Junior year in high school sneaks up on families quickly.  Students are now at the halfway point and in less than 2 years, many students will be heading off on a new adventure - college!  Junior year is a critical time to put a college prep plan in place. Creating a timeline now, versus waiting until senior year, will definitely alleviate some of the college stress, and will set your student up for a successful college admissions experience their senior year.  

Robert D. McCaig, Monmouth University Vice President for Enrollment Management, sums it up perfectly when he said, “The most important thing students should do when applying to college is pace themselves and prioritize. Starting early certainly helps students with the pacing, and knowing when to put time into SAT prep versus studying for an exam versus visiting another college, for instance, is an important part of prioritizing.”   

@Students: Here are some helpful tips to get you moving in the right direction this fall: 

1. GPA and course rigor are the 2 most important factors when an application is reviewed -  without question. Make studies a top priority. Other factors like leadership roles, activities, strong test scores, and athletic prowess are secondary considerations. They will help- but you still need good grades! 

2. Course selection is important. Colleges like to see growth in a student’s transcript. If you have 2 years of A’s in College Prep Math - think about taking Honor’s Math the following semester or year.  A good question to ask- “How much can I push myself without being shoved.”

3. If your grades start to slide, don’t wait until you are drowning. Immediately meet with your teacher or tutor and ask what can be done to help. Asking for help is not a sign of failure - but of strength. 

4. Visit your guidance counselor early junior year - they are there to help and have a wealth of knowledge and experience.  Inquire into what college platform your high school uses, like Naviance or Scoir - excellent resource throughout the college process. 

5. Plan early for standardized testing. Consider your school and activity schedule, and plan to prep and take the exam when you have the most time. Prep for 8 weeks prior to the exam. 

6. Start building an activity resume and update it throughout the year. Make a list with your activities, accomplishments and work experience with a short description. It’s never too late to begin an activity or join an organization. Colleges are looking to build a well-rounded class with students that show depth and commitment in a few activities that interest them. My advice:  Do what you love and create an impact.  

7. Begin visiting colleges as early as possible. Tour local colleges first, even if you may want to attend college out-of-state. It will help determine college criteria that are important to you before you visit out-of-state campuses- save time and money.  A few factors to consider: rural, urban, or a suburban setting; small or large student body; public or private school; major or interest.

8. Create a college list that includes affordable choices - always include a state university. As a family, determine your available finances early on. It is important that your family is all on the same page. Research the availability of merit or need-based aid that will support the student throughout their four college years. Excellent financial aid resource: studentaid.gov.  And It is never too late to start saving - 529 plans! 

9. As a family, determine if you need assistance from an outside source. Independent Educational Consultants (IEC) have broad experience in navigating the many aspects of the college admissions process. Some consultants offer comprehensive packages beginning sophomore and junior years as well as hourly work for specific pieces of the application process. 

Good luck and enjoy the journey!   

College 101 Admissions Consultants LLC. Website: www.mycollege101.com.  Email: [email protected]. Phone: (508) 380-3845.

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