College Planning

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.