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:

• 💭 Coach Tony's Thoughts – Math 1 vs. Math 2+: Will starting "lower" hurt UC admissions? Building solid foundations often beats rushing ahead without mastery.

  📅 Weekly Action Plan – Essential grade-specific tasks to keep your college journey on track for the week of May 26th.

  🏫 Insider College Spotlight – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo combines hands-on "learn by doing" education with industry connections and stunning coastal location.

  💰 Scholarship of the Week – Hearts for Community Service Scholarship awards $5,000 to California students who volunteer in their communities, with applications due June 30th.

  🔥 Quick Admissions Tip – Summer activities for pre-med students need to show sustained commitment and genuine patient interaction, not just prestigious program names.

  🎯 Hidden Opportunity – Starting an online business demonstrates the initiative and real-world problem-solving that makes college applications stand out from traditional extracurriculars.

  📺 Must-Watch Training – Learn what top engineering schools actually look for in summer preparation and how to build hands-on experience that proves you think like an engineer.

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

💭 COACH TONY’S THOUGHTS

Math 1 vs. Math 2+: Will Starting "Lower" Hurt UC Admissions?

A parent recently asked me whether their child should take Math 1 or Math 2+ as a freshman. Their student achieved high grades in the highest level of math offered in middle school (Math 8/9), but they're concerned about foundation since the student has essentially been self-taught for 7th and 8th grade. The big question: Will starting in Math 1 disadvantage them for UC admissions?

Here's the scoop: Math is a very building block-like subject. You need to do well in Algebra 1 to do well in Algebra 2 to do well in Trigonometry, and so on. If your student isn't confident in their math foundation, I would absolutely consider starting with Math 1. A solid foundation is crucial for long-term success.

Will this put you at a disadvantage for UC admissions?

It could... but it also might not. The answer depends entirely on your child's intended major and career path.

If they're interested in engineering, computer science, or other STEM fields, we'd encourage them to max out as much math as possible—even surpassing Calculus BC if they can. But starting at Math 1 doesn't make this impossible.

When Could Starting Lower Actually Work?

Here are some possible pathways if you start with Math 1:

Scenario 1:

• 9th Grade = Math 1, Summer = Math 2, 10th Grade = Math 3, 11th Grade = AP Precalculus, 12th Grade = AP Calculus BC

Scenario 2:

• 9th Grade = Math 1, Summer = Math 2, 10th Grade = Math 3, Summer = Precalculus, 11th Grade = AP Calculus AB, 12th Grade = AP Calculus BC

Scenario 3 (Most Aggressive):

• 9th Grade = Math 1, Summer = Math 2, 10th Grade = Math 3, Summer = Precalculus, then move to college-level Calculus 1, 2, 3, and Linear Algebra

There are countless scenarios, but the key point is: YOU CAN catch up and even excel!

Bottom Line: Don't sacrifice foundational understanding for the sake of appearing "advanced" early on. A student who truly masters Math 1 and builds systematically will often outperform someone who rushes ahead without solid fundamentals. UC admissions officers care more about the rigor you achieve by graduation than where you started freshman year.

Quick Tip: If your student does choose the accelerated summer path, make sure they're getting quality instruction during those summer courses—not just cramming to advance quickly.

📅 WEEKLY ACTION PLAN

Week of May 26th

9th Grade

• Finalize summer plans: Confirm any summer program registrations, volunteer commitments, or part-time job applications. If you haven't secured something yet, look for last-minute opportunities like local community service or family business internships.

• Reflect on freshman year: Schedule time to review your grades, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth. What worked well? What needs improvement next year?

• Plan sophomore course selection: Meet with your counselor to discuss AP/honors prerequisites and create a 4-year academic roadmap aligned with your interests.

10th Grade

• AP exam reflection: If you took AP exams this month, reflect on your preparation strategies. What worked? What would you do differently? Use this insight for junior year planning.

• Summer prep for junior year: Use summer to strengthen areas that will matter for junior year—whether that's SAT/ACT prep, building your resume, or exploring potential majors through courses or experiences.

