When assignments and deadlines quickly pile up, the beginning of senior year can be extremely stressful. Incoming seniors are unsure of where they are going, what they want to do or how they will get there. By preparing for senior year in advance, current juniors can be ahead of the game and have a more successful college application process. So here are five strategies that would help juniors prepare for the college process–some of which they can work on this summer.
Go on college tours
There are nearly 6,000 colleges in the U.S. and through the diverse campuses, programs and opportunities, it can be challenging to decide on a college. Colleges receive many applicants, and one way they differentiate applicants is through interest. Chances of admission to a college may be increased by touring a college as a prospective student, depending on the school. Visiting a college campus is one of the best ways to determine if it’s the right fit and vibe for you. During the college tour, the tour guides discuss important information about the dorms, dining halls, tuition and clubs. On a tour, you get to see students in their natural habitat and see what it would be like if you were on a campus. Additionally, you get to walk around the classrooms and see where you will learn. It can be helpful to see what labs, classrooms and technology look like at each school. Finding a good campus and community is important because you aren’t just choosing a place to learn, you are choosing a place that you will be living in for the next four years.
Apply for scholarships early
We all know that college is not cheap and for some families, it is not affordable. Coming out of college on the hunt for a job while also having to pay thousands of dollars in loans each month is complicated. Students have to pay for their own living, food, bills and personal items. So, adding college loans to that is a lot of money to pay alone. Scholarships are extremely important for students to apply for to reduce financial stress and burden for students and their families. However, many scholarships have extensive questions to fill out and even long essays to submit. It can be time-consuming to find these scholarships, so if students can get a head start by writing their essays and preparing for interviews earlier, the chances of the process being at a quicker pace for the student increase.
Email college admissions officers
College admissions counselors receive, on average, between 50,000 and 100,000 applicants a year, with numbers growing every year. One way students can stand out from these large numbers is to build a connection with the person who is going to be reading their college application. Emailing a college counselor builds demonstrated interest and shows that the student is taking an extra step. This connection can make the university feel like the student is serious about attending the school. As students build a connection with their counselor, they get to know each other and the counselor can truly see who the student is behind all the numbers and stats. Not only do colleges want an educated student for their school, but they also want someone who will make a positive impact in the community.
Work on college essay
Completing your college essay prior to senior year is one of the best things a student can do for themselves. It eliminates the stress once school starts and you have to begin actually applying for college. While in school, students are focused on their school work and extracurricular activities. However, the summer allows students to take time and reflect on important moments in their lives to share with the college counselors. Most importantly, colleges recommend that students submit their applications early, so by finishing the essay in the summer, students can fill out the college-specific application more quickly as soon as the applications open up.
