The appUP curriculum is designed to target all aspects of the high school to college transition, from finding the best fit schools to financial aid. To this end, our program runs from the spring of 11th grade to winter of 12th grade, when college application materials are submitted.

Since every student is unique, one-on-one mentorship represents a central pillar of our curriculum. Our University of Chicago student mentors work closely with high school students over the course of the progam, getting to know each student and providing personalized advice and guidance. To complement one-on-one mentorship, appUP hosts group workshops on topics like financial aid, application essays, how to find a good college fit, and much more. Through this unique combination of personal mentorship and collaborative group workshops, we aim to establish an inclusive and mutually supportive community of mentors and students.

Approximate curriculum breakdown:

AppUP Curriculum

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Through this curriculum, students will be able to

• Learn about importance of ACT
• Navigate through different types of colleges
• Understand all the components of the application
• Write great application essays
• Communicate and interview more effectively
• Complete and submit 7+ applications

Spring Plan (April 1st - June 15)

ACT Preparation

• Session 1 - 3 (Group) ACT Preparation
Mentors help students prepare for the April 23 ACT test. Include introductory AppUP presentation.

Exploring College

• Session 4: (Group) Introduction and benefits of college/university
Present appUP, why college is important, speed-dating to match mentor-mentee
• Session 5: (Group) Types of universities
Differentiate liberal arts, state universities, limitations of community/vocational/2-year colleges
• Session 6: (Student-Mentor) Personal fit of universities
Mentors and students review and discuss personal preference for the types of universities

Planning College List

• Session 7: (Group) Introduction to the college application
Cover components of common apps, supplements, other types of apps, and see some examples
• Session 8: (Student-Mentor) Student current situation and forward planning
Mentors review students' past classes, GPA, extracurricular, and make classes recommendations
• Session 9: (Student-Mentor) Make tentative list, deadlines, and summer planning;
Include match, reach, and safety, and different types of schools; volunteer and summer apps

Fall Plan (September 30 - December 14)

Early Action/Decision

• Session 1: (Student-Mentor) Finalizing a college list
• Session 2: (Group) College Essay Workshop
• Session 3: (Student-Mentor) College essays and applications

Financial Aid Part I

• Session 4: (Trip) Visit UChicago, lunch, talk with financial office (~ Nov 1)
Help students understand that they can afford college through FAFSA

Regular Decision

• Session 5: (Student-Mentor) Advice with Applications I
• Session 6: (Student-Mentor) Advice with Applications II
• Session 7: (Student-Mentor) Advice with Applications III
• Session 8: (Student-Mentor) Advice with Applications IV (~ Dec 1)

Winter Send-off

• Session 9: (Group) Send-off
Tips for the rest of the year and pizza party

Winter Follow-Up (January 6 - March 22)

Financial Aid Part II

• Session 10: (Group) Weekend FAFSA chat with parents (February)
Get students and parents together to teach them FAFSA before the deadline