Track 2: Recommended Student Timeline
Grade 11
Full Student Profile Evaluation and Goal Setting with Brightspark founders.
- Immediate assignment of a dedicated mentor.
- Delivery of Spark Profile Report + Accelerated Timeline.
- Rapid academic and extracurricular schedule planning.
Early University Research
- Build initial target school list (US + Canada).
- Begin discussing major/career aspirations.
Testing Strategy Setup (US Applicants)
- Determine SAT vs ACT track.
- Create customized testing timeline.
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 SAT and ACT format; consider PSAT as practice.
- Mentor Classes: Start regular sessions with mentors focusing on technical concepts relevant to the student’s interests.
- US: Register for SAT or ACT if ready. Begin official preparation timeline.
Prerequisite Research (Canada)
- Canada: Investigate course prerequisites for top programs in chosen fields (e.g., sciences, engineering, commerce).
Early Summer Planning
- All: Research and shortlist summer internships, research opportunities, or programs aligned with interests.
- All: Identify areas for academic and personal improvement through mentor feedback.
- US: Take first SAT/ACT attempt; prepare for AP exams if enrolled.
- All: Build informal list of target universities, noting key attractions for each.
Stage 4: Research Initiation
- Launch research projects or competitions relevant to future academic goals.
- Mentor sessions continue with deeper technical project development.
- Take AP exams if applicable to strengthen academic profile.
- Canada: Continue university prerequisite research and ensure course alignment.
- US: Continue SAT/ACT preparation for retakes if necessary.
Summer Opportunities Planning Finalization
- Secure summer programs, internships, or research placements.
- Identify teachers for letters of recommendation.
- Attend guaranteed internship placement with elite companies or research labs through Brightspark.
- Start brainstorming and drafting the Common Application essay.
- Begin drafting Canadian university personal profile questions and essays.
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.