College Admissions Journey: Timeline
Foundations 9th Grade
- Maintain strong GPA in math, science, and English.
- Engage in clubs: Math, Robotics, Science Olympiad.
- Volunteer weekly & meticulously track service hours.
- Attend local STEM summer workshops and camps.
- Start a personal blog or science journal to document interests.
- Explore online resources like Khan Academy, MIT OCW, STEM YouTube channels.
- Visit a local college (virtual or in-person) to get a feel for campus life.
Build & Explore 10th Grade
- Enroll in AP or honors courses, with a strong STEM focus.
- Prepare for PSAT 10, AMC 10, and participate in MathCounts, Science Fairs.
- Seek opportunities to shadow local STEM professionals.
- Initiate a passion project or a youth-led community initiative.
- Summer: focus on research preparation or advanced coding camps.
- Continue long-term volunteering or tutoring commitments.
Refine & Lead 11th Grade
- Take challenging APs: Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science.
- Prepare for SAT/ACT and PSAT/NMSQT for National Merit consideration.
- Apply to prestigious summer programs: NIH SIP, RSI, Simons, MITES, etc.
- Seek leadership roles in clubs and school organizations.
- Begin shortlisting colleges and identifying potential scholarships.
- Start drafting your Common App personal statement.
Apply & Shine 12th Grade
- Finalize Common App essay and all college-specific supplements.
- Submit Early Action (EA)/Early Decision (ED) applications by Nov 1–15.
- Complete and submit FAFSA and CSS Profile for financial aid.
- Prepare thoroughly for college interviews, especially for BS/MD programs.
- Thank your recommenders; organize final resume.
- Celebrate milestones and decisions!
Stay Connected!
For up-to-date information on our programs, courses, events, and volunteer opportunities, join our official WhatsApp group:
Join Our WhatsApp GroupOur Credentials & Approach
At Active Learning Institute, our guidance is built on a foundation of academic excellence and real-world experience:
- Strategic guidance from a university STEM educator with extensive experience.
- Deep expertise in STEM, Pre-Med, and highly competitive BS/MD admissions.
- Methodologies backed by rigorous educational research and data.
- Personalized strategies tailored to each student's unique strengths and aspirations.
- Commitment to fostering critical thinking and independent learning.
- NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) Certification In Progress.
Comprehensive College Prep Services
We offer a suite of services designed to empower students at every stage of their college application journey:
- Personalized College Counseling: One-on-one guidance from 9th grade to application submission.
- Essay & Application Review: Expert feedback to craft compelling personal statements and supplements.
- Scholarship Search & Strategy: Identifying and applying for merit-based and need-based scholarships.
- Interview Preparation: Mock interviews and coaching for competitive programs like BS/MD.
- Summer Program & Research Placement: Guidance for prestigious summer opportunities.
- Academic Planning: Course selection, GPA management, and extracurricular strategy.
- Test Prep Guidance: Strategies for SAT/ACT, PSAT, and subject tests.
Annual Subscription Packages
| Grade | Package Highlights | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 9th Grade |
• Quarterly strategy check-ins (30 min) • Ongoing WhatsApp support • Ready-to-use planning & portfolio templates • Weekly curated volunteer opportunities list |
$600/year |
| 10th Grade |
• Bi-monthly planning sessions • Real-time WhatsApp mentoring • Volunteer & enrichment opportunity alerts • Project & course-selection templates |
$800/year |
| 11th Grade |
• Full college-list strategy session • Essay & supplement coaching (up to 5 drafts) • Mock interview + feedback • WhatsApp check-ins + opportunity alerts |
$1,400/year |
| 12th Grade |
• Priority application-finalization support • Scholarship & financial-aid roadmap • Interview & decision-strategy prep • 24/7 WhatsApp access + curated alerts |
$2,200/year |
Note: 12-month commitment required. Limited to 10 students per grade for premium, uninterrupted support.
Scholarship-Boosting Extras
Beyond the basics, we emphasize key areas that significantly enhance scholarship prospects:
- Achieving National Merit Finalist status via PSAT scores.
- Participation and success in prestigious STEM competitions (Regeneron, AMC, USACO).
- Securing meaningful summer research experiences or internships.
- Demonstrating strong leadership and measurable community impact.
- Crafting a powerful personal essay with a clear, authentic narrative.
Volunteer & Engagement Opportunities
We believe in giving back and offer opportunities for students to engage with our community:
| Opportunity | Deadline | Sign-Up Link |
|---|---|---|
| Zooniverse | Ongoing projects; register anytime | Visit Website |
| Learn To Be | Ongoing applications; semester commitment (~4 months) | Visit Website |
| UPchieve | Flexible, no minimum commitment; high school tutors | Visit Website |
| Science Buddies (Ask an Expert) | Recruiting in August for Sept–May; weekly 30–60 min | Visit Website |
| Science Buddies (My Science Buddies) | Ongoing tasks; flexible hours (testing, design, writing) | Visit Website |
| Smithsonian Digital Volunteers | Ongoing transcription projects; no minimum commitment | Visit Website |
| Active Learning Institute Resource Development | Rolling—develop open educational resources | Reach out via WhatsApp |
If you are a student and enjoy making learning resources or peer tutoring, reach out to request volunteer hours. We are always working on learning resource development and may need help.
Are you an organization providing volunteer hours or looking for volunteers? Please reach out to us at stlactivelearning@gmail.com.
Get In Touch
For more details about our programs, visit:
ActiveStem.orgEmail: stlactivelearning@gmail.com
Locations: Warangal, India and Saint Louis, MO