I can always anticipate my busiest months of the year. January is one of them. Since January 1st, I have had more emails, more Facebook messages, and more inquiries from families about working with me. A new year is a natural jumpstart to the college admissions process. Juniors, especially, are focused on what they need to do to get a leg up.
Here are ten things to do in the next month to prepare for applying to college:
1. Compare your PSAT results (or a practice SAT) with a practice ACT to determine which test to pursue BEFORE taking an official test.
So many students end up taking both the SAT and the ACT because they think they need to. Colleges have no preferences so take the test that is better suited for you. The only time you need to pursue both is if one isn't working for you.
2. Register for your first SAT or ACT (if you haven't done so already).
Most juniors take their first official test sometime in the second half of junior year. The SAT is offered in March, May, and June; the ACT has dates in April and June.
3. Visit some colleges.
MLK Day is usually the unofficial kickstart of the college visit season. It is typically one of the busiest days of the year to visit a college, though. Plan ahead by registering in advance.
4. Make a point to get to know your college counselor.
Even if your first college counseling appointment isn't until later in the year, introduce yourself to your college counselor. Stop in and say hello even when you don't need to ask them a question. The more they get to know you, the better advocate they will be for you.
5. Consider your academic persona.
If you are planning to major in a specific field, your courses, grades, test scores (even Subject Tests), and activities should back this up. If one of these pieces of evidence isn't as strong, this is the time to make adjustments or PIVOT. Sometimes the less likely course of action is the most fruitful when it comes to academic majors and programs. Consider what you are really good at instead of what others are doing or what others want you to do.
"If you are planning to major in a specific field, your courses, grades, test scores (even Subject Tests), and activities should back this up." TWEET THIS
6. Develop your extracurricular persona.
Think about how someone at school would identify you. Are you the theater star, athlete, or student leader? Are you the poet, dancer, or debater? No matter what you do, you want to have the most impact possible. Don't settle for "team member" or "player." Be the change agent, founder, creator, and developer because this will translate more when it comes time to fill out your extracurricular list on your applications.
7. Observe which teachers think you are the best.
Many colleges will ask for at least one letter of recommendation from an academic teacher, and the highly selective colleges will require two letters from academic teachers. The most influential letters of recommendation come from 10th and 11th grade teachers who view the student as the "best." You can be the "best student" of their career or even just the "best student" at something. Just make sure that teachers knows you well in and out of class.
8. Plan for summer now.
There are so many things a student can do over the summer. If you need to get a summer job, do it. It's still one of the most impressive things a high school student can do. If you want to develop that academic or extracurricular persona, summer is the time to do it. But if it costs a whole lot of money like an expensive summer program on a college campus or teen tour, it won't be as respected as doing something on your own.
9. Start a balanced list of colleges and get on college mailing lists.
Notice that I used the word "balanced." Most juniors will have at least PSAT results and a full semester of junior year grades at this point. Use these objective criteria to ensure that your list of colleges includes some reach, target, and likely schools on it. We are in era where the likely schools are just as important to consider, visit, and apply to as the dream and target schools on a list.
10. Clean up your social media accounts now.
As you begin to engage with colleges and definitely once you apply, admissions officers will let their curiosity run wild. Studies show that admissions officers frequently check out a student's online presence as they read their application. Make sure every post you have is something you would be willing to show every member of your family. If not, this is the time to delete it so there's no history of it as you begin the college admissions process.
January is the perfect time to get focused on the college process. A new year brings new opportunities. High school juniors are perfectly positioned to start checking items off their list. For younger students who are ready, every single item on this list can begin sooner than junior year. Let's make 2018 our most productive year yet!
