Track 1: Recommended Student Timeline
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.