What would you say to juniors looking for advice?

Hi all. As you can probably see from my other threads, I’m a senior '16 and I’ll be heading to college in the fall.

Throughout this whole process, I’ve been one of the only kids from my school applying to more selective schools, and pretty much the only one that is friends with underclassmen. As such, I have gotten a LOT of questions from juniors (and some sophomores) asking for general advice. They want to know how to get in to the schools they “dream” of. Of course, I tell them to consider more than just a few options, less selective schools, to look at more than name, etc. I especially say to look at finances - that was a huge deal for me and will be for most of them. But I’m sort of finding myself at a loss on what sort of advice will help them best. We are in a large public school, so most of them will be navigating this mostly on their own. My problem is that they see me as some sort of expert in all this (which I am most certainly not) and I’m not quite sure what to tell them.

But my question to you, CC, is - what would your elevator pitch to these juniors be? In one minute, what would be the best or most timely advice that you would give them if you were in my shoes?

You all are always so helpful and knowledgeable, thanks in advance!

Ignore anyone who says they can give you your “Chance” of getting into a school.

@whitespace I would tell them to get a good guide such as Fiske. To make a lot of use of this website and others such as niche and prep scholar. Also, college data, excellent site. I would tell them to study like crazy and do well on their standardized tests, because not only do they help you get in, they get you money. Do ECs that you enjoy, and not a million of them, and volunteer. Nice of you to offer help.

Take your standardized test early in your junior year to leave time enough to retake your ACT and SAT to get your best scores. It will be important if you’re trying to get into selective schools or qualify for merit scholarships.

Run the Net Price Calculator on each school’s web site and talk to parents about what the budget can afford for college.