4 answers
kiaya
Student
Hinsdale, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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Hi, I'm a sophomore student at Wachonah Regional High School. How does the college application system work and when do you start applying for colleges? When and who will help me start my path to finding and applying for colleges?
Is applying for colleges more of a lead path for everyone, or does everyone experience something different when it comes to college, how do I know what colleges I could be eligible to get into?
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4 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
353
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Kiaya - these are all excellent questions:
1) You apply to college during your senior year in high school. But you are wise to start looking - and I would suggest visiting - schools now.
2) Your guidance counselor in school should have a calendar of key dates and perhaps other references for you.
3) While the mechanics are the same (for example, take standardized tests, get recommendations, fill out applications), everyone's experience is a little different. They have different experiences and interests and apply to different places.
4) I like your phrasing of "could be eligible to get into" . There used to be "safety schools", meaning that if you have the grades and scores, you would get in. But those schools also want a high percentage of those they admit to go there so now they may put highly qualified candidates who express little interest on a waitlist, instead. There are platforms like Naviance that track where students with your credentials have gotten in before; check with your guidance counselor about that. There are also platforms like Big Future - see link below - that match your credentials and college criteria.
I suggest going to information sessions at colleges that interest you to learn more about it and its admissions process. As you visit, what you are looking for - and what would be nice to have - make themselves clearer.
Good luck!
College Board reference - https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/find-your-fit/how-to-decide-which-college-to-attend
1) You apply to college during your senior year in high school. But you are wise to start looking - and I would suggest visiting - schools now.
2) Your guidance counselor in school should have a calendar of key dates and perhaps other references for you.
3) While the mechanics are the same (for example, take standardized tests, get recommendations, fill out applications), everyone's experience is a little different. They have different experiences and interests and apply to different places.
4) I like your phrasing of "could be eligible to get into" . There used to be "safety schools", meaning that if you have the grades and scores, you would get in. But those schools also want a high percentage of those they admit to go there so now they may put highly qualified candidates who express little interest on a waitlist, instead. There are platforms like Naviance that track where students with your credentials have gotten in before; check with your guidance counselor about that. There are also platforms like Big Future - see link below - that match your credentials and college criteria.
I suggest going to information sessions at colleges that interest you to learn more about it and its admissions process. As you visit, what you are looking for - and what would be nice to have - make themselves clearer.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much!
kiaya
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Kiaya, let's remember that while the college application process can seem like a mountain to climb, gaining knowledge about how it operates and when to kick-start can significantly ease the pressure. Most students usually embark on this journey during their junior year in high school, but some begin even earlier. It's crucial to start pondering your college choices and arranging necessary documents such as transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters well ahead of time. Also, exploring potential colleges and participating in college fairs or information sessions can assist you in narrowing down your options and pinpointing schools that resonate with your academic and personal pursuits.
As a sophomore at Wachonah Regional High School, you can start paving the path for your college journey by consulting with your guidance counselor or college advisor. These individuals are priceless assets who can guide you on course selection, extracurricular activities, and standardized testing schedules. They can also assist you in crafting a personalized college admissions timeline and delineating the steps you need to take to gear up for the application process. Moreover, they might conduct workshops or informational sessions to help you comprehend the various elements of the college application, such as crafting essays and preparing for interviews.
Kiaya, it's vital to understand that the college application process isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. Every student's path to college is distinctive, and individual circumstances may steer the route you follow. Elements like academic interests, extracurricular participation, financial factors, and personal preferences all contribute to shaping your college search and application strategy. When contemplating which colleges you might qualify for, it's crucial to evaluate your academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments realistically. Investigating colleges' admission criteria and average admitted student profiles can provide you with an idea of where you might stand within the applicant crowd.
In the end, Kiaya, discovering the right college match involves a mix of self-reflection, research, and guidance from trusted advisors. By initiating early, leveraging your school's resources, and maintaining organization throughout the process, you can set yourself up for success as you set sail on your college journey. Remember that while the college application process can feel daunting at times, it's also a chance for self-exploration and personal growth as you gear up for the next phase of your academic and personal growth.
As a sophomore at Wachonah Regional High School, you can start paving the path for your college journey by consulting with your guidance counselor or college advisor. These individuals are priceless assets who can guide you on course selection, extracurricular activities, and standardized testing schedules. They can also assist you in crafting a personalized college admissions timeline and delineating the steps you need to take to gear up for the application process. Moreover, they might conduct workshops or informational sessions to help you comprehend the various elements of the college application, such as crafting essays and preparing for interviews.
Kiaya, it's vital to understand that the college application process isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. Every student's path to college is distinctive, and individual circumstances may steer the route you follow. Elements like academic interests, extracurricular participation, financial factors, and personal preferences all contribute to shaping your college search and application strategy. When contemplating which colleges you might qualify for, it's crucial to evaluate your academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments realistically. Investigating colleges' admission criteria and average admitted student profiles can provide you with an idea of where you might stand within the applicant crowd.
In the end, Kiaya, discovering the right college match involves a mix of self-reflection, research, and guidance from trusted advisors. By initiating early, leveraging your school's resources, and maintaining organization throughout the process, you can set yourself up for success as you set sail on your college journey. Remember that while the college application process can feel daunting at times, it's also a chance for self-exploration and personal growth as you gear up for the next phase of your academic and personal growth.
Joseph Ford
175
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
OK, lots of questions but good questions that every H.S. student should know.
1 - There should be a student advisor available at all times to assist you with your preparation for college at your H.S.
2 - You can began applying usually at your senior year of H.S.
3 - Your path is your choice. You will eventually decide what you wish to study and which particular college or university to attend.
This can be very helpful:
https://myfuture.com/college/planning/college-planning-timeline?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwrcKxBhBMEiwAIVF8rG5vjo81UHeTmUN0ncgLJzi0QBibYS49dF2oFOXKB-1pMdcrIlx4yhoCGi8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
1 - There should be a student advisor available at all times to assist you with your preparation for college at your H.S.
2 - You can began applying usually at your senior year of H.S.
3 - Your path is your choice. You will eventually decide what you wish to study and which particular college or university to attend.
This can be very helpful:
https://myfuture.com/college/planning/college-planning-timeline?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwrcKxBhBMEiwAIVF8rG5vjo81UHeTmUN0ncgLJzi0QBibYS49dF2oFOXKB-1pMdcrIlx4yhoCGi8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Michelle Mitrione
Product Management
5
Answers
Darien, New York
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi. Does your high school have guidance counselors? Usually they help students with the steps to prepare. It is early for your to apply, but Sophomore year is a good time to start evaluating what colleges appeal to you... thinking about what type of school and field of study. For example, do you want a small urban campus or a large campus more in the suburbs, or you you want a school with a strong business program or science program.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
kiaya