Student

• Take control of your learning pathway to graduation; it's in your hands.
• Make course selections that are a mix of things that are new, challenging and give you joy.
• Engage in the variety of REAL learning opportunities that allow you to learn knowledge, skills and values.
• Make the most of the special opportunities and freedom that we give you - initiate your own ideas.
• Find ways to give back to your community through service.
• Find purpose in what you're doing including your capstone passion project.
• Say 'yes' to the support from the people around you; teachers, parents and staff - they are here to help you prepare for what's next.

For University/College-bound students

• Research and identify the schools where you want to apply. Identify 5-6 across a range of competitiveness. Provide this information to your Academic Advisor by June of your Grade 11 year, and commit to your choices by September of your Grade 12 year
• As you research, contact these universities with your questions and express interest. Your Academic Advisor can help with this communication, but it’s always most impressive coming directly from YOU, the student. Spend some time exploring university websites, and emailing admissions counselors who specialize in international applicants.
• Connect with students from the universities that interest you via email or Facebook to get students’ perspectives. Keep in mind, though, that you are unique. Look for someone who has interests similar to yours.
• Prepare for standardized testing like College Board’s SAT exam, SAT II Subject Tests, and/or the ACT. This is especially relevant for applications to UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
  • Sign up for an account on College Board.
  • Take SAT by Semester 2 of your Grade 11 year to get scores and identify areas where you need to study to improve your scores. You can take the test up to three times, and most universities consider your BEST scores (superscore). Read and understand College Board’s score reporting.
• Find out about other exams that you may need depending on the country where you want to attend university. TOEFL or IELTS is required by most universities for students whose native language is not English. Some accept English scores on SAT, in lieu of TOEFL or IELTS, especially if the student has attended many years of their K-12 education fully in English.
• Write 1-3 drafts of your personal essay. The essay you submit for applications should have been through 3-10 drafts to ensure that it truly represents your best work. Take a personal essay writing class in grade 11 to support you through this process. Start working on your essay by semester 2 of your Grade 11 year. Complete your essay by October of your Grade 12 year. Personal statements for the UK are different from personals essays. These should be written and revised by semester 1 of grade 12.

For Gap Year/Internship (non-college-bound students)

• Start by completing the pathway on this page and set up meetings with your academic advisor

• INFORM: Keep your Academic Advisor informed of your school choices and progress at all stages. Request regular meetings with a courteous and timely email to schedule these meetings. Always attend meetings that you schedule or notify in advance if your schedule changes.
• ENGAGE with your classes, teachers, advisors and mentors. These relationships are powerful supports for your learning journey.

Grade 11 is a key year to engage fully in the process.

Parents

• SUPPORTIVELY ENCOURAGE your child to do their research and discuss, discuss, discuss each option always.
• Keep in mind finances and discuss openly with your child about options.
• Monitor the most important test dates and ask questions to ensure that your child understands the process for registration, the options for testing, and the reasons why or why not to test.
• Meet with your child’s Academic Advisor a minimum of two times, Semester Two of Grade 11 year and Semester One of Grade 12.

Green School

• Provide opportunities to learn about post-graduation research, essay writing, and application process.
• Assist with research and communicating with universities to gather more information when requested.
• Provide an official school transcript.
• Write a school letter of recommendation when requested.
• Assist with asking for other letters of recommendation and guide outside recommenders through the process as needed.

GREEN SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED

• Pathways Guidance Classes
• Gap Year & Internship After School Activity
• Internships/Work Experience Throughout the Year
• University Fairs and Visitors throughout the year
• Career Day presentations and workshops
• Maia Learning online guidance platform
• Portfolio Class
• SAT Math Classes
• Creating Your College List and Standardized testing (SAT I, SAT II, ACT) workshops
• Personal Essay Writing Class