Learning Today,
Leading Tomorrow

Provide students with foundational knowledge about high school requirements and college expectations.

At AheadStart, I empower students to take control of their high school journey.

My mission is to provide accessible resources and tools to support successful college preparation and high school graduation. I strive to inspire confidence and show students that with the right guidance, their potential is limitless!

Center Activities

 suggest Goals

Disclaimer: Admissions officers do not have a checklist where they mark off specific activities they are looking for! These are simply suggested goals to help you become more involved in your community and discover your passions. By participating in activities related to your future career goals, you can make your college application more cohesive and comprehensive, giving admissions officers a clearer picture of who you are, your values, interests, and future aspirations. These are just three suggestions—there are countless other ways to make high school fun and fulfilling. To explore more ideas, check out my blog posts! And remember, quality over quantity. It’s better to engage in fewer activities where you can dedicate substantial time and make a significant impact than to spread yourself too thin with numerous commitments that don’t allow you to shine.
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School-based activities

Competitive Clubs

Join clubs like HOSA, FBLA, DECA, Speech and Debate Club, or Math and Science Olympiad. Colleges love to see how you take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it beyond school. These types of extracurriculars are not only fun but also help you build teamwork skills and improve verbal communication—key skills for college and life. Plus, they’re an excellent way to earn awards and achievements along the way!

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In or Outside of School Activity

Passion Project

A passion project is a self-initiated endeavor driven by your personal interests or career goals. Colleges are looking for students who are proactive and take their own initiative to make an impact in their community, create a larger impact, or solve meaningful problems. Passion projects require discipline and reflect a student’s creativity, commitment, and genuine interest beyond academics.

The best time to start thinking about a passion project is as a freshman, and you can begin acting on it that same year or as a sophomore. If you’re a junior or senior, I still encourage you to start—don’t let the timing hold you back. It’s never too late to make a difference, and these projects can even become great topics for your college essays. They’re an amazing way to show resilience, drive, and your ability to make a meaningful impact.

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Out-of-school Activities

Paid Work, Volunteering, or Internships

Engaging in paid work, volunteering, or internships can be incredibly fulfilling. These experiences help you develop crucial skills for adulthood, such as time management, responsibility, and teamwork. They’re also great for building interpersonal skills, like communication and problem-solving, while gaining valuable real-world experience. Whether you’re earning a paycheck, giving back to your community, or exploring a career field, these opportunities allow you to grow personally and professionally, preparing you for life beyond high school.

Stay updated with important academic deadlines, like FAFSA and SAT sign-ups, as well as upcoming events, including volunteer opportunities.

Check here regularly for reminders and announcements to keep you on track and informed!

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