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When is the best time to start your college apps/essays?
As a junior, it is common for us to become anxious about college and our future, but there is not enough guidance to assure us when to start working on our applications.
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Updated
Adam’s Answer
My daughter is a sophomore at Florida International University, and she's been doing amazing work. She wrote the first draft of her essay during the second semester of her junior year and kept improving it throughout the semester. By the summer, she had her final version ready, which gave her a head start on thinking about colleges. We began visiting colleges in the second semester of her junior year and continued throughout the summer.
It's important to remember that Nital's timeline and milestones are spot on. Also, don't forget to send your SAT scores and any AP credits through the College Board. It's a simple process, but your high school won't do it for you, so make sure you take care of it. You're on the right track, and with a little planning, you'll do great!
Start draft of essay second semester of junior year
Refine so yo have a final version by summer
Start touring colleges second semester of Junior year if possible and throughout the summer.
Apply to your final list of colleges
Remember to visit the college board site to have your SAT and AP scores sent.
It's important to remember that Nital's timeline and milestones are spot on. Also, don't forget to send your SAT scores and any AP credits through the College Board. It's a simple process, but your high school won't do it for you, so make sure you take care of it. You're on the right track, and with a little planning, you'll do great!
Adam recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Nital’s Answer
Junior years are the best to start preparing for the college. I think following steps should help to begin with. You should always be in touch with your school counselor for guidance on state level college application rules.
Identify the list of the colleges you would like to visit
In summer, students can plan touring those colleges
After the tour, you can narrow down your list of colleges by considering several factors to determine which one is the best fit for you
Now for short listed college, you need to go to the sites and find out the essay requirement and the deadline for submitting the essays or application
Different state use it different apps for submitting college application for that student should discuss with school counselor
Nital recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Allison’s Answer
I totally agree with the advice given so far. You're definitely not alone in feeling anxious about what's coming next. Starting early can really help ease those worries. For instance, you can begin by figuring out which colleges you want to apply to and gather all the necessary application materials and requirements. Keep in mind that some colleges might not share their specific essay prompts until the summer, so it's smart to start working on everything you can, like essays that are available earlier. Getting a head start on the more time-consuming parts, such as essays, even if it's just brainstorming ideas or writing rough drafts during your junior year or the summer before senior year, can make the process feel less overwhelming and help you manage deadlines better.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Serena !
The information about when a High School student should start deciding on what colleges to apply to is not generalized across the board because every college has different application start and end dates to receive applications. Every student is different and there's no standard rule other than knowing what colleges you want to apply to.
Your first step to become aware of this would be to choose the colleges that you want to apply to, go to their websites and see when the application start and end dates are for the semester that you intend to apply for. Not everyone starts out and applies for a Fall semester. You should also contact whatever school you will go to about Federal Student Financial Aid after you are accepted. When I started college, it was a given that all this information is provided by a representative of the college. Students manage this on their own most of the time and it is not a mystery or a major feat to worry about. You can do this.
As for essays as part of the application process, since you are in California, if you apply to a California State University college you will not need to write an essay for your application. If you decide to attend a University of California college, a UC, you would be required to include an essay with your application, however they do provide prompts that will allow you to write about your experience and point of view so that should be helpful.
In general, community colleges in California do not require an essay as part of the application process. One thing to keep in mind is that some Major Programs at community colleges in California may want an essay, not for admission into the college, but for admission to the major program. The private colleges in San Francisco, such as the University of San Francisco or Saybrook or Golden Gate University do require essays with the application at this time. So it is all going to depend on which colleges you apply to, and you can check the application dates by entering a search online or going to the college's website.
By the time you're ready to start the applications, you will know just what to do. I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
The information about when a High School student should start deciding on what colleges to apply to is not generalized across the board because every college has different application start and end dates to receive applications. Every student is different and there's no standard rule other than knowing what colleges you want to apply to.
Your first step to become aware of this would be to choose the colleges that you want to apply to, go to their websites and see when the application start and end dates are for the semester that you intend to apply for. Not everyone starts out and applies for a Fall semester. You should also contact whatever school you will go to about Federal Student Financial Aid after you are accepted. When I started college, it was a given that all this information is provided by a representative of the college. Students manage this on their own most of the time and it is not a mystery or a major feat to worry about. You can do this.
As for essays as part of the application process, since you are in California, if you apply to a California State University college you will not need to write an essay for your application. If you decide to attend a University of California college, a UC, you would be required to include an essay with your application, however they do provide prompts that will allow you to write about your experience and point of view so that should be helpful.
In general, community colleges in California do not require an essay as part of the application process. One thing to keep in mind is that some Major Programs at community colleges in California may want an essay, not for admission into the college, but for admission to the major program. The private colleges in San Francisco, such as the University of San Francisco or Saybrook or Golden Gate University do require essays with the application at this time. So it is all going to depend on which colleges you apply to, and you can check the application dates by entering a search online or going to the college's website.
By the time you're ready to start the applications, you will know just what to do. I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hi Serena,
You've got some great advice already! It's smart to start planning your college application timeline now to ease stress in the fall. The Common App essay prompts are out, so you can start thinking about your essay. Here they are:
1. Share a story about a background, identity, interest, or talent that's crucial to your application.
2. Talk about a challenge, setback, or failure you faced. How did it affect you, and what did you learn?
3. Describe a time you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What made you do it, and what happened?
4. Reflect on something someone did for you that made you unexpectedly happy or thankful. How did it motivate you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event that led to personal growth and new insights.
6. Describe a topic or idea you find so engaging that you lose track of time. Why does it interest you, and where do you go to learn more?
7. Write an essay on any topic you choose. It can be something you've already written or a new idea.
The Common App opens on August 1st, but you can work on your essay this spring or summer.
As you prepare for fall applications, list the schools you want to apply to. Consider if they offer rolling admissions or early action. Rolling admissions means decisions come out as applications are received, so applying early can help. Early action or early decision deadlines can boost your chances if you apply early. Knowing these dates helps you stay organized.
Finally, ask a teacher to review your essay draft and give feedback. Good luck! Remember, many students find this process overwhelming, but you can do it!
You've got some great advice already! It's smart to start planning your college application timeline now to ease stress in the fall. The Common App essay prompts are out, so you can start thinking about your essay. Here they are:
1. Share a story about a background, identity, interest, or talent that's crucial to your application.
2. Talk about a challenge, setback, or failure you faced. How did it affect you, and what did you learn?
3. Describe a time you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What made you do it, and what happened?
4. Reflect on something someone did for you that made you unexpectedly happy or thankful. How did it motivate you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event that led to personal growth and new insights.
6. Describe a topic or idea you find so engaging that you lose track of time. Why does it interest you, and where do you go to learn more?
7. Write an essay on any topic you choose. It can be something you've already written or a new idea.
The Common App opens on August 1st, but you can work on your essay this spring or summer.
As you prepare for fall applications, list the schools you want to apply to. Consider if they offer rolling admissions or early action. Rolling admissions means decisions come out as applications are received, so applying early can help. Early action or early decision deadlines can boost your chances if you apply early. Knowing these dates helps you stay organized.
Finally, ask a teacher to review your essay draft and give feedback. Good luck! Remember, many students find this process overwhelming, but you can do it!
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