Timelines and Checklists Help Ease College Application Stress for Juniors

Are you on track with your college application process?  Sometimes it seems there are so many steps you need to take, it’s hard to tell if you’re on track!  Getting organized by creating a timeline and check list can help you stay on track. 

This month’s blog focuses on what high school juniors should be doing this spring/early summer to prepare for their senior year:

Hopefully you took your practice test (PSAT) last fall, and have made a college “Best Fit” list based on what’s important to you (size, rural or urban, how far from home, cost, academic programs, etc.).

1. Schedule your College Board Test

 Most students take either the SAT or ACT test for the first time during the spring of their junior year, and a second time during the fall of their senior year.

o   The ACT registration deadline for the June 16 test is May 9, 2014 – which is coming right up!  The late registration deadline is May 23.

o   The SAT deadline is for the June 7 test is May 9; late registration by mail is May 23; by phone or online it’s May 28.

o   Late registration may carry additional fees.

2.  Plan Challenging Senior Classes

Now’s not the time to take it easy!  Meet with your school counselor or, for more personalized attention, an Independent Educational Consultant, for advice on what courses would be most beneficial based on your college plans.  They can also guide you on extracurricular activities.

3.  Get Recommendations

Contact the adults you’ll want letters of recommendations from – doing it now will allow you to beat the summer rush.

4.  Search for Scholarships

Many local organizations offer scholarships, but they may have narrow criteria, so finding the ones that are a good fit may take time.  An experienced Educational Planner can also provide invaluable advice on scholarships and financial aid.  

5.  Apply for Summer Jobs and/or Internships

Future employers – even those offering internships – will look for students who took the initiative to hold jobs and internships in high school and college. A job or internship can also help you determine what types of work or fields interest you.

6.  Draft your essay! 

Changes in the SATs will not affect current juniors, so you’ll still need to write an essay, and you’ll also need an essay for your college application. (The Class of 2016 may not need to write an essay for their SATs.)  Start now and give yourself plenty of time to do rough drafts, get input, and then fine-tune a final draft.  Educational Consultants such as Klaar College Consulting can also provide valuable input and guidance on your essay.

7.  Explore Colleges

Review your “Best Fit” list of colleges, and start scheduling campus visits.  Call the admissions office to find out about campus tour schedules and opportunities for personal meetings with a professor or coach. 

Charlotte Klaar spends about 20 percent of her time visiting campuses nationwide every year, and she has the expertise to help students develop their best fit lists.  That list could well include lesser-known colleges that may be an ideal match for you.