• Update your activity tracker: Document all your sophomore year achievements, leadership roles, volunteer hours, and any awards. You'll need these details for college applications later.

11th Grade

• College list refinement: Now that junior year is ending, update your college research based on your actual GPA, test scores, and extracurricular profile. Add 2-3 new schools to explore this summer.

• Summer application prep: Plan to draft college essays, request transcripts, and organize application materials during summer break. Don't wait until senior year starts!

• Teacher recommendation strategy: Identify 2-3 teachers who know your work well and would write strong letters. Consider asking them before summer break while your work is fresh in their minds.

12th Grade

• Final transcript submission: Ensure your final high school transcripts are sent to your enrolled college. Check your student portal for any outstanding requirements.

• Prepare for college transition: Complete orientation registration, housing applications, and course selection for fall semester. Research campus resources and connect with your future roommate if assigned.

• Scholarship follow-up: Continue applying for scholarships for your sophomore year of college. Many opportunities are available to current college students that you can start applying for now.

❓ PARENT QUESTION OF THE WEEK

My Teen Can't Find a Summer Internship - Are We Too Late, and What Alternatives Actually Matter for College Applications?

It's late May and many families are panicking because their teen hasn't secured a competitive summer internship. The good news? You're not as behind as you think, and there are plenty of meaningful alternatives that colleges value just as much.

First, Don't Panic About "Prestigious" Internships - Most high school internships at big companies are more about busy work than real experience. Colleges aren't necessarily impressed by a fancy company name if the student didn't actually contribute or learn anything meaningful.

Last-Minute Internship Opportunities Still Exist - Contact local small businesses, nonprofits, healthcare facilities, or government offices directly. Many smaller organizations make hiring decisions quickly and may need summer help. Your teen's initiative in reaching out personally can be more impressive than a formal program application.

Alternatives That Actually Stand Out - Consider job shadowing, starting a personal project related to their interests, volunteer work with real responsibility, or even a part-time job where they can demonstrate work ethic and customer service skills. Colleges love seeing students who work to support their families or save for college.

Focus on Impact, Not Titles - What matters most is what your teen learns, contributes, and can articulate about the experience. A student who organizes a community cleanup and can discuss leadership and problem-solving skills will impress admissions officers more than someone who photocopied documents at a law firm.

Bottom Line: Summer experiences should show initiative, responsibility, and personal growth. Whether that's through an internship, job, volunteer work, or independent project matters far less than your teen's ability to reflect on what they learned and how it shaped their goals.

📢 INSIDER COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT

Insider College Spotlight: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO)

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is often called one of California's best-kept secrets in higher education. This public polytechnic university combines the hands-on learning of a technical school with the research opportunities of a major university, all set in one of California's most beautiful college towns.

Why Consider Cal Poly SLO?

• "Learn by Doing" Philosophy – Cal Poly's motto isn't just marketing—it's embedded in every program. Engineering students build real projects, business students run actual companies, and agriculture students manage working farms and vineyards on campus.

• Elite Programs Without Ivy Price Tag – Cal Poly's engineering, architecture, and business programs consistently rank among the top public programs in the nation. Graduates have some of the highest starting salaries in California, often competing with private school outcomes at public school prices.

• Small College Feel, Big Opportunities – With only 22,000 students and a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Cal Poly feels more like a private college. Professors know students by name, and undergraduates get hands-on research opportunities typically reserved for graduate students.

• Location Advantage – San Luis Obispo sits halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, offering internship and job opportunities in both tech hubs. The charming downtown and nearby beaches create an ideal college environment that students consistently rank among the happiest in the nation.

• Industry Connections – Major companies like Apple, Google, Tesla, and SpaceX actively recruit Cal Poly graduates. The university's cooperative education program and industry partnerships mean students often have job offers before graduation.

