Early Planning (Grades 9–10)
Build momentum early. We design a four-year plan that balances course rigor, GPA, and a meaningful extracurricular spike—so 11th and 12th feel like execution, not catch-up.
- Former Admissions backgrounds
- Quarterly reviews + on-demand check-ins
- Personalized ‘spike’ development
- Four-year academic map
We pick the right battles: classes that stretch, activities that compound, timelines that protect wellbeing.
What You Get
Four-Year Academic Map
Personalized course sequencing (Honors/AP/IB) to balance rigor and success, updated each term.
Extracurricular ‘Spike’ Plan
Focus area identification + annual impact targets (leadership, competitions, research, or passion project).
Testing & Milestones Timeline
SAT/ACT landscape briefing, PSAT planning, and right-sized practice windows (no one-size-fits-all).
Study Systems & Executive Function
Study cadence, note-taking, and task systems to build sustainable A-level performance.
Summer & Enrichment Strategy
Tiered options for programs, internships, service, or self-driven projects that compound yearly.
Quarterly Progress Reviews
Data-backed check-ins with adjustments to courses, activities, and goals each quarter.
Grade-by-Grade Roadmap
9th Grade
- Establish study systems and class foundations; target A-/A trajectory.
- Sample activities, then narrow to 1–2 lanes for potential ‘spike’.
- Plan summer #1: exploratory but aligned (entry competitions, intro research, coding, arts portfolio, or service).
10th Grade
- Increase course rigor where appropriate (H/AP/IB) while preserving GPA.
- Level up in chosen lane (leadership role, mentorship, or first independent project).
- PSAT calibration; determine whether SAT/ACT testing path is advantageous.
- Plan summer #2: depth move (selective program, research assistantship, venture/nonprofit build, or capstone).
How It Works
1) Diagnostic & Alignment
School context, goals, constraints. Light diagnostics for study systems and activity inventory.
2) Custom Plan
Four-year map, spike plan, testing timeline, and summer strategy. Shared tracker with milestones.
3) Review & Adjust
Quarterly reviews and just-in-time tweaks around grades, leadership moves, and opportunities.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this only for Ivy-bound students?
No. The framework scales for any selective target. We anchor to each student’s goals, school context, and bandwidth.
Do we need test prep in 9th/10th?
Usually not heavy prep. We right-size exposure (PSAT awareness, light diagnostics) and revisit a formal plan in 10th–11th depending on targets.
How often do we meet?
Most families meet monthly during the school year with quick check-ins around exams and deadlines. Quarterly reviews drive bigger plan updates.
Can you help launch a project or find research?
Yes. We ideate, scope, and build a realistic roadmap, plus outreach scripts and accountability to move from idea → impact.
Related Resources
- College Application Timeline (11th–12th Grade)
Month-by-month tasks for testing, essays, recommendations, and submissions.
- Grade 11 Testing Plan
Build a junior-year test prep timeline aligned to your target schools.
- College Application Checklist
Every task from first draft to submit—organized by deadline and category.