Ivy League Admissions Timeline

9th Grade — Foundation

• Rigorous schedule: Opt for the highest-level core courses you can excel in.
• Activity sampling (Q1-Q2): Try 3–4 clubs to locate a passion “spike.”
• Documentation habit: Start a Google Sheet logging awards, hours, leadership roles—future résumé fodder.

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10th Grade — Positioning

• Depth over breadth: Drop low-impact clubs; double-down on 1–2 activities with leadership potential.
• Subject tests/Pre-ACT: Take diagnostics; identify weak content early.
• Summer strategy: Target a selective program or self-designed project tied to your spike (e.g., research assistantship, nonprofit launch).

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11th Grade — Performance

• Max rigor: AP/IB/Honors in core + spike-related electives.
• Testing window: SAT/ACT by June; leave senior fall for superscore retake only if needed.
• Leadership proof: Hold an officer title, win a national competition, or publish work.
• College list draft (April): Reach, target, safety—balanced by acceptance rates and fit.

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Summer Before 12th — Packaging

• Common App essay complete by Aug 1.
• Supplement bank: Pre-write versatile 250-word themes ready for each school’s prompts.
• Recommendation packets: Give brag sheet + resume to teachers before break.

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12th Grade — Execution

Quick-Reference Priorities

1. Grades + Rigor (always)
2. Spike Leadership (10th–12th)
3. Testing (finish by 11th)
4. Essays (summer before 12th)
5. Financial Aid Forms (senior fall)

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Bottom line:

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Follow the timeline, hit each milestone once, and you’ll arrive at senior winter with a polished, strategic Ivy-ready application—no last-minute scramble required.