1. Grade 10
Build a Strong Foundation, Enrich Activities, Strengthen Language Skills
September
>>Maintain good academic performance; the transcript submitted during applications is for grades 9-12 (corresponding to junior high year 3 to senior high year 3 in China).
>>Start considering competitions based on subjects/areas you are good at, such as writing, programming, robotics, debate, Model UN, business competitions, etc.
October-December
>>Preliminarily determine your activity plan (some summer programs open registration in November and December).
Tips: The quality of extracurricular activities matters more. Long-term commitment is more impressive than superficially participating in many activities.
January-February
>>AP independent candidates can register for the May AP exams. In Grade 10, consider AP Calculus, Economics, Statistics, Physics 1 & 2, Chemistry, etc. AP humanities subjects are relatively difficult for Chinese students; you can start preparing early, and studying historical documents can also help with the SAT Reading section.
>>If participating in summer programs, remember to complete the registration.
March-June
>>Deepen your planning of activities/competitions and learn about overseas universities.
>>Prepare for language and standardized tests (TOEFL/SAT) to build a foundation.
Tips: It is generally recommended to reach a TOEFL score of 85-90+ before starting SAT study and training; studying SAT with a TOEFL score of 100+ is more efficient.
>>AP: Try to complete the first round of AP subject study during this period. In April, do daily practice to maintain momentum and prepare for the final sprint.
July-August
>>You can register for standardized tests from the second half of this year to the first half of next year.
>>Participate in intensive summer activities, such as summer programs, camps, volunteer work, research projects, and other extracurricular activities.
>>If participating in overseas summer programs or projects, confirm the relevant requirements in advance.
2. Grade 11
Standardized Tests, Background Enhancement
September-December
>>Continue maintaining excellent academic performance. You can take SAT/SAT2/TOEFL exams.
>>Continue to deeply engage in activities.
>>Some summer programs open registration in November and December.
January-February
>>AP independent candidates can register for the May AP exams. In Grade 11, consider Physics C, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biology, Calculus; psychology, history, literature, etc.
>>Intensively prepare for SAT/TOEFL and participate in activities.
>>If participating in summer programs, remember to complete registration.
March-April
>>You can take SAT1/SAT2. In April, sprint for the May SAT exam by doing practice tests and mock exams, aiming to achieve a satisfactory score in May.
>>Refine summer activity plans.
>>TOEFL: From mid to late March, you can take the TOEFL once, striving to get a satisfactory score this time. If not satisfactory, don't panic; there is still time to retake.
>>AP: Complete the study of registered subjects (all science subjects; humanities subjects at least complete the first round).
In April, do a few questions daily to maintain momentum. For humanities AP, review knowledge points repeatedly; never take a break.
May-June
>>Take the May SAT (SAT1 is not offered in international test centers in June), AP exams, and ACT exam.
>>TOEFL: If the TOEFL score from March-April is ideal, you don't need to worry about it anymore. If it's still a bit low, arrange time to retake.
>>SAT2: In May, consolidate weak areas repeatedly, do one or two practice tests per week, and take the SAT2 in June.
>>Collect information on target universities. At this stage, conduct detailed school research to understand the characteristics of schools you're interested in. Brainstorm ideas for your personal statement and write down your inspirations.
July-August
Tips: Ideally, complete standardized and language tests before the summer of Grade 11 and achieve satisfactory scores, so you can focus fully on applications during the summer and application season, and it's easier to finalize school choices and write essays.
>>School selection: Make a preliminary college list, select several possible ED/EA schools, and learn about campus vibes through various channels.
>>Essays: The personal statement can be finished during the summer; reflect and revise it thoroughly. Students applying to UC can start working on UC essays.
>>SAT: Prepare for October, because October is the last test date that can be used for early applications (U.S. test centers also offer an additional test in August).
>>Activities: Students accepted to summer programs should strive to obtain recommendation letters from professors. Those not attending summer programs can do campus visits, so you can mention your personal impressions of the campus atmosphere in your "why essay," making it more convincing. You can also schedule on-campus interviews at some schools in advance.
3. Grade 12
Application Materials, Essays, Interviews
September (First semester of Grade 12)
>>Finalize application directions and colleges (ED/EA), take TOEFL (optional), polish essays, and prepare various application materials (such as recommendation letters, transcripts, filling out application forms, financial proof, etc.).
Tips: If standardized test scores haven't come out yet, don't be too passive; first decide on your intended ED/EA schools, otherwise you won't have time to write essays after scores come out in October.
>>In activities, strive for top leadership positions in student councils and organize some events. For academic competitions, try to achieve as many high rankings as possible.
October
>>Complete ED/EA application essays, submit ED/EA applications before school deadlines, and track application status.
