Lock your SAT or ACT score
For the private schools: Harvard, Penn, MIT, Caltech, Stanford and more require scores for 2026-27. UCs don't read them.
+250 XP
Season 3 · Grade 11
The Boss Year
Hardest levels, highest stakes. Lock the score for the private schools, keep the grades up for UC, turn the passion project into real output, and build the list.
2,410 XP available · quarterly planning meetings, plus milestone meetings when they're due
Milestones
The work every strong applicant does this yearEpic
Scale the passion project
Real output with real users, readers, or results.
+280 XP
Land a real internship
A role with actual responsibility. The counselor network opens doors.
+220 XP
Earn real leadership
A title with results behind it.
+180 XP
Build the college list
12 to 15 schools across reach, target and likely, UC campuses included, plus an Early Decision call.
+100 XP
Set your major strategy
Direct admit majors like Berkeley EECS take a far smaller share than the campus overall. Choose on purpose.
+90 XP
Finalize senior year rigor
Lock the schedule that proves you finished strong.
+60 XP
Side quests
Optional work that sets a student apartNational award attempt
Olympiad, national competition, or published work.
+600 XP
Congressional Award Silver Medal
200 service hours over at least 12 months, plus personal development, fitness and a 3 day expedition.
+250 XP
Regional competition
Place in one competition tied to your spike.
+200 XP
Dual enrollment course
One college course, community college or online.
+90 XP
Recommendation relationships
Two junior year teachers who can write specifics.
+70 XP
Essay story vault
10 real stories you could explain out loud without notes.
+20 XP
Start with a plan, not a contract.
The Family Roadmap maps this season for your student. Credited to membership if you continue.