Continue to challenge yourself in academics: In 11th grade, you should continue to take the most advanced classes within your abilities. While looking at students’ GPA rankings, the top 30 universities also want to see the difficulty of classes taken. You should take more honors and AP classes in the third and fourth years of high school within your capabilities. Selective universities will pay great attention to the grades of students in grade 11. By the end of grade 11, you will have a cumulative GPA, which is shown on your high school transcript submitted to the university when applying. 

Note: Before taking any AP classes, remember to check AP college credit on the university website. 

Prepare for Letters of Recommendation: Your performance in class, after class, and on homework will affect each teacher’s impression of you and will eventually be discussed in the recommendation letters. So, try to make a good impression on your teachers. We suggest you actively participate in class, ask good questions, study diligently, make full use of extra help resources available after class and during the teacher’s office hours. 

Why: Taking advantage of these opportunities will help your teachers get to know you better. Each teacher’s understanding of your attitude and learning abilities becomes the first-hand knowledge they use when writing you a letter of recommendation for applying to college/university. 

Additionally, letters of recommendation can be from an employer you have worked with for an extended period of time or from a coach for a sport you participate in. Make sure to always represent yourself professionally at work and have good sportsmanship on any sports team you are part of. 

Start to make or update your resume: List your educational experience, awards, extracurricular activities, community services, summer projects, work experience, etc. If you already have access, you can update the college application system(s) relevant to the schools you are interested in with this information.  

Improve college essay writing skills: College application essay writing is very different from the writing you will generally do in high school classes. To be fully prepared for college application essay writing, 11th-grade students should learn more about how to write interesting essays or contact college counseling professionals for help getting started.  

Maintain active communication with college counselors: to ensure that academic and non-academic goals are completed. In the second semester of Grade 11, you should create a list of colleges/universities and prepare for their applications.