College Planning

Although students apply to college in their senior year of high school, they spend all four years of high school preparing to apply, from maintaining good grades, studying for the SAT/ACT, and pursuing interests like sports, the arts, or STEM fields.

Coach Paul can help plan a holistic plan throughout high school that seeks to develop a student’s authentic self. A student’s true interests, curiosities, and passions are what guide the application process. Coach Paul believes an applicant should represent who they really are during the college application process and not who they think the college wants them to be.

Here is a grade-by-grade checklist on how Coach Paul can help guide students:

9th grade: Exploration and Engagement

Prioritize strong study and time-management skills
Explore extracurricular interests
Build relationships with teachers
Learn to balance the demands of academics, extracurriculars, and social life

10th grade: Discovery and Direction

Build on skills learned in 9th Grade
Take the PSAT in October
Meet with school counselor to plan courses and standardized testing preparation
Be productive over the summer with a job, internship, class, and/or community service opportunities
Summer college tour

11th grade: Planning and Preparation

Maintain strong academic performance
Deepen extracurricular involvement and explore new interests
Meet with school and private college counselor to develop a college list and prepare for the application process
Begin testing strategy (SAT/ACT)
Meet with school counselor to plan courses and begin standardized testing
Ask teachers for recommendation letters early
Be productive over the summer with a job, internship, class, and/or community service opportunities
Summer college tour

12th grade: Application and Decision

Finalize college list
Craft strong applications and essays
Support peers and manage stress
Essay Writing (Summer)
Application support + review
College visits and interviews
Financial aid & FAFSA support