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When should I start college searching?
Im a junior and I feel like I should have a better idea about college and majors, and I really don’t. How do I know what to look for in a college?
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Mackenzie’s Answer
Geo,
You are at a great place to start asking these questions! You still have plenty of time to get organized, do your research, and start applying to the schools you decide fit yours wants and needs.
Junior Year:
Create a List of College Preferences:
Start compiling a list of colleges you're interested in. Consider factors like location, size, academic programs, and campus culture.
Attend College Fairs and Info Sessions:
Attend college fairs, information sessions, and campus tours to learn more about different colleges. These events often take place during the junior year.
Research Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Begin researching scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Understanding your financial options is crucial in the college selection process.
Take the SAT or ACT:
Plan to take the SAT or ACT in the spring or early summer of your junior year. Many students take these tests multiple times to achieve their best scores.
Summer Before Senior Year:
Visit Colleges:
If possible, visit colleges you're considering. This will give you a firsthand look at campus life and help you assess whether it's a good fit for you.
Senior Year:
Finalize Your List:
Narrow down your list of colleges to a manageable number, typically between 5 to 10. Ensure it includes a mix of safety, match, and reach schools.
Request Letters of Recommendation:
Ask teachers, mentors, or supervisors for letters of recommendation. Provide them with plenty of notice and information about your goals.
Complete College Applications:
Begin working on your college applications, paying close attention to deadlines. Consider using the Common Application or other application platforms.
Write Your Personal Statement:
Start writing your personal statement or college essay. Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or mentors.
Apply for Financial Aid:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any other required financial aid forms.
Submit Applications:
Submit your college applications before their respective deadlines. Keep records of submission dates and application materials.
Research Scholarships:
Continue to search for and apply to scholarships to help fund your education.
Prepare for Interviews:
If some of the colleges you're applying to require interviews, prepare for them by practicing common interview questions.
Evaluate Financial Aid Offers:
Once you receive financial aid offers, carefully compare them to make informed decisions about affordability.
Make a Decision:
After receiving admission offers, take time to evaluate your options and choose the college that best aligns with your academic and personal goals.
When researching colleges, consider factors like academic programs, location, campus culture, size, cost, and extracurricular opportunities. It's also helpful to speak with current students and alumni to gain insights into their experiences.
Remember that the college selection process is highly personal, and what's most important is finding the right fit for you academically, socially, and financially. Start early, stay organized, and seek guidance from school counselors, teachers, and mentors throughout the process.
You are at a great place to start asking these questions! You still have plenty of time to get organized, do your research, and start applying to the schools you decide fit yours wants and needs.
Junior Year:
Create a List of College Preferences:
Start compiling a list of colleges you're interested in. Consider factors like location, size, academic programs, and campus culture.
Attend College Fairs and Info Sessions:
Attend college fairs, information sessions, and campus tours to learn more about different colleges. These events often take place during the junior year.
Research Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Begin researching scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Understanding your financial options is crucial in the college selection process.
Take the SAT or ACT:
Plan to take the SAT or ACT in the spring or early summer of your junior year. Many students take these tests multiple times to achieve their best scores.
Summer Before Senior Year:
Visit Colleges:
If possible, visit colleges you're considering. This will give you a firsthand look at campus life and help you assess whether it's a good fit for you.
Senior Year:
Finalize Your List:
Narrow down your list of colleges to a manageable number, typically between 5 to 10. Ensure it includes a mix of safety, match, and reach schools.
Request Letters of Recommendation:
Ask teachers, mentors, or supervisors for letters of recommendation. Provide them with plenty of notice and information about your goals.
Complete College Applications:
Begin working on your college applications, paying close attention to deadlines. Consider using the Common Application or other application platforms.
Write Your Personal Statement:
Start writing your personal statement or college essay. Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or mentors.
Apply for Financial Aid:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any other required financial aid forms.
Submit Applications:
Submit your college applications before their respective deadlines. Keep records of submission dates and application materials.
Research Scholarships:
Continue to search for and apply to scholarships to help fund your education.
Prepare for Interviews:
If some of the colleges you're applying to require interviews, prepare for them by practicing common interview questions.
Evaluate Financial Aid Offers:
Once you receive financial aid offers, carefully compare them to make informed decisions about affordability.
Make a Decision:
After receiving admission offers, take time to evaluate your options and choose the college that best aligns with your academic and personal goals.
When researching colleges, consider factors like academic programs, location, campus culture, size, cost, and extracurricular opportunities. It's also helpful to speak with current students and alumni to gain insights into their experiences.
Remember that the college selection process is highly personal, and what's most important is finding the right fit for you academically, socially, and financially. Start early, stay organized, and seek guidance from school counselors, teachers, and mentors throughout the process.
Thank you, Mackenzie for the advice.
Geo
Updated
Allison’s Answer
I would look at schools in the area you want to live in. Also look at the costs of most schools and see if you would need to apply for a scholarship. I also looked at what major I was most interested in and the top schools around the country for that major. I talked to some friends and family about different schools and what they liked and dislikes about them to get more of a general sense of what I was looking for.
Thank you so much!
Geo
Updated
L’s Answer
Great question! Do you have a college counselor in your high school that you could speak to? I think alot of times people end up at the colleges that were heavily socialized to them in their high school or by people in their social circles (family, friends, etc). I think it's important to not limit yourself to only what you've heard about and to shoot as high as you can (based on your grades, standardized tests, etc). Don't limit yourself.
My advice is to always look for a tier 1 university that will open the most doors for you. Where you attend college is very important down the line on your resume. You want it to be a recognizable name that is well known that speaks to your potential. For example, going to an Ivy league college is going to open more doors for you then going to a community college.
My advice is to always look for a tier 1 university that will open the most doors for you. Where you attend college is very important down the line on your resume. You want it to be a recognizable name that is well known that speaks to your potential. For example, going to an Ivy league college is going to open more doors for you then going to a community college.
Thanks for the help.
Geo