Planning For University – How Do I Begin?

The process of applying to university requires a lot of planning. In this section, we offer general suggestions that will help students be more successful in their learning and get a jump start on preparing for the college applications process.

Planning for Success in Grade 9 and Grade 10

• Be sure that you are taking the most challenging academic classes in which you can thrive.
• Get involved in school activities – do what YOU enjoy and have fun doing it!
• Grades are NOT everything, but they are important. Remember that GPA calculations begin in grade 9.
• Focus on study skills, time management, and organization. Ask for help from your teachers and counselor when needed.
• Get excited about learning! Students who focus only on grades tend not to enjoy learning. Find your passion and be an active learner.
• READ, READ, READ….The best way to expand your vocabulary is by reading good books.
• Think carefully about your interests, talents and strengths. Use the great tools on Family Connection to help you learn more about yourself.
• In October of the grade 10 year, take the PSAT exam offered at AISG. Do your best, but don’t stress about taking this test. It’s just for practice!
• Consider attending a summer camp for a fun and enriching learning experience outside of the classroom.

Planning for Success in Grade 11

In 11th and 12th grades, students should continue to focus on the same priorities noted above, but it’s important to be aware of the following timelines:

• Get ready for the PSAT in October.
• Develop a testing plan for the SAT exams
• Be sure that official transcripts from former high schools are in your file if you came to AISG after grade 9.

• Take the PSAT in mid-October
• Stay involved in school activities
• Consider taking SAT Subject Tests in November (Language with Listening is only offered in the November session.)

• Review first quarter grades and set goals.
• Make a plan to prepare for semester one exams.
• Register for the January SAT exam.

• Meet with your counselor to discuss PSAT scores.
• Take the SAT exam.
• Enroll in the AISG after-school College Planning Seminar, an 8-week workshop that highlights the A – Z of applying to worldwide universities.

• If English is not your first language, take the TOEFL exam.
• Be sure to attend college visits. It’s a great way to learn first-hand about a college.

• Course selection time. Be sure you are choosing challenging courses that you enjoy and in which you can be successful.
• Register for the May and June SAT exams.
• Be sure to attend college visits. It’s a great way to learn first-hand about a college.
• Junior Conferences will be scheduled in March and April. This is an important meeting with your counselor. Be prepared.

• Junior Conferences will be scheduled in March and April. This is an important meeting with your counselor. Be prepared and bring a list of colleges that you are considering.
• Time to start thinking about your college essay. Begin considering topics that have personal significance.

• Begin review for semester two exams.
• Take the SAT exam.

• Use your time wisely!
• Take time to be with friends and family.
• Refine your college list
• Work on your personal statement

Planning for Success in Grade 12

• Senior Conferences are scheduled with your counselor. Parents are invited. Bring your college list and your questions!
• Request letters of recommendation from your teachers.
• Make sure your official schools are correct and in file. Be sure that your travel documents are in order.
• Attend college visits
• Register for fall SAT exams if needed.

• If applying early decision/early action to the US, you must complete the Applications Processing Form by mid-October.
• Begin online college applications. Keep your login/passwords safe.

• California applications filing period is November 1 – November 30.
• For colleges/universities with a deadline of March 1 or earlier, the Application Processing Form is due to the counseling office by Mid-November.

• Be sure to send TOEFL, SAT and other external exam scores to universities.
• Early Decision/Early Action results are sent.

• Make sure to thanks your teachers for writing your letter of recommendation.
• Arrange for interviews, if invited.

• Keep in touch with the counseling office regarding offers of admission.

• Decision time! Accept one offer of admission and make a deposit.
• Notify other universities where you’ve been offered admission to let them know you’ll enroll elsewhere.

• Be sure that you have made a deposit to enroll at one university. In the US, the common reply date is May 1.
• IB Exams!

• Graduation. It’s your time to shine!