Getting the Ball Rolling
Conversations about finding the best college fit usually begin during sophomore and junior years of high school. Students have had a chance to explore their academic and extracurricular interests and may have had a job or a volunteer position that has sparked interest in a particular area. So what should a junior focus on to prepare for the college search? My top 5 recommendations are listed below.
Reflect on Your Academic Choices
Focus on your grades and consider your academic rigor: Colleges like to see grades that have been consistent or improved since ninth grade. When choosing classes for junior year and beyond consider taking on a challenging but not overwhelming course load.
Colleges like to see that you are taking advantage of what your school has to offer and challenging yourself.
Get Ready for Testing
Schedule an SAT/ACT: The last few years have been interesting in terms of testing because many colleges have remained test-optional or even taken on a test-blind policy, while others have brought back the standardized testing requirement for admission.
Spring and early summer after junior year are good times to test because you are finishing up your math course and the material is fresh in your mind. Sitting for the ACT/SAT once you have completed Algebra 2 is ideal. I recommend students take at least one standardized test and then determine whether to retest. You can then use the summer for more practice if you decide to test again in the fall.
Focus on Your Passions
Spend time doing extracurriculars that you love! You don’t need to participate in dozens of activities. Colleges want to see that you spend your time wisely and pursue your genuine interests. Show schools what you care about most and where you spend most of your time.
If you are spending time doing what you enjoy, your natural leadership skills and curiosity will shine through on your application. Schools understand that many students need to work or help out at home and may not be spending a significant amount of time on other after-school activities.
Part-time jobs are important and the amount of hours per week should be shared on applications. Home responsibilities that take up a significant amount of time should be listed and discussed on your applications.
Start making a list of all the things you do during the school year and over the summer starting with the summer prior to ninth grade through your current grade. Then brainstorm descriptions for the activities that have represented your biggest time commitment during high school.
Spend Some Time on College Websites and Campuses
While doing so, think about what the right fit is for you.
Do you want to be within a short drive home? / Do you want to live on a campus of 30,000 students? / Do you want access to the mountains? / What kind of social scene is best for you? / Does your college need to have a film major?
There are many options, but don’t worry- you do not need to have all the answers now. Start jotting down ideas of what you think you might prefer. If you live near a college or are traveling and will be in the vicinity of a school, take a walk around the campus and note what you like and dislike.
I recommend all students set foot on at least two different types of campuses before drafting your initial list.
Brainstorm Essay Ideas
I recommend writing your personal statement essay over the summer when you’ll have time for multiple drafts. Once you have decided where you are applying, you’ll see there are often additional supplemental essays to complete so it is a benefit to have already finished your personal statement.
When considering your essay topic, think about highlighting a characteristic that tells the reader who you are as a person or as a thinker/student rather than highlighting an accomplishment. You are the subject! The topic does not have to be tragic or groundbreaking. Small-moment stories make great essays.
Think about what you’d like the reader to know about you besides your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars — they’ll gain that information from the rest of your application. The essay is a time to share additional information that brings your application to life.
