As the holiday season is winding down, you are probably thinking about the upcoming spring semester. If you’re a junior, you are in the midst of taking college entrance tests and creating college lists. If you’re a senior, you might be awaiting admission decisions and financial aid letters. No matter your grade level, spring is a pivotal time in your journey to college.
All too often, students think that they don’t have to worry about college until senior year. Truth is, it’s beneficial to begin thinking about college and your future as soon as freshman year (or earlier). All four years of high school matter and your grades count from Day One. Even if you don’t know what you would like to study or which college you want to attend, there are steps you can take each year to prepare.
Freshman and sophomores, start thinking about what you want to do this summer. Although it’s uncertain if activities will be virtual or in-person this year, you can still make the most out of your break! This could be anything from volunteering, working a part-time job, taking summer classes, or engaging in a hobby. Pre-college summer programs are also a wonderful way to spend your summer and gives you an opportunity to visit colleges that you are interested in. Whatever you decide, it’s important to be productive while also hanging out with your friends and enjoying your summer break.
Juniors, start thinking about how you’re going to approach the college application process. Who can you ask to write your letters of recommendation? Perhaps you can ask before you go off for summer break. How are you going to spend your summer? Many college applications open in July or August so the summer is a great time to begin working on your applications! You don’t have to submit an application in one day, matter of fact, many would advise against this. Create a to-do list and break down the application components into smaller, manageable pieces.
Seniors, this is the semester where you decide where you want to attend school in the fall. Gather your admission and financial aid letters and have a discussion with your family. What are you looking for in a college and what’s your college fit? Many schools need to know your decision by May 1st. If you’re still applying this semester, that’s completely fine! Just don’t lose focus or let “senioritis” kick in. Finish strong because your high school counselor has to submit your final senior grades to your selected college.
In future blog posts, we will explore ways to bring out the college in all of us and highlight information to help you navigate through your journey to college. I’m looking forward in traveling on this journey with you!
College in Me 