With the end of the school year approaching, juniors start to think about what they want to do after high school. If college is in the picture, here are helpful tips on how to get an early start on applications.
SAT and ACT
Admissions officers at many colleges and universities prioritize test scores when making their final decision. Most colleges are also revoking their test-optional policy. Starting now to prepare for the upcoming SAT can be highly beneficial.
Though Foran provides a session for taking the SAT in March/April, students can decide to retake the test, and can choose when they want to, as they offer more dates in the summer and fall. Students can register for these additional dates through the Collegeboard website.
For the 2027 admission year, many schools have switched from test-optional to test-required. According to Crimson Education, Dartmouth, Yale, Brown, Harvard, Caltech, and the University of Texas at Austin all have recently reinstated testing.
Many colleges and universities also allow students to submit “super scores” if they have had multiple test attempts on either the SAT or the ACT. A super score is the highest test score that combines the best score on each section.
Common App
Though there are multiple ways to fill out applications, Common App is efficient and beneficial by applying the majority of your general information and responses to all of your individual college applications.
Common App has sections; Profile, Family, Education, Testing, Activities, and Writing. Each gathers general information about an individual’s background, high school academics, and extracurriculars.
One crucial part of the application process is the activities section. This includes sports, clubs, jobs, and all other things outside of school. One should ensure they are involved in extracurricular activities catered to their interests.
Once the general application is complete, schools typically have specific questions and sections that are required before submitting the final application.
College Essay
Start brainstorming ideas for the personal statement section in Common App. Having an essay ready for the start of senior year creates more time for extra review and to be dedicated to other aspects of the application.
There are multiple topics that one can write their essay about. It is important to write about something that describes who they are. This essay ranges from 250 to 650 words. Though some schools may not require the submission of an essay, it shows effort and information on an applicant.
There will be colleges that require supplemental essays in addition to the overall personal statement essay. Supplemental essays can vary based on school, area of study, etc.
“Begin to think about and develop your college essay. There are typically 6 specific prompts you can answer when writing your essay or there’s always the free write option where you can write about any topic you’d like. The more you get done now (before you leave for summer), the less stress you’ll feel when it’s time to submit applications,” says school counselor Mr. Jakob Rosengrant.
College Tours
The summer is the perfect time to start exploring options and see what college fits the best. Many colleges take demonstrated interest into account when making the admissions decision. Some colleges also offer interviews over the summer, which is highly beneficial.
“I made a list of colleges I was interested in or wanted to visit over the summer, and that helped me brainstorm what I was looking for in a school,” says senior Cade Pietrosanti.
Pietrosanti is committed to the University of Virginia, where he plans to study Mechanical Engineering. It is important to truly consider interests when deciding what field of study one wants to focus on. Additionally, individuals should begin thinking about whether they want to stay local or go further, and if they want to go to a large school or smaller school.
College tours can be booked online on the schools website. They typically include an informational session, walking tour, and possibly a bus tour depending on the size of the school. The tour groups also have the possibility of looking at lecture halls, classrooms, and dorm rooms.
Most of all, don’t stress. Be smart, and spend enough time on each section of the application. Preparation is the best route to success.
“If you stay organized and follow our suggested timeline, there should be much less stress involved! It’s going to be stressful, but being organized and staying in touch with your counselor will greatly reduce the amount of stress throughout the process!” says Rosengrant.