Tips: Pay attention to the requirements of ED/EA universities, such as whether there are mandatory material submission deadlines or the latest month they accept test scores; send scores immediately after they are released.
>>Take the SAT exam (optional).
Tips: After the October SAT scores come out, if you are not confident of a significant improvement in later tests, focus more on essays. Standardized tests are a threshold for good schools but not the only criterion.
>>Confirm the RD school list and start working on supplemental essays.
November
>>Refine RD application essay writing, complete UC essays, prepare for and attend ED/EA interviews.
Tips: University of California application submission deadline is November 30.
December
>>Wait for ED/EA admission results, complete all RD application essays and materials (be careful not to neglect RD essay and material preparation while waiting for ED/EA results). If you haven't received early decision results, you need to submit RD applications; submit all RD applications as early as possible and prepare for RD interviews.
Tips: Most universities accept the latest standardized test scores from this month. If you want to make a final push, seize this opportunity. (But it's still recommended to complete standardized tests before the summer of Grade 12, so you can finalize schools and write essays in advance.)
>>Prepare financial guarantee funds; in principle, U.S. visa requirements stipulate that proof of funds can be held for over six months, and fixed deposits are the best form of personal savings.
January-March
>>Optionally register for AP exams; studying AP courses at this stage can be used for transition to college courses, and AP exam scores can be used for credit. (AP credit policies vary by school; check university websites in advance.)
>>Prepare for and attend RD school interviews, track RD application materials and status (submit additional materials like Grade 12 midyear report), wait for RD results in March, maintain school grades, submit the first semester transcript of Grade 12.
>>Keep up your academic performance in Grade 12; many U.S. universities require a final report. If grades drop significantly in Grade 12, the university may revoke admission.
Tips: During the review process, schools may ask for additional materials, so frequently check your email and complete follow-up tasks as required by U.S. universities. Or log into the university application portal to track the admission process, so you can promptly know if the university requires supplementary application materials.
April
>>Confirm your school, reply to accept the offer, pay the enrollment deposit, apply for I-20, and schedule an F-1 visa appointment.
>>Confirm health check and vaccination requirements before enrollment, as well as compliant health insurance.
>>If you are waitlisted but still want to fight for a spot, you can present any new achievements and accomplishments since applying to the university to add weight to your application and attract the attention of admissions officers. Although few are admitted from the waitlist, it happens every year; do your best so you have no regrets.
May
>>Complete the required health check and vaccinations according to the school's requirements.
>>Prepare visa materials, apply for the visa, and confirm your itinerary and flight tickets.
Tips: When booking flights, consider the following key dates:
* The latest entry date indicated on the I-20
* Pick-up service times
* Dormitory opening dates
* Orientation dates
>>You can take AP exams to earn credits and waive corresponding college courses after enrollment. (Optional)
June-July
>>Apply for the visa (you can apply for a student visa up to 120 days before the arrival date shown on the I-20 form), finalize your itinerary, and make pre-departure preparations.
>>Strengthen listening and speaking skills, learn about American customs and culture, familiarize yourself with basic university systems (such as international student services, course registration, medical services, housing, safety services, etc.); the more familiar you are with the university, the less anxiety you'll have.
>>Before the semester starts, you can participate in some extracurricular activities or internships. Meet more people and join alumni events.
>>Prepare life skills for college and broaden your interests.
>>Read some books related to your major in advance.
August-September
>>Exchange currency and apply for a credit card.
>>Prepare to fly to the U.S. and start college. (You can check student forums to see if any upperclassmen offer airport pick-up.)
Extension: Activities can be divided into on-campus and off-campus activities
On-campus activities to join
1. Clubs/societies and sports; ideally, you can start your own club. Make sure you enter the core circle or take a leadership role; never be a negligible member.
2. Student council; strive for a certain position. Use school resources to plan activities that serve teachers and students.
3. Academic groups (like competition teams); decide early on the direction of competitions you want to join.
Off-campus activities to join
1. Community service, volunteering, such as nursing homes, charity work. Volunteer activities must be continuous, and it's best to have official documentation.
2. Summer programs, summer schools; if possible, attend a U.S. summer program. Choose based on your interest direction or the schools you're targeting. (Don't blindly pursue top summer programs; those that suit the student are the most valuable.)
3. If possible, apply for campus visits and conduct on-campus interviews.
4. If offered by the target school, apply for alumni interviews or Skype interviews; or arrange third-party interviews on your own.
We hope this article helps you. If you have any other questions about study abroad applications or essay writing, scan the QR code below to add 'CheersYou（清柚教育） Bro (WeChat ID: qingyouge23)' for a consultation~
