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Grade 11 Monthly Tasks
11 年级月度任务清单 · Monthly breakdown
This page breaks Grade 11 (the most critical preparation year) into month-by-month tasks. Each month lists 3-6 concrete actions tagged by category (academics, standardized tests, essays, school list, activities, recommendations). Tasks link to relevant resources across the site where available.
把 11 年级拆成 12 个月的清单，每月 3-6 条具体任务，可直接对照执行。
Tags:
Academic
Test
Essay
School
Activity
Rec Letter
- AcademicConfirm AP/IB HL/A-Level course selection aligned with target major; verify with counselor that rigor is appropriate.
- TestRegister for the December or March SAT/ACT if not already taken; first official sitting target = January.
- ActivityPick 1-2 long-term activities to deepen; identify a leadership or project opportunity for spring.
- SchoolBegin a school research spreadsheet: name, location, deadlines, mid-50% scores, essay prompts. See Compare tool.
- TestTake a full Bluebook / ACT official practice test under timed conditions; analyze error patterns. See SAT Prep.
- TestIf TOEFL/IELTS not yet final, schedule a December sitting.
- ActivityDocument fall activities with measurable outcomes (hours, impact, deliverables) for resume use.
- Rec LetterIdentify 2 teachers (typically 1 STEM + 1 humanities) to ask for recommendations in spring.
- TestTake the November SAT or ACT (first official sitting). Don't expect final score — this is calibration.
- AcademicMidterm grades matter; some schools see mid-year reports. Protect GPA above all else.
- SchoolAttend 2-3 college info sessions (virtual or in-person); take notes in the research spreadsheet.
- EssayBegin Common App prompt brainstorming; list 10 candidate stories. See Essay Process.
- TestReceive November scores; decide whether to retake in March or May based on score gap to target schools. Use Score Conversion.
- EssayLock the Common App main essay topic before winter break; complete a 15-minute free-write.
- ActivityPlan a winter break project: independent research, internship, or community initiative.
- SchoolNarrow school list to 12-15 candidates; categorize as reach/match/safety.
- TestTake January SAT/ACT retake if needed. This is the last sitting that comfortably fits RD timelines.
- EssayComplete Common App draft v1 (600-700 words, scene-first opening). Don't polish yet.
- AcademicBegin AP/IB/A-Level exam prep; create a topic-by-topic review schedule through May.
- Rec LetterFormally request recommendations from 2 teachers + counselor; share brag sheet.
- EssayRun Round 1 structural revision on Common App essay: theme clarity, opening hook, ending closure.
- TestIf TOEFL/IELTS still below target, take February sitting.
- SchoolVerify each candidate school's deadlines, essay prompts, and recommendation requirements on official websites.
- ActivitySubmit competition entries or research abstracts with February deadlines (AMC, science fairs).
- TestTake March SAT (US) or March ACT if retaking. Aim to finalize SAT/ACT score by end of March.
- EssayComplete Common App draft v2 (Round 2: detail & specificity). Get first external reader feedback.
- SchoolFinalize school list to 8-12 across reach/match/safety; verify fit with current scores.
- AcademicSpring semester grades — maintain upward trend; avoid senior-year-style slacking.
- EssayOutline supplemental essays for top 5 schools; identify which main-essay story to reuse vs. write fresh. See Harvard supplement sample.
- SchoolVisit 2-3 campuses (in-person or virtual tour); update research spreadsheet with culture notes.
- TestTake April ACT if needed; this is typically the last ACT sitting for ED/EA timelines.
- ActivityWrap up spring leadership deliverables; document final outcomes for activity list.
- AcademicTake AP / IB / A-Level exams in May. These scores are reported to colleges.
- TestTake SAT Subject Tests (if still offered by target schools) or May SAT.
- EssayComplete Common App draft v3 (Round 3: voice & flow); do final read-aloud.
- Rec LetterCheck in with recommenders; confirm they have everything needed to write over summer.
- TestTake June SAT/ACT if still below target; this is the last sitting for comfortable RD timelines.
- AcademicYear-end transcript — these are the grades admissions officers will see most closely.
- EssayLock Common App main essay as "final draft pending summer review." Don't reopen unless feedback demands it.
- SchoolFinalize school list to 8-12; map each school's deadlines to a master calendar.
- EssayDraft v1 of all supplemental essays for top 5 schools. Each school = 1 week of focused writing.
- EssayRun pitfalls self-audit on Common App main essay; fix any flagged issues.
- SchoolBegin CSS Profile (financial aid) draft for early schools; collect tax documents.
- ActivityComplete a summer project with tangible output (paper, code repo, portfolio piece).
- SchoolCommon App opens August 1; fill out biographical info, activity list, and add schools to list.
- EssayFinalize Common App main essay; complete supplemental essays for ED/EA schools.
- TestSend official SAT/ACT/TOEFL scores to ED/EA schools (allow 2-3 weeks for delivery).
- Rec LetterConfirm recommenders have submitted or are on track to submit by deadline.
- SchoolSubmit ED/EA applications by November 1 — verify all materials arrived.