Preparing for college can be an exciting but very daunting process for all high school seniors. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this crucial and important transition. Keep in mind that the college application process can be challenging, but staying organized and seeking guidance from those around you while remaining authentic to yourself and on your applications will always lead to the outcome you deserve!
TAKE STANDARDIZED TESTS
Taking standardized tests for college is a typical requirement for most schools in the admission process. Post COVID, a lot of schools have become test optional, so standardized test scores aren’t as big of a factor in the final admission decision. If you do end up taking it, it can help you to submit it! For the schools that still require test scores, strong performance on these tests can enhance your chances of admission and even qualify you for scholarships or aid. These tests will assess your academic readiness. To prepare, you will have to register, choose a test date, and prepare by buying and studying test materials and taking practice exams. Test scores will eventually get factored into the overall decision process, as they will be looked at (if you submit them) alongside other factors like your GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays. Regardless of whether you apply to test optional schools or not, it’s a good idea to keep a solid ACT or SAT test score under your belt. You might even need these scores once you actually reach college to apply to different majors or departments within your college.
VISIT CAMPUSES
Visiting college campuses is another important part of the college search process for prospective students. These visits provide you with firsthand experience and insights into campus life, the facilities and dorms, and the overall atmosphere. It allows you to get a feel for the campus culture while interacting with current students and by attending information sessions or tours led by admissions staff. During campus visits, you can explore all sorts of programs and extracurricular opportunities to assess if the college aligns with your personal interests and goals. Additionally, touring different campuses allows you to compare your preferences with each school, which allows you to make well-informed decisions about where to go. You can decide by seeing what the weather is like or how far away the college is from home; all factors that will eventually tie into your decision.
ATTEND COLLEGE FAIRS AND GATHER INFO
Attend college fairs that are hosted at your high school. This is a great opportunity for prospective students to gather information about different colleges and universities that are in your city or on the other side of the country. These events bring together admissions representatives from all sorts of different schools, so students can ask questions and learn about their academic programs and campus life, as well as admission requirements for the school. College fairs offer a one-stop-shop for exploring a multitude of college options in a short amount of time, making it a little simpler to compare different schools. Students can also learn about scholarship opportunities and financial aid opportunities at these fairs.
WORK ON ESSAYS AND APPLICATIONS
Working on your essays and applications is a critical part of the college admissions process. Students need to devote a solid chunk of their first semester to crafting compelling personal statement essays and supplemental essays that highlight your unique qualities and experiences. The essay prompts will likely vary for each college, so you have to tailor your responses accordingly. Be sure to start early, even in the summer before your senior year, to ensure you have enough time to complete your essays. Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or anyone else willing to lend a helping hand to help improve your essays. At the same time, be sure to request letters of recommendation from your teachers, counselors, or any other mentors who know you well both academically and personally. Approach whoever you hope to ask for a recommendation early, so you can allow them sufficient time to write thoughtful and personalized letters. Provide them with a list of your accomplishments and your resume so they can pull from there and provide you with the strongest recommendation possible! Well-crafted letters of recommendation, as well as strong and very unique and personal essays, are the best way to stand out during this grueling application process.
