepted into Stanford AI4ALL, a summer program focused on AI ethics and social impact that offers an immersive Stanford academic experience.

In the highly competitive landscape of U.S. undergraduate admissions, Asian male applicants with STEM backgrounds face immense pressure. Admissions officers increasingly prioritize a student's uniqueness. By demonstrating a focused depth of expertise, pursuing interdisciplinary integration, or showcasing real-world project experience, applicants can effectively stand out from the crowd.

Lock in your essay topic and start shaping your story before summer. Gather materials early, clarify your direction, and make sure your unique strengths come through.

U.S. college applications reward early planning. Starting in 9th grade to map out course sequences, build recommendation letter relationships, and pursue summer programs ensures stronger options in 11th and 12th grade. Exploring potential majors and building meaningful experiences are essential, and 10th grade is the ideal window to experiment.

Student A stepped away from academic competitions and focused instead on robotics, coding, and hands-on projects. By showcasing genuine ability through real work, he earned acceptances from top engineering programs including Georgia Tech. Competitions are not the right path for every student. What matters most is finding the direction where a student's passion and strengths genuinely align.

Han Education began guiding Student A through the COSMOS application process as early as 8th grade. Through sustained preparation and carefully refined essays, she earned her acceptance in 10th grade. The keys to her success were early exposure to the application process, long-term strategic planning, and the ability to clearly articulate her fit, growth trajectory, personal potential, and community impact.

UChicago's SSEN program offers pre-college summer participants an exclusive undergraduate application pathway, with decisions delivered up to three weeks ahead of standard ED timelines. Admission is binding. Students who complete the official summer program can apply directly without a counselor recommendation letter, and UChicago guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. SSEN is best suited for students who have already decided that UChicago is their first choi

Palo Alto Middle College (PAMC) offers a hybrid of high school and college coursework, making it a strong fit for academically capable, highly self-disciplined students who want to take college-level classes early. However, it needs to be paired with competitions, research, and other meaningful activities, otherwise students risk losing their competitive edge.

"Ever since high school started, my kid just changed completely. Nothing I say gets through." "They know all the right answers. They just do not do anything." "Even basic communication feels impossible now." These are probably some of the most common struggles we hear from families. Understanding the "Why" Behind Your Teenager's Sudden and Dramatic Change.

Just attended your 11th grader's college prep info session? Save this quick guide and you have everything you need! 🌟

As application season approaches for 11th graders, building leadership and impact is essential. By taking on greater responsibility in existing clubs, stepping into teaching assistant roles, participating in summer camp CIT programs, or developing a personal project rooted in your existing interests, you can effectively amplify your impact.

11th grade is pivotal for college applications, and AP course selection requires balancing challenge with performance. Top universities value GPA and grade trends, so it is recommended to choose courses that align with your intended major and where you already have a strong foundation.

Summer planning should focus on genuine interests and produce meaningful outcomes. Avoid blindly pursuing variety, and instead choose activities with deep engagement that demonstrate growth and impact.

Beyond summer programs, what else can you do over the summer? Here are some ways to build a more compelling resume with meaningful summer plans.

February to May is the prime window for dynamically filling gaps left by top summer programs. Here are targeted program recommendations: research-oriented options include university lab collaborations and mentorship-based research; credit-bearing options include Ivy+ coursework; business options include elite business school programs; and academic research options include semester-long research engagements.

John Locke Essay Competition Deadline Moved Up This Year! Clashing with May AP Exams and Finals Season! How to Respond?

Silicon Valley's top schools swap Multivariable Calculus for Math Proofs: A pivot from practical computation to logical reasoning—or a new uncertainty for students?

A Pivot in Elite U.S. High School Math? Palo Alto to Skip Multivariable Calculus (MVC)!

As PAUSD pushes the academic envelope, its new MVC course serves as a powerful competency signal for STEM majors.