Dream School, All You.

Written By Kourtney .

For Black Girls who Dare to Dream

This comprehensive guide is for high school students—especially Black girls and students of color—who are ready to take their college dreams to the next level. It walks you through every step of the elite college application journey with clarity, warmth, and strategy.

Whether you’re a freshman just starting to dream or a rising senior finalizing your essays, this guide meets you where you are and helps you get where you want to go.

Step 1: Know Yourself First (9th-10th Grade, or @now!)

Ask: What kind of college experience do I want?

  • Big university vs. small liberal arts school?

  • Urban campus or rural community?

  • Research-heavy or teaching-focused?

  • Diverse and inclusive? Strong Black student orgs?

Activity: School Fit Reflection Worksheet List your must-haves, deal breakers, and ideal vibes.

Talk to People:

  • Reach out to current students (especially Black students) via Instagram, TikTok, or school-affiliated groups.

  • Ask: What do you love? What do you wish you knew before?

Define What Matters to You:

  • Academics? Support? Vibe? Post-grad opportunities?

  • Make a vision board or Pinterest collage of your future college life.

Step 2: Build Your Brilliance (9th-11th Grade)

Academic Excellence:

  • Take the most challenging courses available to you.

  • Aim for strong grades, but prioritize learning and self-care.

Get Involved:

  • Clubs, sports, community work, leadership roles—but choose quality over quantity.

  • Align your activities with your interests and values.

Summer Matters:

  • Try pre-college programs, internships, research, volunteering, or work.

  • Look into programs for students of color (e.g. LEDA, SCS Noonan Scholars, Thrive Scholars).

Build Relationships:

  • Get to know your teachers, mentors, and counselors.

  • Ask for feedback, share your goals, and stay in touch—you’ll need recommendations later.

Step 3: Research and Reach Out (Spring of 10th to Fall of 11th Grade)

Make a College List:

  • Dream schools (reach), target schools (solid fit), and safety schools (guaranteed admission + you’d actually attend).

  • Use tools like BigFuture, Niche, and YouTube campus vlogs.

Explore Financial Fit:

  • Learn about need-based aid vs. merit aid.

  • Run Net Price Calculators on school websites.

  • Flag colleges that meet 100% of demonstrated need (many elite ones do).

Visit (or Virtually Tour):

  • Try to visit local campuses or take virtual tours.

  • Attend info sessions and follow schools on social media.

Start a College Tracker (Google Sheet or Notion):

  • Track deadlines, requirements, contacts, and impressions.

Step 4: Test (or Not) Thoughtfully (10th-12th Grade)

SAT or ACT?

  • Take a diagnostic for both to see what fits you better.

Prep Strategically:

  • Use free resources (Khan Academy, ACT Academy).

  • Aim to finish testing by spring or early fall of senior year.

Test Optional Reality:

  • Many elite schools are test-optional now, but high scores can still strengthen your app.

  • If your score doesn’t reflect your potential, skip it and lean into your strengths.

Step 5: Craft a Compelling Application (Summer Before & Fall of 12th Grade)

Personal Statement:

  • Tell a story only you can tell. Reflective, personal, powerful.

  • Get feedback, revise deeply, and keep your voice authentic.

Supplementals:

  • Answer school-specific questions with care.

  • Show why you and that school are a perfect match.

Resumé/Activities List:

  • Highlight leadership, impact, and depth.

  • Group similar activities and use strong action verbs.

Recommendations:

  • Ask early (end of junior year or very start of senior year).

  • Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your growth.

Interviews:

  • Be ready to talk about your interests, goals, and why that college.

  • Be curious—ask the interviewer questions too!

Step 6: Apply with Strategy and Confidence (Fall-Winter of 12th Grade)

Deadlines:

  • Early Action (EA): Non-binding, early notification.

  • Early Decision (ED): Binding, shows strong commitment.

  • Regular Decision (RD): Standard timeline.

Pro Tip: Many students of color benefit from applying early to elite schools that have strong aid packages.

Organize Everything:

  • Make a master checklist.

  • Use folders or drives for essays, PDFs, and confirmations.

Step 7: After You Submit (Winter-Spring of 12th Grade)

Stay Engaged:

  • Keep up your grades and activities.

  • Follow colleges on social media and keep up with updates.

Celebrate All Wins:

  • Acceptances, scholarships, new connections—you did that!

  • Rejections don’t define you. Redirection is divine.

Compare Offers:

  • Use spreadsheets to compare aid packages.

  • Ask schools for more money (yes, you can negotiate!)

Decide and Commit:

  • Choose the place where you’ll grow, thrive, and be supported.

  • Say yes with pride.

Bonus: Timeline Overview

9th Grade

  • Get strong grades, explore interests.

  • Try new clubs and build relationships.

10th Grade

  • Challenge yourself academically.

  • Start exploring colleges and activities you love.

11th Grade

  • Take leadership in activities.

  • Visit schools, make your college list, prep for tests.

Summer Before 12th

  • Finalize college list.

  • Start applications, write essays, secure recommendations.

12th Grade

  • Submit apps on time.

  • Apply for scholarships.

  • Compare offers and choose your college!

You got this.

You are not just applying to college. You are opening doors for your future. This process is about more than where you go—it's about who you become.

Breathe. Reflect. And remember: You belong in every room you walk into.

With boldness and love,

Your Big Sis in Strategy & Support

Kourt


Kourtney .
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Public Health & Pre-Med at Dartmouth