Financial Aid Perk 💰 Cal Poly offers the Learn by Doing Scholarship program, providing need-based aid specifically for hands-on learning experiences like study abroad, research projects, and internships. The university also participates in the Cal Grant program, making it accessible for California residents.

💰 SCHOLARSHIP OF THE Month

Each month, we handpick a favorite scholarship that is currently accepting applications. Here is this month’s scholarship:

Hearts for Community Service Scholarship

• Award Amount: $5,000

  Deadline: June 30, 2025

• Eligibility: Open to student residents from California (and other specific states) who volunteer in their communities and are enrolled in a post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year. This includes high school students who are dually enrolled in an institution of higher education; high school graduates or GED equivalency; students enrolled in a trade school; or students pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, or post-graduate degree.

🔥 QUICK ADMISSIONS TIP

Ask Me Anything- Coach Tony

Got College Admissions Questions? Get Real Answers from Coach Tony Every week, families ask us dozens of questions about college admissions. From "How many APs should my student take?" to "What do admissions officers really look for in essays?" – and everything in between.

Instead of waiting for answers or searching through endless college forums, why not ask directly?

Every Monday, Coach Tony hosts live Ask Me Anything sessions where you can get personalized advice for your family's specific situation. Whether you're worried about course selection, wondering how to showcase leadership, or trying to decode financial aid, this is your chance to get expert guidance.

These aren't generic webinars with pre-scripted content. They're real conversations where you can ask follow-up questions, get clarification, and walk away with actionable steps for your student's college journey.

The best part? You'll hear other families' questions too, which often reveals insights you didn't even know you needed.

No more guessing. No more second-guessing. Just straight answers from someone who's helped thousands of families navigate this process successfully.

🎯 HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK

Starting an Online Business: The Ultimate College Application Game-Changer

Most students think they need traditional extracurriculars to stand out on college applications. But there's a hidden opportunity that admissions officers absolutely love: student entrepreneurs who create and launch their own online businesses.

• Why This Matters for College Applications - Colleges aren't just looking for students who follow instructions—they want self-starters who identify problems and create solutions. An online business demonstrates initiative, real-world problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking that can't be taught in a classroom.

• It's Easier Than You Think - You don't need coding skills or thousands of dollars. Students are creating successful online courses, digital products, and services using simple tools like Canva, Google Docs, and basic website builders. The key is starting with what you already know and what people around you need help with.

• The College Application Impact - This becomes your standout story. Instead of writing about the same volunteer experiences as everyone else, you can describe how you identified a need, built a solution, marketed it, and learned from real customers. Admissions officers see this as evidence of the kind of student who will make things happen on their campus.

Get Started This Summer - The best time to launch is during summer break when you have more flexibility to experiment, create content, and test your ideas.

📺 MUST-WATCH TRAINING

What Top Engineering Schools ACTUALLY Look for in Summer Preparation

Getting into top engineering programs isn't just about perfect grades in AP Calculus and Physics anymore. Engineering admissions have become incredibly competitive, and admissions officers are looking for something much more specific than high test scores.

Most students think loading up on advanced math and science courses is enough, or they assume any STEM-related activity will impress engineering admissions officers. But top programs like MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley are rejecting students with perfect stats because they're missing what really matters.

Engineering programs want to see that you think like an engineer before you even step foot on campus. This means hands-on problem-solving, real projects with measurable outcomes, and experiences that show you can turn theoretical knowledge into practical solutions.

The reality is that engineering admissions isn't about who has the highest GPA—it's about who can demonstrate real engineering thinking and problem-solving ability. Students who get accepted don't just study engineering concepts; they build things, solve real problems, and can articulate how their projects taught them to think systematically about complex challenges.

This training reveals the specific summer activities that actually move the needle for engineering applicants, the critical mistakes that even high-achieving students make, and how to build a portfolio that proves you're ready for rigorous engineering coursework.

Bottom Line: If you're serious about engineering, you need more than just strong academics. You need to prove you can think and work like an engineer. This training shows you exactly how to build that profile.

ONE QUICK FAVOR

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