Lesson #6
Chalk Out Your Game Plan
“To succeed in your mission, you must have single minded devotion to your goal.” – A.P.J Abdul Kalam
Objective: After having finalized on your goals; the next step is to chalk out a plan and start your
journey towards achieving your goals.
Overview: Planning ahead is important, especially when you are trying to reach a specific goal. It is
very important to visualize each of the steps needed to reach your goals. Create a solid game plan and
make a timeline to help achieve your goal step by step.
Steps to follow:
1. Focus on subjects/tests: You have an aspiration now, think about if you are hitting the right
marks academically. Also start preparing for your SATs and ACTs. You can even take your SATs
and ACTs. By getting it out of the way, you will be able to better focus on the demands of the
next rigorous academic year, as well as on building a strong college application.
2. Plan on becoming strong professionally: One of the most effective ways to ensure that you
get hands on experience for your desired goal is to take up an internship during your summer
holidays. Getting an internship at a related company or organization will not only help you
explore, but will also help you cement your interest in this sector. For instance, if you love
human biology, getting an internship with a hospital shows colleges that you are serious about
this subject, and driven to learn more about it in terms of its real world applications, beyond a
classroom setting. Try to structure the internship with your employer before you start to
ensure that you maximize your learning experience.
3. Participate in extra-curricular activities: It is very important that you participate in some
extra-curricular activity because it helps you learn things that you might not learn in a
classroom. Whatever your activities and interests, find a way to delve into them further. If you
are passionate about foreign film, take online courses on film appreciation or volunteer with
organizing local film festivals. Or learn a skill that is important for achieving your goal. Example:
If your goal is to become a translator, then start learning the foreign language you enjoy the
most.
4. Build a timeline: Chalk out your holidays/ deadlines/ test dates and build a timeline around
these. Building a timeline gives your plan some structure and organizes the tasks you need to
complete to move your goals from thought to reality. Arrange the steps you need to complete in
a logical order and give each a completion date. Think of your timeline as a map to your goals.
5. Follow the plan: Now that you know what steps you need to take to achieve your goals, ensure
that you follow the plan sincerely. Do not beat yourself up if you find that you need to adjust
your timeline. If you miss a deadline, set up another and ensure you stick to it. The game plan is
a way to keep a check if you moving on the right path towards your career.
Questions to Ask:
Here is a list of questions that you should ask yourself to help you identify your academic stream.
1.
2.
3.
4.
How to improve on your academics/scores?
Do I need to take SATs and ACTs?
What would be the best internship option for you?
What extra-curricular activities should I participate in?
Thoughts to discuss:
Discussions are the best and most interesting way of exploring any topic. When you are exchanging
thoughts and ideas with a group of like-minded people, you get unique insights and different
perspectives on the topic, which broadens your horizon and improves your knowledge base. So go
ahead, and discuss the following with your friends or parents or siblings or friends!
1. What steps did someone follow to improve their academic scores?
2. Tips and tricks to crack SAT/ACT?
3. Why is selecting the right internship important? How has it helped someone achieve their
goals?
4. How to chalk out a realistic timeline?
Reference ReachIvy Resources:
Guides:
 How can I maximize my summer holidays?
 What should I be reading during school?
Videos:
 Which one should I take?
 What is the SAT and ACT?
 What are SAT subject tests?
 Do I need to take SATs or ACTs?
 How do I stay engaged outside classroom?
 What activities can I be involved in?
Blogs:
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Reading Lists: 9th & 10th Grade
What to look for in a Summer Internship
14 ways to make the most of your High School summer