As the 2020-21 school year comes to a close, those juniors–now seniors–begin their journey of college preparation. The CommonApp will be their best friend as well as any form of writing for their essays. The best advice any senior can give is to start early. It is not recommended that they procrastinate their future plans.
Typical students begin their college search during their junior year of high school. They may visit some college campuses and even look into the majors some universities offer. Others may start making a list of schools they plan on applying to in the fall. |
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Some experts feel as though students should begin their college journey as early as sixth grade. This gives them time to focus on their standardized testing skills and to emphasize their preferred area of study and eventual career opportunities.
According to Goingivy.com, “We have found that starting to think about and to prepare for college should ideally start during the summer before your high school freshman year, but getting help later can still be of benefit to you.”
The site continues to outline each academic year a student will go through in high school. Freshman year: Choose the courses wisely. Get involved in clubs that deal with their interests. Develop effective study habits–everyone’s is different.
Sophomore year: Take as many rigorous courses as possible. Think about possible careers/majors. Start visiting campus–this will help gain a better understanding of which university is a better fit. Run for leadership positions within clubs. Take practice tests for the PSAT, ACT, and SAT.
Junior year: Seek internships in areas of interest. Keeps grades and course load up. Focus on ACT/SAT preparation.
Senior year: Consider applying to choice universities through early action or early decision application options. Do not slack off on studies.
As there are very different ways to approach the college application process, guidance counselors will say to follow what works best for the student – not their parents, siblings, friends, or peers. Some feel that procrastinating until the very last second is what works the best; others will heavily disagree and be one of the first to apply.
Guidance counselor Holly Marshall helps students at Cardinal Mooney understand that they always have a say in their future plans.
“Make sure that whatever you choose to do with your life is something that you will be proud to say that you wake up every single morning wanting to do your job,” Marshall said. “Because if you love your job then you will never work a day in your life.”
So juniors, start inspecting colleges and careers so no scrambling occurs next fall. The 2021 seniors are here to tell the future seniors: follow your heart into the next phase of your life, whether it be at college or not.
According to Goingivy.com, “We have found that starting to think about and to prepare for college should ideally start during the summer before your high school freshman year, but getting help later can still be of benefit to you.”
The site continues to outline each academic year a student will go through in high school. Freshman year: Choose the courses wisely. Get involved in clubs that deal with their interests. Develop effective study habits–everyone’s is different.
Sophomore year: Take as many rigorous courses as possible. Think about possible careers/majors. Start visiting campus–this will help gain a better understanding of which university is a better fit. Run for leadership positions within clubs. Take practice tests for the PSAT, ACT, and SAT.
Junior year: Seek internships in areas of interest. Keeps grades and course load up. Focus on ACT/SAT preparation.
Senior year: Consider applying to choice universities through early action or early decision application options. Do not slack off on studies.
As there are very different ways to approach the college application process, guidance counselors will say to follow what works best for the student – not their parents, siblings, friends, or peers. Some feel that procrastinating until the very last second is what works the best; others will heavily disagree and be one of the first to apply.
Guidance counselor Holly Marshall helps students at Cardinal Mooney understand that they always have a say in their future plans.
“Make sure that whatever you choose to do with your life is something that you will be proud to say that you wake up every single morning wanting to do your job,” Marshall said. “Because if you love your job then you will never work a day in your life.”
So juniors, start inspecting colleges and careers so no scrambling occurs next fall. The 2021 seniors are here to tell the future seniors: follow your heart into the next phase of your life, whether it be at college or not.