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What are some tips in applying for college ?

I am a junior in highschool and I am worrying about applying for college to late.

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Subject: Career question for you

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Doc’s Answer

Bri meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your college aspirations and the classes you'll need to take. Take the time to build a relationship with your counselor now. You'll need to ask for a letter of recommendation later, so the better your counselor gets to know you, the better your letter will be.

Your Junior year is the perfect time to begin researching colleges and universities to identify schools and programs that align with your interests and goals. Start your college search by considering what you want in a school. The most common decision points include the school's location, size, academic programs, cost, reputation, and sports or extracurricular activities. It helps to list your priorities and rank them to guide your search. Once you have a list of colleges you're interested in, you can follow them on social media and even take a few virtual college tours to get a feel for their campus and vibe.

You'll also want to start thinking about possible college majors. Take some time to reflect on what you enjoy doing in your free time and what subjects you have always been interested in. Look for connections in what you find engaging and meaningful, and try to identify the patterns or themes that emerge. Then take that insight and see where it overlaps with possible careers, checking into data points regarding career outlook, salary, and education required. You can always take a couple of college classes to ensure an area is a good fit. This will give you a taste of what it's like to study and immerse yourself in that subject and help you decide if it's something you want to pursue as a major.

Layout the timeline for your college applications by building a checklist or chart. Consider when you'll need to apply to schools with various application deadlines, like rolling admission, early decision, early action, and regular decision. It's wise to stagger your applications so you're not overwhelmed at any one time. So start planning now to give yourself a break in your Senior year. You can also slowly begin to gather your college application materials, including transcripts, test scores, essays, high school resume, and letters of recommendation. Again, this is something you'll work heavily on during your Senior year, but you can start to plan for it now.
Thank you comment icon Thank You Lacey. Every person can make a difference, and every person should try. Doc Frick
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Bri,

A Guide to College Application for High School Juniors:

Kudos to you for being proactive about your college applications as a high school junior. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you sail through the application process effortlessly:

1. Begin Now: Your foresight is commendable. An early start allows ample time for college research, document compilation, and crafting your application essays.

2. Investigate Colleges: Dedicate time to explore various colleges and universities that pique your interest. Evaluate aspects like location, size, offered programs, campus life, and financial aid opportunities.

3. Compile a College List: Draft a list of colleges you aim to apply to. Incorporate reach, target, and safety schools to maintain a diverse range of options.

4. Prioritize Academics: Your junior year grades play a pivotal role in college admissions. Strive to uphold a robust GPA and consider enrolling in rigorous courses to showcase your academic prowess.

5. Gear Up for Standardized Tests: Most colleges mandate SAT or ACT scores for the application process. Plan to take these tests in your junior year, leaving room for reattempts if necessary.

6. Foster Relationships with Teachers: Powerful recommendation letters can enhance your college application. Cultivate positive relationships with teachers who can vouch for your academic competence and personal qualities.

7. Engage Actively: Colleges appreciate well-rounded students, so immerse yourself in extracurricular activities that resonate with you. This could encompass sports, clubs, community service, or part-time work.

8. Initiate Your Personal Statement: The personal statement or essay is a crucial component of your college application. Start brainstorming and drafting your essay early to allow ample time for revisions.

9. Maintain Organization: Keep a tab on application deadlines, requisite documents, and any additional materials each college may demand. Develop a timeline to ensure timely submission of all components.

10. Seek Assistance: Don't hesitate to consult your school counselor or college advisor for guidance throughout the application process. They can offer invaluable insights and support.

By adhering to these guidelines and staying organized throughout the college application process, you can enhance your prospects of gaining admission to your preferred college.

Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized:

The College Board: A reliable source for information on standardized tests like the SAT, college planning tools, and advice on the college application process.

U.S. News & World Report - Education Section: This platform offers rankings of colleges and universities, along with insightful information about the college admissions process and tips for future students.

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): A respected organization providing resources and guidance on all facets of the college admission process, including advice for high school students applying to college.

May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
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Joel’s Answer

Hi Bri, a couple of tips I would give are to develop relationships with a couple of teachers who can write a strong recommendation on your behalf, and to meet early application deadlines if you can. That way you can begin the process of narrowing down your options sooner and begin preparing for college during your final semester of high school. Hope this helps and best of luck!
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Isabelle’s Answer

Hello Bri! I understand that applying for college can seem like a huge task. Here's a simple plan to make it easier. Start by identifying 3-5 colleges that catch your interest. Then, find out their application deadlines. This will give you a clear timeline to work with.

Next, create a continuous list of all your activities and achievements during high school. Don't stop there, keep updating this list even when you start college. This way, you'll have a ready reference of all your accomplishments, saving you from the stress of having to recall them later.

I hope you find this advice useful.

Best wishes,
Isabelle
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Jennifer’s Answer

Always prioritize your own interests and goals. Don't feel pressured to follow the crowd or apply to a specific school just because your friends are doing so. It's essential to identify what truly captivates you. Remember, if you choose a specific major or school and later decide it's not the right fit, it's perfectly fine to change your path. Many young people fear that their initial decisions will bind them forever, but life is flexible and ever-changing, and you have the freedom to evolve with it.

Never let others dictate your journey; instead, steer your own course, guided by your heart and your personal passions. If you find yourself in a place that doesn't feel quite right, give it some time. Commit to at least two semesters before making any drastic decisions. If, after that period, you still feel out of place, remember it's not a catastrophe to change schools, locations, or fields of study.

Avoid confining yourself to a rigid framework. Everyone's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. I hope these words of advice prove beneficial to you. If you need further guidance, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. I'm Jennifer Baker, specializing in People and Culture/Experience. Unfortunately, I can't link my profile here, but I'm easy to find. Wishing you all the best in your quest.

Jennifer recommends the following next steps:

Really understand what excites you
Ask someone if you can shadow the for a day
Get a book about the career you are looking into
Look at the educational path you are looking for and make sure it aligns to your bigger goals.
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