How To Make The Most of Eleventh Grade: Big & Bold Moves

Eleventh grade—are you ready for what’s ahead? This year is different. It’s the last real chance to make a mark before the college applications start rolling in. You’ve got standardized tests, AP and honors classes, maybe even an independent project. It can feel overwhelming, but here’s the thing—this year is what you make of it. What are you going to do with this time? How are you going to push yourself? This is your moment to shine, to show what you’re capable of. So, how are you going to make it count? What decisions will you make now that will set you up for success down the road?

Angela, an Ivy Link student since 9th grade, was targeting Ivy League institutions. She knew that to get into schools like Harvard, Yale, or Princeton, she needed to not only excel academically but also demonstrate leadership, passion, and initiative. By the time her eleventh-grade year began, she had already mapped out her plan to ensure that every action she took would make a difference in her application.

With only a few months left before applications are due, how can you make the most of this important year?

1. Make Big, Bold Moves

Eleventh grade is your opportunity to go big. This is the year to take on new challenges, show initiative, and push yourself to stand out. Angela didn’t waste any time. She had already applied for scholarships, entered contests, and submitted her work to student journals. She knew this was her year to make a lasting impression, and she made sure to act early. If you’re thinking about an independent project—whether it’s a community initiative, research project, or something creative—now is the time to plan. Angela dove into a community recycling initiative, which not only strengthened her application but also showed her commitment to a cause she was passionate about. It wasn’t just an activity to list on her application—it was something that aligned with her values and showcased her leadership. For advice on how to plan and execute a project that will make an impact, check out Ivy Link’s blog on A Guide to Independent Projects. 

2. Test Prep

Standardized tests are a key part of your college application, especially if you’re targeting highly selective institutions. Angela knew that preparing for the SAT and ACT early was crucial, so she started practicing well in advance. She took practice tests for both the SAT and ACT multiple times to understand the format, identify areas for improvement, and build her test-taking stamina. By doing so, she could pinpoint when she would be ready to take the real test with confidence.

As of spring 2023, the SAT transitioned to a digital format, offering a shorter, adaptive test experience that requires students to adjust their prep strategies. Similarly, the ACT is going digital in 2025. These changes mean you’ll need to adapt to a new testing experience, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the format ahead of time. Angela carefully planned when she would take the actual tests, allowing enough time for multiple attempts if needed. She decided to take the SAT in the fall and the ACT in the spring, giving herself time to review her scores and improve where necessary. By taking practice tests before the actual ones, Angela made sure she was fully prepared, and this approach gave her the confidence to perform at her best.

If you haven’t started prepping yet, now is the time. Don’t wait until spring—begin preparing today to approach the test with confidence. It is recommended that you take ACT and SAT diagnostic tests  to assess where you stand. At Ivy Link, we’ve helped countless students reach their target scores through personalized, one-on-one test prep, tailored to each student’s unique needs. Our focused approach not only improves your skills but also builds the confidence needed to perform at your best on test day. 

3. Tour Colleges

College tours are an essential part of finding the right school. Angela understood that choosing a college wasn’t just about reading brochures or looking at websites—it was about experiencing campus life firsthand. She visited colleges in the fall when students were on campus and classes were in session. She made sure to talk to students, attend classes, and meet with counselors. These visits gave her an authentic feel for each campus and helped her narrow down her list of schools.

When is the best time to visit colleges? While summer may seem like a convenient option—summer campuses are often quieter, with fewer students and no classes in session. How can your student truly assess if a school is a good fit without experiencing it during a typical, active semester? It’s much more beneficial to visit in the fall or early spring, when classes are in full swing and students are actively engaged. This allows you to get a real sense of campus life. Visiting during these times gives you the opportunity to speak with students, sit in on classes, and experience the college in its academic environment. Be sure to plan your visit in advance to make the most of your time. Don’t just settle for a basic campus tour—take the time to talk to students, attend a class, and meet with counselors to get a complete picture of life at the school.

4. Select mentors to ask for letters of recommendation (LORs)

Your letters of recommendation (LORs) are one of the most important components of your college application. These letters provide insight into your character, potential, and work ethic from people who know you well. Angela knew that building strong relationships with her teachers and mentors was essential for receiving impactful LORs. She made sure to engage in class, ask questions, and seek feedback early on so that when the time came, she had teachers who could write strong, personalized recommendations on her behalf.

By the end of eleventh grade, you should have a list of teachers and mentors who can write effective LORs for you. Don’t wait until the last minute to build these relationships—it’s important to start now. Strong recommendations come from people who know you well, so build those relationships early.

To learn more about how to approach your teachers and mentors for effective letters, check out Ivy Link’s blog on Effective Letters of Recommendation 101.

These are just a few strategies to help you make the most of your eleventh grade and set yourself up for success in the college admissions process. For personalized, in-depth admissions advising—including one-on-one tutoring, test prep, guidance on independent projects, and support with securing strong letters of recommendation—schedule a consultation with Ivy Link today.