What Should High School Seniors Do To Prepare For College?

Hey there, rising high school seniors! Can you believe it? Your final year of high school is almost here. While it's an exciting time, it's also the perfect moment to start thinking about your college applications. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you stay on track as summer winds down and senior year approaches.

Get Ready For Senior Year

First, ensure you're prepared for the start of senior year. Complete any remaining summer assignments and gather your school supplies. Being organized from day one will help you manage your time better and focus on college applications. Don’t forget that your senior year grades will matter! Some colleges may want to see first quarter or first semester grades before making a decision on your application, and all colleges will require a final transcript at the end of senior year. They want to see that you continued to work hard even after being admitted because significantly lower grades can result in an offer of admission being rescinded.

Create Your Activities Resume / Fill Out The Activity Section

Your activity descriptions are a crucial part of your college applications. It should list all the extracurricular activities, sports, clubs, community service, leadership roles, work experience, summer programs, and honors or awards you’ve received throughout high school. Having this ready will make filling out applications much smoother. Before starting, be sure you know what your colleges allow in terms of sharing this information: do they allow an extended resume or simply want the shortened activity section found in the application?

Request Letters Of Recommendation

If you haven't done so already, consider which teachers you'd like to ask for letters of recommendation. Ideally, these should be teachers from your junior year who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character. Focus on teachers from core subjects like english, math, science, social studies, and world languages. If you asked teachers last spring, reconnect with them to confirm they’re still willing, thank them for their help, and provide them with any information they require. For more information on letters of recommendation, check out North Shore College Consulting’s blog here.

Finalize Your College List

Your college list should include a mix of dream, target, and likely schools. There’s no magic number of colleges to apply to, but having a balanced list of colleges you love can ensure you have a few great options. It is essential to understand that colleges that may have been less selective just a few years ago may have become much more competitive in recent years due to a significant increase in applications being submitted. Consider talking with a college counselor if you need help crafting and balancing your list.

Organize Application Deadlines & Requirements

Once your college list is set, gather each school's application deadlines and requirements. Write these down in a planner or calendar you check regularly. Missing a deadline can be disastrous, so stay organized. Make a checklist of each school's requirements, such as letters of recommendation, test scores, transcripts, resumes, essays, portfolios, and the application platform they use (Common Application, Coalition Application, or a school-specific application).

Develop A Plan Of Action

With your deadlines and requirements in mind, create a timeline for your applications. Consider applying Early Decision (ED) if you have a top-choice school you're certain about attending if accepted. Early Action (EA) is another option, allowing you to apply early without the binding commitment of ED. Most EA and ED deadlines are November 1st or November 15th. For a great explanation of these options, check out Understanding the Differences in Early Application Options for College Applications.

For Regular Decision (RD) applications, deadlines are typically in early January. Aim to submit applications at least two weeks before the deadline to ensure all materials are received on time.

Take Or Retake Standardized Tests

If you haven’t taken the SAT or ACT yet or want to improve your scores, register for the upcoming test dates now. Secure your spot as soon as possible because seats fill quickly.

Schedule College Tours

If you haven’t toured all your prospective colleges, plan those visits now. If you can’t travel to each school, many colleges provide virtual tours and information sessions, which are also valuable for learning about the schools and showing interest. Use these sessions to gather information for any supplemental essays you might need to write.

Work on Your College Essays

Summer is an ideal time to start your college essays. If you're applying through the Common Application, familiarize yourself with the essay prompts for the personal statement.

Many colleges also require supplemental essays. Compile a list of these prompts and start drafting your responses. Completing your Common App essay early gives you more time to refine it and work on supplemental essays later.

Start the Common App and Other Applications

The Common App opened on August 1st. If you created an account before August 1st of this year, follow the prompts to roll over your account. Anything you added to the Common App tab will still be there. If you still need to create your account, do that now. Create your profile and fill out the more manageable sections, such as your personal and family information. Then, move on to the more complex parts of the application.

Need more help with your college applications? Don’t wait! Contact us at info@collegeconsulting.net where we’ll connect you with our expert advisors who are ready to assist you through any or all parts of the college process with personalized guidance and support.