Why Early Planning is Your Best Strategy
Applying to boarding schools or universities is a competitive and complex process. Starting early can maximize your chances of admission, secure scholarships, and reduce stress. Early planning is your most powerful strategy!
1. More Time for Test Prep
Standardized tests (SAT, ACT, SSAT, or ISEE) require months of preparation. Starting early allows you to identify areas of weaknesses, take practice tests, improve your scores over time, and allow time for resits. Begin test prep at least 6-12 months before application deadlines.
2. Stronger Extracurricular Profile
Top schools, particularly in the US, look for well-rounded applicants with a developed skill set. Early planning helps you pursue active or leadership roles in clubs, sports, or community service, and develop a unique skill over time (eg debate, coding). Master 1 to 2 key skills rather than list out many general skills.
3. Better Teacher Recommendations
Planning ahead helps to secure good reference letters from teachers, since you have time to build genuine relationships, provide information about your achievements and they have enough notice before deadlines. Requests should be made in the year prior to university entry.
4. Strategic School Research & Visits
Early research can help you to find a good fit school, to suit your academic, social, and financial needs. It also allows you to schedule campus visits, attend open houses and connect with admissions officers. Researching schools should start 1-2 years before applying.
5. Stronger Personal Statements
Starting early gives you time to brainstorming unique topics, write and edit over months, and get feedback from teachers and mentors. This leads to best results. Begin drafting essays the summer before application season.
6. Financial Aid & Scholarship Opportunities
Many scholarships have early deadlines. Early planning helps you to research merit-based and need-based aid options, prepare required documents (tax returns etc.), and apply for early-round scholarships with less competition. Complete financial aid forms as soon as they open.
Whether you're aiming for a top boarding school or a dream university, early planning gives you the edge and the best outcomes.
If you need help with any part of the planning process, please let us know.
University graduates
早规划是你最好的申请策略
申请顶尖寄宿学校或大学是一个竞争激烈且复杂的过程。提早开始规划能最大限度提升录取几率、争取奖学金机会并减轻申请压力。早规划，就是你最有力的决胜法宝！
1. 更充分的考试准备时间
SAT、ACT、SSAT等标准化考试需要长期备战。早开始让您能够：
精准定位薄弱环节
通过模考稳步提分
预留充足重考时间
建议：在申请截止前6-12个月启动备考
2. 更出色的课外活动履历
美国名校尤其青睐全面发展且具备专长的申请者。早规划助您：
在社团/运动/社区服务中担任要职
长期培养独特技能（如辩论、编程）
专注1-2项核心专长而非泛泛而谈
3. 更优质的推荐信
提前布局让您能够：
与推荐老师建立深厚关系
提供完整的成就资料
给老师充足准备时间
关键：在大学入学前一年提出请求
4. 更精准的选校策略
提早1-2年研究可帮助您：
找到学术/社交/经济都匹配的学校
安排校园参观和开放日
与招生官建立有效联系
5. 更出色的个人陈述
早启动意味着您能：
精心构思独特主题
获得数月修改时间
收获师长的专业反馈
最佳时机：申请季前的暑假完成初稿
6. 更多奖学金机会
早规划让您能够：
研究各类奖学金政策
提前准备财务材料（税单等）
抢占早期申请轮次优势
重要提示：申请通道开放立即提交
无论目标是顶尖寄宿学校还是梦想大学，早规划都是获得最佳录取结果的决胜之道。
如需任何申请规划协助，欢迎随时联系我们。