Now that graduating seniors have committed to their colleges, the spotlight is on juniors, or rising seniors, as they are soon to be known. Students think they’ve got all the time in the world until college application season, that’s in the fall—right? Unfortunately, no—college application starts in the summer. Before you can start your essays and applications, you need to have a list. To make a list you need to do research and have good information. You need to know what characteristics you are looking for, what programs of study interest you, how much you can afford, or how to make college more affordable. Juniors, you need to cast a wide net so you can investigate which schools and programs make it to your “short list” by the time you are ready to submit. In addition to online research, you need to visit. Getting your feet on campus is the only way to know if a college will be a good fit. Glossy view books always make the school look great—and it is—for the right student—but is that you? All of this takes time. Juniors, have you started exploring? Do you know how much college costs and how much your parents can afford? Do you know what kind of college you want to attend and what you want to study?
If you are feeling a bit behind, you still have time, if you start now! Waiting until fall will only increase your stress. Remember, you still have classes and activities in the fall in addition to college applications. Applying to college is like homework in another class, and applying to highly selective colleges or more than nine schools is like homework in an AP class. Every fall I get calls from “late breaking seniors.” Many college advisors are full by then. Students and families are in full panic mode and careful planning is hard to do in the heat of the moment. You may be able to find help, but it is more work for everybody when you are trying to do everything in a few weeks. I’ve often heard from families that they wish they had started sooner. It’s only May, but Senior Year starts in summer!
If you are feeling a bit behind, you still have time, if you start now! Waiting until fall will only increase your stress. Remember, you still have classes and activities in the fall in addition to college applications. Applying to college is like homework in another class, and applying to highly selective colleges or more than nine schools is like homework in an AP class. Every fall I get calls from “late breaking seniors.” Many college advisors are full by then. Students and families are in full panic mode and careful planning is hard to do in the heat of the moment. You may be able to find help, but it is more work for everybody when you are trying to do everything in a few weeks. I’ve often heard from families that they wish they had started sooner. It’s only May, but Senior Year starts in summer!
Current Sophomores
Test planning is essential for you. The class of 2017 is in the unique position of choosing from the old SAT, the redesigned SAT, or the ACT—depending on your testing plan. Have you thought about it? Is your course work rigorous enough to be challenging, but well balanced so you have time to study, do well, and have a life? Have you started thinking about your interests and strengths and how they fit with different types of colleges and programs? Ideally you will want to start visiting colleges this summer and begin to craft a list during your junior year. Do you know how to research to find your best fit?
Current Freshmen:
If you think about it, all of high school is really a long-term plan for college admission: your courses, your grades, your test scores, your extra-curricular activities. Many families find that they have not put much thought into college applications until very late in the game. Working with an advisor can help you focus and keep you pointed on a path to a best fit college. When is the best time to start? I’d say now--there is no downside to planning early.
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