Navigating the College Application Process: A Guide for High School Juniors Starting in April
As high school juniors approach the final stretch of their secondary education, the prospect of college looms on the horizon. With the college application season fast approaching, juniors need to lay the groundwork for a successful outcome. While students won’t be submitting college applications until October or November at the earliest, we advise students to start preparing for the next part of the process this spring.
Here's a checklist of what high school juniors should be doing starting April of their 11th grade:
☐ Self-Reflection and Goal-Setting
Take some time to reflect on your interests, strengths, weaknesses, and long-term aspirations. What do you want to study? What activities do you want to participate in during college to prepare you for life after college whether it be a job or graduate/professional school? What type of college environment suits you best? Are you looking for the excitement of a large university campus with the ability to enjoy college sports events and cutting-edge research or do you prefer a smaller school setting that emphasizes classroom discussion and building relationships with faculty members and peers? Setting clear academic and personal goals will guide you in selecting colleges and crafting your application essays.
☐ Research Colleges
Begin researching potential colleges and universities that align with your academic and personal preferences. Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and campus culture. Create a list of reach, match, and safety schools to ensure a well-rounded selection of options.
☐ Attend College Fairs and Information Sessions
You can learn only so much about a college from websites and guidebooks. Take advantage of college fairs, information sessions, and campus tours to gather firsthand knowledge about different institutions and their surrounding community. Engage with admissions officers, current students, and alumni to gain insights into campus life and academic opportunities.
☐ Prepare for Standardized Tests
While some institutions like the University of California are test-blind, most colleges and universities are test-optional–and the fact that these institutions consider standardized tests shows that test scores provide important information about you in the college admission process. Furthermore, several prominent universities have reverted to requiring applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores as a part of the application.
If you haven't already done so, begin preparing for standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. Consider enrolling in test prep courses at Elite Prep this summer, where you will take weekly practice tests and work through problem sets to identify areas for improvement. Aim to complete standardized testing by the end of your junior year or early in your senior year.
☐ Focus on Academics
Maintain a strong academic performance during your junior year. Your grades and course rigor are the most important part of your application, so prioritize challenging coursework and strive for excellence in your classes. Seek help from teachers or tutors if you're struggling in any subject.
Furthermore, select courses for your senior year that will allow you to develop the knowledge and skills in your area of interest and prepare you for college-level coursework. Students interested in applying to highly selective colleges should take advanced-level courses in the five core subjects of English, math, science, history/social science, and foreign language. In college, students are expected to take courses in subjects outside of their primary area of study (e.g., engineering majors are usually required to take courses in English, history, foreign language, and art in addition to math and science) – you want to show colleges you’re ready to dive into the educational experience after high school. Elite Prep offers for-credit honors and AP courses to help high school students boost their GPA and strengthen their academic preparation.
☐ Build Relationships with Teachers
Many public and private colleges and universities require applicants to submit recommendation letters from their teachers. Cultivate relationships with teachers who can potentially write strong letters of recommendation for your college applications. Participate actively in class, seek assistance when needed, and engage in discussions to demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence – in short, show teachers that you enjoy being in their class.
☐ Deepen Your Extracurricular Involvement
Dedicate time to extracurricular pursuits that genuinely interest you and showcase your talents, passions, and leadership skills. Whether it's sports, clubs, volunteer work, or part-time jobs, involvement in meaningful activities demonstrates your multifaceted personality and commitment to community engagement. Focus on activities you plan to continue pursuing in college – colleges are interested in learning what you will bring to the college campus and how you will contribute to the community.
☐ Start Drafting Your Resume
Create a resume highlighting your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, community service, awards, and employment history. A well-crafted resume will serve as a valuable reference when completing college applications and scholarship submissions as well as participating in interviews conducted by colleges through admission officers or alumni members.
☐ Begin Brainstorming Essay Topics
Start brainstorming potential essay topics for the personal statement or college-specific supplemental essays. Reflect on significant experiences, challenges overcome, moments of personal growth, and your unique perspective. Allow yourself time to explore different ideas and refine your narrative. Each college you apply to will require one or more essays, and the length of these essays will vary from 250 words to 650 words. Meet with an Elite Prep counselor if you need help figuring out how to present your authentic self to college admission officers in personal statements and essays.
☐ Stay Organized and Create a Timeline
Establish a timeline outlining key deadlines for college applications, financial aid forms, and standardized tests. Stay organized by creating a checklist of tasks to complete each month, ensuring you stay on track and avoid last-minute rushes. Meet with an Elite Prep Counselor to discuss how we can help guide you through the entire college application process.
By taking these steps starting in April of your junior year, you'll set yourself up for success in the college application process. Remember, the journey to college is not just about securing admission to a prestigious institution but also about self-discovery, personal growth, and embracing new opportunities.
Stay focused, stay motivated, and embrace the exciting journey ahead!