April 20, 2024
By Drew Bancroft
Staff Writer
It is tempting to take it easy in the spring, but juniors should prioritize developing their college application and deciding on the schools to which they will apply. Here are some recommendations that can help juniors achieve these goals:
For starters, juniors should keep in touch with their school counselors. They are there to advise students and assist them in preparing for higher education and the workplace. Juniors should consider meeting with their school counselors at least once a month to maintain a connection with them.
Additionally, juniors should keep track of their achievements in and outside of the classroom, so when the time comes, they can include them on their college application. Being involved in extracurricular activities demonstrates a student can manage their time and is well-rounded.
If juniors have not done so already, they should think about joining a few extracurricular activities next year, which can strengthen their college application and lead them to identify a lifelong passion.
Once students narrow down their list of prospective colleges, they should attend online workshops or webinars overseen by those schools.
Connecting with colleges and universities prior to applying shows the candidate is interested and may improve their chances of gaining acceptance. Students can also connect with colleges by touring them, which allows them to get a sense of the campus.
Once students narrow down their list of prospective colleges, they should attend online workshops or webinars overseen by those schools.
Another essential component of the college application is standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT. Although most colleges do not require these scores, those that have expectations they want prospective students to meet.
Additionally, colleges and universities such as Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge are reinstating the SAT requirement for applicants in the Class of 2025.
Students should check the websites of their prospective schools to make sure they sign up for the SAT if those institutions require it.
One requirement most college applications have in common is the essay. According to the College Board, the essay portion of an application provides an opportunity for students to set themselves apart from other applicants.
The essay should convey the character, personality and unique aspects of the applicant. Therefore, juniors should keep a log of ideas they could reference in their essay. The log can include references to academic or non-academic experiences.
According to the Common App, some essay prompts call for applicants to share a part of their background or identity, reflect on a changed belief or an accomplishment or address a topic of the applicant’s choosing. These essays can even include valuable life lessons that students learned by overcoming challenges or other situations that fostered their development.
Applying to college can be a stressful experience. However, if juniors prepare accordingly, they can minimize stress during senior year, achieve their goals and take another step in their path towards success.
