The Must-Do Steps for College Success This Spring

Welcome to this week’s edition of College Admission Secrets, your go-to resource for navigating the college admissions journey with clarity and confidence.

In this issue:

• 🔎 College Admissions & Activities – Should your student stick with the same extracurriculars all four years? Here’s what matters most.

• 🏫 Insider College Spotlight – Why UC Santa Cruz is a top choice for students interested in STEM, research, and a unique college experience.

• 💰 Scholarship of the Week – A $5,000 award for students involved in 4-H, plus leadership and professional development opportunities.

• 🔥 Quick Admissions Tip – How to secure strong letters of recommendation that impress top colleges.

• 🎯 Hidden Opportunity – Free, full-length digital SAT practice tests to help students prep with official College Board material.

• 📅 Weekly Action Plan – Key tasks for each grade level to stay ahead in the college admissions process.

• 📺 Must-Watch Training – The must-do steps juniors need to take before college applications open.

No matter where your student is in the process, we are here to help. Let’s dive in!

📅 WEEKLY ACTION PLAN

Week of March 11th

9th Grade

• Join or take on a new role in a club, sport, or community activity.

• Look for local or online competitions, contests, or hackathons to participate in.

• Start tracking activities in a simple doc or spreadsheet for future college applications.

10th Grade

• Review AP course syllabi and identify weak areas to start studying.

• Explore free AP resources (College Board, Khan Academy, YouTube).

• If applicable, finalize junior year course selection with a balance of rigor and interests.

11th Grade

• Refine your college list by categorizing schools as Reach, Target, and Safety.

• Identify 2-3 teachers who could write strong recommendation letters.

• Consider how to strengthen relationships with those teachers before requesting letters.

12th Grade

• Review financial aid award letters and compare grants, loans, and scholarships.

• Contact colleges to ask about appeals or additional aid if needed.

• If deciding between schools, revisit campus visit notes or schedule second-look visits.

❓ PARENT QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Should my student stick with the same activities all four years?

Consistency in extracurriculars is great, but it’s also okay if their interests evolve! Here’s how to guide them:

• If they love an activity, stick with it. Long-term commitment shows dedication and growth.

• If they’re losing interest, pivot with purpose. Switching activities is fine, especially if it leads to a deeper passion or leadership opportunity.

• Look for connections. A student who quits soccer but starts a sports analytics blog still shows a consistent interest in athletics, just in a new way.

• Senior year is too late to start fresh. By junior year, they should be focusing on deepening their impact rather than starting from scratch.

Have a question you want us to answer in a future edition? Reply to this email and let us know!

📢 INSIDER COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT

University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz)

UC Santa Cruz is a top public research university known for its innovative approach to education and stunning coastal campus. It blends rigorous academics with a relaxed, supportive environment, making it a great fit for students who want strong STEM and liberal arts programs while being surrounded by nature. The school is a leader in environmental science, engineering, and game design, with many research opportunities available to undergraduates.

Why Consider UC Santa Cruz?

• Strong programs in computer science, engineering, marine biology, and environmental science

• A collaborative academic culture with an emphasis on research and hands-on learning

• Unique college system that provides smaller communities within the larger university

Financial Aid Perk: UC Santa Cruz participates in the Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan, which covers UC tuition for California families earning under $80,000 per year.

💰 SCHOLARSHIP OF THE WEEK

Each week, we handpick a favorite scholarship that is currently accepting applications. Here are this week's opportunities:

4-H Youth in Action Scholarship

• Award Amount: $5,000

• Deadline: March 31, 2025

• Eligibility: Current 4-H members or recent alumni aged 15 to 19 during the application year are eligible to apply. Four award winners will each receive a $5,000 scholarship applicable to two-year or four-year colleges, trade schools, or other advanced learning institutions. Winners will also participate in a year-long experience that includes media training, professional development, and national opportunities to serve as ambassadors for the positive impact of 4-H.

🔥 QUICK ADMISSIONS TIP

Letters of recommendation can make or break your application, but only if they add real value. Colleges do not just want a generic “great student” letter. They want insight into your character, work ethic, and impact.

• Choose the right recommenders. Pick teachers who know you well beyond the classroom and can speak to your growth, leadership, or resilience.

• Make their job easy. Provide a brag sheet with key accomplishments and specific stories they can reference.

• Ask early. The best letters come from teachers who have time to reflect, not those writing in a rush.

📌 Want to learn how to secure powerful letters that impress top colleges? Join us this Thursday for a special training where we break down what makes a standout recommendation letter!

🎯 HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK

Official Digital SAT Practice Tests – Free & Full-Length

Preparing for the SAT can feel overwhelming, but having access to real, full-length practice tests makes a huge difference. The College Board offers official digital SAT practice tests, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the new format, question styles, and adaptive nature of the test.

• The SAT is now fully digital, and practicing in the same format is key to success

• Official tests provide the most accurate experience compared to third-party materials

• Practicing under timed conditions helps build confidence and test-taking stamina

📺 MUST-WATCH TRAINING

The MUST-DO Steps Before College Applications Open

The college application process moves fast, and the best-prepared students start early. Taking the right steps now will set you up for a smoother, less stressful, and more successful application season.

• How to build a balanced college list with the right mix of safety, target, and reach schools

• The key steps to take before applications open to stay ahead of deadlines

• How to secure strong letters of recommendation before summer break

• The best time to take the SAT/ACT for top results

• The truth about financial aid, FAFSA, and merit scholarships and how to maximize opportunities

📌 Want a clear roadmap for success? Join us for this special training where we break down everything you need to do before applications open!

ONE QUICK FAVOR

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