Your High School Journey to University: A Yearly Breakdown Guide

1.9th Grade: Exploring Your Passions and Interests

  • Understand your interests, strengths, and weaknesses
  • Participate in community service
  • Attend summer/ winter programs
  • Improve language skills

9th Grade is the perfect time to explore your passions. Try extracurricular activities (ECAs) like volunteering, summer/winter programs, or clubs to find what you enjoy. These activities can also build your language skills and enhance your university application. 

If you haven’t found your passion yet, don’t worry. You still have plenty of time to explore by attending different types of activities or taking online personality tests, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Big Five Personality Test. 

Meanwhile, you can also start preparing for TOEFL or IELTS if you’re planning to attend university in an English-speaking country. Most universities require you to submit an English proficiency test as part of your application. At Valour, we recommend that students complete their language proficiency test before entering their junior year.

2. 10th Grader: Language Proficiency Test Prep and Extracurricular Activities (ECAs) Involvement

  • Plan for university applications 
  • Successfully completed a language proficiency test 
  • Prepare to take one or two Advanced Placement (AP) subjects 
  • Participate in ECAs and competitions


At this stage, it is recommended that you begin searching for universities and programs that align with your interests and review their admission requirements. Some programs may require specific high school courses, so it is important to understand these prerequisites. 

The application process may also vary depending on the country you are applying to. For instance, if you are applying to universities in the US, you will be required to submit your SAT scores. Conversely, UK universities place more emphasis on academic achievement. Therefore, it is suggested that students maintain their GPA and participate in extracurricular activities related to their field of study. 

Regardless of the country you are applying to, taking AP courses is highly recommended. It is suggested that students take at least three to five AP courses and begin preparing for one to two of these courses during their sophomore year. Starting early is beneficial, as it allows you to maintain a high GPA and actively participate in extracurricular activities.

3. 11th Grade: Preparing for SAT and AP Exams, Gathering University Application Materials

  • Create a timeline for university applications 
  • Prepare for the SAT exam 
  • Prepare to take one or two AP subjects 
  • Participate in competitions and extracurricular activities

Junior year is a critical stage in the university application process, where maintaining a good GPA and completing various assessment tests are essential. If you have not yet taken the TOEFL or IELTS and achieved the required score for your desired school, it is important to do so as soon as possible. Additionally, students applying to universities in the United States are required to acquire the SAT score that their school requires at this stage. 

We highly recommend that students attend activities related to their intended major in college, such as the International Mathematical Olympiad and Model United Nations. Through these experiences, you can develop and demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and collaboration skills that can be highlighted in your essays. Your experiences can also demonstrate to admissions officers your passion for your field of interest. 

Finally, during the summer before entering senior year, it is crucial to begin constructing your essays and personal statements. This process requires a significant amount of research into the school and programs you are applying to. By tailoring your essays and personal statements to fit the program, you can increase your chances of being admitted.

4. 12th Grade: Submitting Applications and Receiving Offer Letters

As the university application process reaches its final stage, it’s crucial to prepare your letter of recommendation, essays, and application materials. Note that some universities, like the University of California, require additional essays, while UK applicants must tailor their one single personal statement to their chosen programs. 

For more information on UK or US applications, please refer to the links:

U.S. Application

U.K. Application

Once your application materials are ready, consider submitting your application during the early action (EA) or early decision (ED) period, which typically begins in October for US applicants. If you’re not admitted during the EA or ED round, you can still apply in the regular decision (RD) round, which is often on a rolling basis. For UK applicants, the application portal opens in September and closes in January with admission decisions made on a rolling basis.

*Note from Valour*

Navigating the university application process can be a challenging and complex task, but with a clear timeline and early preparation, it can be manageable. Our team at Valour is available to provide personalised advice and support to help you successfully navigate this process. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. We are here to help!