Hey! I’m a junior graduating in 2021, and with all the free time that I now have due to COVID-19 shutdowns, I am wanting to start on college apps or doing any sort of preparation that I can be doing. I am the oldest in my family, so I really don’t know how to go about applying for college. Can someone direct me to or create a deadline list that juniors can use when applying? What should I be doing with this downtime to better my chances of acceptance when I do end up applying?
Create a spreadsheet with your colleges’ info.
Stuff like:
Intended Major(s)
Minor(s) you’re interested in
ECoA from the NPC
Deadline for your admission plan
Priority deadline for financial aid/merit aid (if any)
Test score (I color coded mine: red for bottom 25%, yellow for middle 50%, green for top 25%)
Since you have a lot of time, STALK the websites. I spent a lot of time clicking randomly through my schools’ websites and it was so helpful. I found programs I was interested in, scholarships I was eligible for, and ways to show demonstrated interest. Look up their common data sets and admitted student profiles, those are super helpful for figuring out what schools are looking for.
You can also get started on your common app. The essay prompts for this year are the same for next, so you can get started on that. You can also start on any school-specific essays you know will roll over to next year.
PM me if you have any questions or want to talk. I know this can be super stressful!
Update your resume or at least create a list of your biggest challenges and accomplishments during high school
It isn’t too early to start thinking about which one of your teachers you might want to ask for a recommendation. This list might help them frame that recommendation.
Talk to your parents about paying for college.
What type of colleges are you thinking about? State flagship, small LAC, top 20?
Do you have test scores yet?
I’ll echo that you should discuss finances with parents and what they can pay. Run the NPC for some schools to get an idea of costs. Try to find some safety schools. Everyone can find dream schools. Are your in-state options good for your intended major? Most of the time in-state schools will be the most affordable.
Then start figuring out if you want to be in the city, rural, large school, small school, etc.
Once you narrow your list start looking at degree requirements and classes offered. Not all schools are the same.
ESSAYS ESSAYS ESSAYS. I cannot properly stress the importance of essays. They’re what set you apart, and when colleges have more overqualified students than they can give spots to, they’re crucial. You have no idea how many times I saw amazing students not even get into mid-tier schools because they didn’t take their essays seriously.
I am sure my (pretty good, if I do say so myself) acceptance record was due to my essays. My tips are:
-Do not try to show off your writing skills. Don’t use really big words and a complex syntax. College readers look over it only once and you want your ideas to be clear.
-Don’t just repeat your accomplishments/skills. That’s what the rest of your application is for.
-Most importantly, show your personality. That’s what the essays are for. Even if you don’t have a groundbreaking topic, be genuine and you’ll already be at an advantage.
Good luck!
I have taken the ACT once without studying and got a 29, and I am scheduled to take it again on the June 13th date. I’m on track to graduate with a 4.48 GPA and take a course load of mostly AP and Honors classes, and mainly humanities-based ones. I’m leaning towards a political science major and going into law. My dream school is the University of Chicago, but my state school is the University of Iowa which is also very good. I am also looking at applying BU, Notre Dame, UCLA, and Drake University.