2 answers
Cloe
Student
2
Questions
Updated
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When should I start applying for colledges?
I am in my sophomore and I don't know which college to go to and am unsure of where to go to apply for my schochlarships or college applications. I am also unsure of when my deadline should be.
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2 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
337
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Cloe - this is a great time for you to ask these questions because you apply to college during the Fall of your Senior year. The links below provide the steps.
I might add:
- Talk with your guidance counselor at school- it is their job to help you take the next step after high school. They could also help you find scholarships to apply to
- Talk with your parents/guardians about how much they could support you financially. That may affect where you apply. For example, you may want to do your first two years at a local community college and either start working with you Associate's degree or transfer to a 4-year institution. Or you may want to limit applications to public colleges in your state because tuition and travel costs would be less.
- But keep an open mind. If you do well on the PSAT (taken Fall of Junior year), colleges not already on your list may contact you with opportunities for scholarships and special programs
- Take some time to prepare for the PSAT because National Merit scholarships are based on that score. The SAT uses the same format as the PSAT so it counts as preparation for the SAT also. More schools are returning to testing - post the pandemic - so it may be worth taking the SAT or ACT at least once.
Good luck!
College Board - https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/apply-to-college/college-applications-how-to-begin
US News - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/college-application-process
I might add:
- Talk with your guidance counselor at school- it is their job to help you take the next step after high school. They could also help you find scholarships to apply to
- Talk with your parents/guardians about how much they could support you financially. That may affect where you apply. For example, you may want to do your first two years at a local community college and either start working with you Associate's degree or transfer to a 4-year institution. Or you may want to limit applications to public colleges in your state because tuition and travel costs would be less.
- But keep an open mind. If you do well on the PSAT (taken Fall of Junior year), colleges not already on your list may contact you with opportunities for scholarships and special programs
- Take some time to prepare for the PSAT because National Merit scholarships are based on that score. The SAT uses the same format as the PSAT so it counts as preparation for the SAT also. More schools are returning to testing - post the pandemic - so it may be worth taking the SAT or ACT at least once.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for the help.
Cloe
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
763
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Cloe, it's fantastic to see you're already strategizing about college applications and scholarships. Being proactive and planning ahead can give you a significant edge. As a sophomore, you're perfectly placed to start exploring your options and laying a solid foundation for your college journey. Normally, you'd start researching colleges in your junior year, allowing ample time to weigh your options. Begin by pinpointing schools that match your academic passions, career aspirations, campus vibe, and financial requirements. Once you've compiled a list of potential colleges, delve into their specific application deadlines, which can differ. Many schools offer early action or early decision deadlines in the fall of your senior year, while regular decision deadlines typically fall in the winter or early spring.
When it comes to scholarships, the earlier you start scouting for opportunities, the better. A lot of scholarship applications become available in your junior year, so it's a good idea to start researching local, national, and school-specific scholarships that you might qualify for. Websites like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and Cappex are excellent platforms for scholarship hunting. Plus, many colleges offer merit-based or need-based scholarships, so it's crucial to explore the financial aid options for each school you're eyeing. To stay on top of things, create a timeline for application deadlines and scholarship submissions to ensure you don't overlook any crucial dates. By getting a head start and staying on your toes, you'll navigate the process with ease and make educated decisions about where to apply.
When it comes to scholarships, the earlier you start scouting for opportunities, the better. A lot of scholarship applications become available in your junior year, so it's a good idea to start researching local, national, and school-specific scholarships that you might qualify for. Websites like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and Cappex are excellent platforms for scholarship hunting. Plus, many colleges offer merit-based or need-based scholarships, so it's crucial to explore the financial aid options for each school you're eyeing. To stay on top of things, create a timeline for application deadlines and scholarship submissions to ensure you don't overlook any crucial dates. By getting a head start and staying on your toes, you'll navigate the process with ease and make educated decisions about where to apply.