Track 1: Recommended Student Timeline
Grade 8
- Student Profile Evalution: Brightspark founders assess the student's current academic standing and extracurricular involvement
- Interests Discussion: Initial meeting with Brightspark founders to discuss interests andaspirations.
Academic Foundation & Extracurricular Exploration
- US & Canada: Focus on building a strong academic foundation with high grades and rigorous courses.
- Start identifying clubs, activities, or personal projects to explore diverse interests.
Consistent tutoring for academic excellence (based on participant needs).
Identify and start involvement in impactful extracurriculars (community volunteering, sports, music, coding clubs, debate, etc.).
Summer Opportunities planning
Search for Academic Enrichment Camps and any fitting summer programs.
- Participate in Summer Programs
- Begin discussion about interests or small passion projects with Brightspark founders
Grade 9
- Continue regular tutoring focused on academic excellence in key high school subjects.
- Initiate extracurricular focus: choose 2–3 core activities to pursue with greater depth.
- Begin early development of an "area of expertise" — exploratory projects, certifications (e.g., coding projects, art portfolios, math contests).
- Strengthen academic GPA with tutoring support if needed.
- Progress deeper in chosen extracurriculars (competitions, performances, leadership positions).
- Develop small independent projects or achievements within the area of interest.
- Early SAT/ACT reading comprehension skill-building (light exposure only).
Summer Opportunities planning
- Search for Academic Enrichment Camps and any fitting summer programs.
- Participate in Summer Programs, volunteering or select extra-curricular activities.
- Continue passion projects
Grade 10
◦ Student Profile Evalution: Brightspark founders assess the student's current academic standing and extracurricular involvement
◦ Interests Discussion: Initial meeting with Brightspark founders to discuss interests andaspirations.
◦ Mentor Pairing: Assign a mentor based on the student’s interests and profile.
◦ Reports Issued: Receive Spark profile report and Spark timeline report.
◦ Academic Schedule Discussion: Plan academic courses to align with university prerequisites.
Academic Foundation & Extracurricular Exploration
◦ US & Canada: Focus on building a strong academic foundation with high grades and rigorous courses.
◦ All: Begin exploring extracurricular activities, aiming for consistency and leadership potential.
◦ US: Familiarize with the PSAT format for future practice.
◦ Mentor Classes: Start regular sessions with mentors focusing on technical concepts relevant to the student’s interests.
◦ US: Consider taking the PSAT for practice and begin researching the National Merit Scholarship.
Prerequisite Research (Canada)
◦ Canada: Investigate course prerequisites for top programs in chosen fields (e.g., sciences, engineering, commerce).
◦ All: Identify areas for academic and personal improvement.
◦ US: Explore SAT or ACT preparation resources to build familiarity with test content.
◦ US & Canada: Start looking into summer internships, volunteering, or summer programs that align with interests.
◦ All: Create an informal list of target universities, noting key attractions for each.
◦ All: Participate in summer programs, volunteer work, or gain relevant experience.
◦ US: Begin light preparation for the SAT or ACT if ready.
Grade 11
◦ US: Register for the PSAT in October to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
◦ All: Increase involvement in extracurricular activities, pursuing leadership roles.
◦ Canada: Explore top Canadian universities and specific program requirements.
◦ US: Receive PSAT scores and plan for SAT or ACT in spring.
◦ All: Assemble a list of target universities and review application requirements.
◦ US: Take the SAT or ACT if prepared; consider taking both to determine the best fit.
◦ Canada: Research prerequisite courses for selective programs.
◦ All: Begin preparing for AP exams if applicable to enhance university applications.
◦ US & Canada: Engage in summer activities that reflect academic and community interests.
◦ US: Take AP exams and continue SAT or ACT preparation if retaking.
◦ All: Identify potential teachers for strong recommendation letters.
◦ All: Attend a guaranteed internship placement with elite companies or research labs.
◦ US: Start brainstorming and drafting the Common Application essay.
◦ Canada: Begin reviewing personal profile questions or other application requirements for top Canadian universities.
Grade 12
◦ US: Finalize the Common App essay and Ivy League supplements; begin the Common Application process.
◦ Canada: Open application accounts on university websites (e.g., U of T, UBC, McGill) and prepare required documents.
◦ All: Request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors.
◦ US: Submit Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) applications by mid-month if applying early to Ivy League schools.
◦ Canada: Submit applications for top Canadian universities, especially for selective programs.
◦ All: Prepare for any remaining standardized tests (SAT/ACT).
◦ US: Complete ED/EA applications (typically due November 1-15) and ensure all documents are submitted.
◦ Canada: Submit priority applications, including any supplementary steps for programs like U of T Rotman.
◦ All: Attend virtual or in-person college information sessions to learn more about applied universities.
◦ US: EA/ED results released by mid-December. If deferred, prepare for Regular Decision (RD).
◦ Canada: Complete any supplementary applications as required.
◦ All: Submit Regular Decision applications by year-end (US) or early January (Canada).
◦ US: Submit RD applications, typically due in early January for Ivy League schools.
◦ Canada: Submit applications to Canadian universities by mid-January for priority review.
◦ All: Confirm receipt of recommendation letters, transcripts, and test scores.
◦ US: Ivy League decisions typically released in late March.
◦ Canada: University offers begin rolling out in March, varying by program and school.
◦ All: Explore and apply for financial aid options if necessary.
◦ US & Canada: Make final college decisions by May 1, ensuring all acceptance and enrollment steps are completed.