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When should I start applying for colleges ?
When is the best time to apply for college? I am currently a junior in high school and I have already began looking for colleges. I am not sure when I should start applying. I would like to start as soon as possible.
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Doc’s Answer
Elizabeth hopefully you've already talked about college with your guidance counselor during your junior year. When you've return from your summer breaks, sit down again to review the whole process. Your counselor will give you valuable perspective about the colleges on your list and help you chart out your application process. Also make sure that you're fulfilling all of your requirements for high school graduation.
OCTOBER – Your list should be whittled down to a handful of schools, and you'll probably have a favorite. Know whether or not your grades are in line with the academic standards of each school. This will help you break your list into three categories: reach, match and safety. With fewer schools to consider, you can now begin working on your applications in earnest. If you're using the common application on each schools website, make sure each application is tailored to the college. Don't make the mistake of copying and pasting and forgetting to change the name of the college.
Don't forget most colleges and universities host college fairs in the fall. This is an open recruiting forum where students and parents are invited to see the campus and learn more about academics and student life. These days, most schools also offer virtual fairs online. Find out the fair schedule of each school on your list and take advantage of this opportunity. If possible, you should try to visit any schools of interest before you submit your application. This not only gives you a good idea of if a college is the right fit for you, but it also shows admissions offices that you’re interested in their school.
NOVEMBER – By now you should know what schools you're applying to-5 or 6 ideally. You've had a few months to look over the various applications and think long and hard about your essay. Give yourself ample time in November to complete all the applications and get feedback about your essay. Have parents, teachers and other adults in your life read your essay and try to keep an open mind to their constructive criticism.
DECEMBER – Most colleges have regular application deadlines sometime in December and January. Make sure you've been keeping track of all deadlines; they can vary from school to school. Don't leave anything to the last minute. For most people, the month of December is always filled with extra holiday-related activities, not to mention the end of your fall semester. By now you've taken your exams, written your essays and secured your letters of recommendation. Confirm that your test scores have been officially submitted to every college to which you're applying. Also verify that any letters of recommendation have been mailed.
I hope this was helpful Elizabeth
OCTOBER – Your list should be whittled down to a handful of schools, and you'll probably have a favorite. Know whether or not your grades are in line with the academic standards of each school. This will help you break your list into three categories: reach, match and safety. With fewer schools to consider, you can now begin working on your applications in earnest. If you're using the common application on each schools website, make sure each application is tailored to the college. Don't make the mistake of copying and pasting and forgetting to change the name of the college.
Don't forget most colleges and universities host college fairs in the fall. This is an open recruiting forum where students and parents are invited to see the campus and learn more about academics and student life. These days, most schools also offer virtual fairs online. Find out the fair schedule of each school on your list and take advantage of this opportunity. If possible, you should try to visit any schools of interest before you submit your application. This not only gives you a good idea of if a college is the right fit for you, but it also shows admissions offices that you’re interested in their school.
NOVEMBER – By now you should know what schools you're applying to-5 or 6 ideally. You've had a few months to look over the various applications and think long and hard about your essay. Give yourself ample time in November to complete all the applications and get feedback about your essay. Have parents, teachers and other adults in your life read your essay and try to keep an open mind to their constructive criticism.
DECEMBER – Most colleges have regular application deadlines sometime in December and January. Make sure you've been keeping track of all deadlines; they can vary from school to school. Don't leave anything to the last minute. For most people, the month of December is always filled with extra holiday-related activities, not to mention the end of your fall semester. By now you've taken your exams, written your essays and secured your letters of recommendation. Confirm that your test scores have been officially submitted to every college to which you're applying. Also verify that any letters of recommendation have been mailed.
I hope this was helpful Elizabeth
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth,
The best time to start the application process for college is during the summer before your senior year. Check out the enrollment dead lines for the collages you like to attend and connect with a guidance counselor since they are your best source of information . Each college has different cultures so I suggest to visit the colleges first. The college may seem okay on their website but different in person. You should apply for FAFSA - https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines for student aid. I sent 3 kids to college so far and each one was a success in obtaining aid and picking the right one to attend. You will need to take the SAT or the ACT test and score has high as you can. You should take the test during your junior year but if you feel you are not ready then keep preparing for it as long as necessary. Those tests can be taken over again to obtain a better score. Choosing a college is a small journey but a very important step in your career. Wishing you the best...
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
The best time to start applying for college is during the fall of your senior year in high school. Most colleges have application deadlines in the winter, so applying during the fall gives you enough time to gather all the necessary materials and submit your applications before the deadlines. However, it's a good idea to start researching colleges and thinking about your application materials earlier than that, like during your junior year, so you can be well-prepared when it comes time to apply.
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James’s Answer
This depends on where you have the college ranked on your priority list. If it's your first choice, sometimes you can apply for early decision. This is binding, and you are committing to attend that school. If this is your choice, you can apply pretty early. Sometimes in the October/November time. Most other schools don't have a deadline until the new year.
