College might seem light years away when you enter your first year of high school, but it is closer than you may think. Those four years will fly by and soon you will have to make a decision on which path to take in your senior year. The earlier you start planning for college, the easier the decision will be. Here are some things you should keep in mind during each of your high school years to prepare for college applications!
Freshman Year
Freshman year provides you with a clean slate. The first two years of high school are critical for setting up good academic habits, and freshman year is when you should focus on your grades. Master successful study habits and consider taking higher level courses, such as AP classes if your school offers them. Some colleges want to see if you can succeed in taking rigorous courses in high school because that can give them an idea of how you will do in college. If you need help keeping your grades up, make sure to ask for extra help.
Also use this time to start figuring out your interests. Joining different types of clubs or other extracurricular activities, such as athletics or volunteer work, can help you determine what you are passionate about.
Sophomore Year
Sophomore year is when you should take either the PSAT or the Pre-ACT. These are practice tests that you will take at school which help you prepare for the SAT and ACT. You should take these tests seriously and begin studying the subjects as soon as possible, so ask your counselor when the PSAT or Pre-ACT will occur. You can then use the scores received from the PSAT or Pre-ACT to improve your skills for the following year.
Throughout the year, you should start thinking about how you will pay for college. Talk to your parents and see if they will help financially. Find a job to start earning money that you can put towards college, and research scholarships that you can apply to.
Remember that being involved in clubs and extracurriculars is not only for freshman year, but should last throughout all your high school years. In sophomore year, try to take on a leadership role that will grab the attention of college admissions.
Junior Year
Junior year should be the time when you start putting plans in motion. Research colleges and universities, and try to figure out what field of study you may want to pursue. Do you want to be in-state or out-of-state? Does the prestige of the college matter to you? How do the colleges rank in the fields of study you are interested in?Make a spreadsheet of all the colleges you are considering applying to. You can even start visiting campuses to see if they are the right fit for you.
You should also register to take the SAT or ACT. You have the option of taking both or just one, but you should choose one that shows off your strengths the best. You can retake these exams until you are satisfied with your scores, but you do have to pay for them. Speak with your school counselor to see if you are eligible for a fee waiver.
Now you truly have to begin working on your college applications. Start asking your teachers for recommendation letters towards the end of the year. Most schools require them and you should give your teachers enough time to finish them by the start of your senior year. Start drafting your college essays and sign up for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Senior Year
Senior year is the year you will officially start applying for college. In the beginning of the year, narrow down your college options. Meet with your school counselor and see what they think of your college prospects. On another note, ensure you are meeting all your high school graduation requirements so far.
The time you apply for college is up to you. Many colleges have different options for applications that vary in the timing of deadlines. For example, you can apply early action, early decision, or regular decision depending on the options that the college offersPay attention to individual college deadlines when applying. Complete all your financial aid forms and apply for any additional scholarships you desire.
Submitting all your applications does not mean you can slack off. You need to keep an eye out for things like acceptance letters, additional document requests, and financial aid offers. Take in everything one at a time and think about what path is best for you when you have to make your final college decision.
Applying for colleges sounds like a difficult task, but if you follow these guidelines, things will be a lot simpler. Please know that you are not the only student going through this so talk it out and get help from your peers if needed. You can all get through it together!
Sources:
- https://www.goingmerry.com/blog/college-readiness-checklist/
- https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/college-prep-checklist.pdf
- https://www.connectionsacademy.com/support/resources/article/getting-ready-for-college
- https://www.hesc.ny.gov/prepare-for-college/your-high-school-path-to-college/checklists/senior-checklist.html
- https://goingivy.com/college-admissions-consultants/when-should-i-start/#:~:text=Some%20experts%20recommend%20starting%20as,be%20of%20benefit%20to%20you
3 Key Phrases:
- Those four years will fly by and you will have to make a decision on which path to take in your senior year. The earlier you start planning for college, the easier the decision will be.
- Also use this time to start figuring out your interests. Joining different types of clubs or other extracurricular activities can help you determine what you are passionate about.
- Submitting all your applications does not mean you can slack off. You need to keep an eye out for things like acceptance letters, additional document requests, and financial aid offers. Take in everything one at a time and think about what path is best for you when you have to make your final college decision.
Written by: Amanda Aber
January 19, 2022