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Kimanu’s Answer
Usually the process begins the end of your junior year going into senior year. Start speaking to school staff about letters of recommendations communicate with your school counselor let them know your intentions. Set up visits to schools you may be interested in. It is vital to get an image of places you may intend on living in. Set your appointments to take your SAT if still needed. You don't want to miss out if seating is limited in your area. If possible sign up for programs at colleges that may be available on weekends . This gives you an opportunity to experience college before it is time to go which will help with your transition. If you pace these things out it will make your senior year a lot easier . Your junior year with good preparation will make for a less hectic senior year . Good luck
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Brianna’s Answer
Most people, if they are looking to attend a four-year college, start applying in the summer before their senior year begins and throughout the fall semester of senior year. The Common App for Colleges (a standardized application that many universities require) typically becomes available in August. Many colleges with early acceptances, where you find out during fall semester, start taking apps in the summer. Some other colleges, particularly trade schools and community college often have rolling admissions where you can apply throughout the year and begin classes at the earliest occurring semester. Once you've narrowed down your list of colleges, you should follow these steps:
Figure out if they take the Common App, a separate application unique to them, or both
Begin writing and getting feeback on your personal essay
Start asking for recommendation lettes from teachers or other supervisors as soon as possible
Make a list of materials you need for every application
Make a lost of materials you need to apply for financial aid
Brianna recommends the following next steps:
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Bassel’s Answer
Starting to explore your interests and potential career paths during your junior year of high school is a great idea, as it provides you with ample time to research, engage in hands-on experiences, and prepare for your future. For a more comprehensive understanding of why this is an ideal time to begin, consider the following advantages:
1. Self-awareness: The junior year is typically when students have a better understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and personal interests. By this time, you have already completed a variety of courses, which could help you identify the subjects you enjoy and excel in, aiding you in discovering potential career paths.
2. Educational planning: By exploring your interests during your junior year, you have time to consider your options when it comes to higher education programs and scholarships. This knowledge enables you to tailor your senior-year course selection to align with your chosen career or educational path, ensuring that you meet any necessary prerequisites.
3. Internships and extracurricular opportunities: Rather than waiting until your senior year to join clubs or seek out internships, starting sooner provides you with more time to gain experience, network, and build your resume. This additional experience can facilitate a smoother transition to post-secondary education or the workforce.
4. College and scholarship applications: Many college and scholarship applications require extensive information about your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, and other related experiences. Exploring your interests in your junior year affords you the time to gather these experiences, which could help strengthen your application profile.
5. Time management and stress reduction: By starting early, you can pace yourself through the exploration process and make well-informed decisions without the added stress of looming deadlines. This early start also allows you to dedicate more time during your senior year to preparing for standardized tests, completing college applications, and ensuring strong academic performance.
6. Networking: An early start in exploring your interests creates opportunities for networking with professionals and mentors in your chosen field, who can provide valuable guidance, advice, and connections that will benefit you in the long run.
In summary, initiating your exploration of potential career paths and interests during your junior year of high school offers numerous benefits. By giving yourself enough time to discover your passions, gain experience, and gather information, you can make informed decisions and set yourself up for future success.
1. Self-awareness: The junior year is typically when students have a better understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and personal interests. By this time, you have already completed a variety of courses, which could help you identify the subjects you enjoy and excel in, aiding you in discovering potential career paths.
2. Educational planning: By exploring your interests during your junior year, you have time to consider your options when it comes to higher education programs and scholarships. This knowledge enables you to tailor your senior-year course selection to align with your chosen career or educational path, ensuring that you meet any necessary prerequisites.
3. Internships and extracurricular opportunities: Rather than waiting until your senior year to join clubs or seek out internships, starting sooner provides you with more time to gain experience, network, and build your resume. This additional experience can facilitate a smoother transition to post-secondary education or the workforce.
4. College and scholarship applications: Many college and scholarship applications require extensive information about your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, and other related experiences. Exploring your interests in your junior year affords you the time to gather these experiences, which could help strengthen your application profile.
5. Time management and stress reduction: By starting early, you can pace yourself through the exploration process and make well-informed decisions without the added stress of looming deadlines. This early start also allows you to dedicate more time during your senior year to preparing for standardized tests, completing college applications, and ensuring strong academic performance.
6. Networking: An early start in exploring your interests creates opportunities for networking with professionals and mentors in your chosen field, who can provide valuable guidance, advice, and connections that will benefit you in the long run.
In summary, initiating your exploration of potential career paths and interests during your junior year of high school offers numerous benefits. By giving yourself enough time to discover your passions, gain experience, and gather information, you can make informed decisions and set yourself up for future success.
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Lisa’s Answer
My son just went though the College application process. He is currenly a senior in Highschool. He started preparing in the summer getting his college essays ready. He applied in early fall of Senior year, in Oct and Nov for the early action. I believe you can apply earlier, depending on the colleges. Throughout junior year, he was practicing to improve his grades for the ACT, or you can take the SAT. However, so many schools are test optional today. I think my son ended up not submitting his scores. My suggestion is to work on your other activities or even get a job to round out your experiences, so you can list them on the common app when you apply. Some schools do have a rolling admission, so if you have enough credits to graduate HS now and want to apply now to colleges, that is also an option.
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Matthew’s Answer
Oh boy, with one college sophomore now and a HS senior there's almost no wrong answer here and lots of right ones. As a Junior you absolutely want to be looking at schools, lots of them. In person visits, you tube videos of students giving tours of their school among other things. Just to get exposure to what you may like (size, location, cost, what majors are out there, etc). Have a group of schools you want to apply to (and now with applying online it's easy to apply to many schools, for better or for worse!).
You'll start submitting them this summer through maybe early fall. Then it's a waiting game!
My only other advise is be prepared for a ton of emails you don't need, your mom being on you to do this and that (just do it) and it seemingly taking over your mental life for 6 months.
Good luck!!
You'll start submitting them this summer through maybe early fall. Then it's a waiting game!
My only other advise is be prepared for a ton of emails you don't need, your mom being on you to do this and that (just do it) and it seemingly taking over your mental life for 6 months.
Good luck!!