Students and parents,
I hope all is well with your holiday season. As we wind down the calendar year of 2020, let us reflect on all that we have endured and questioned. With so much going on in life, it’s just another burden to think about upcoming college decisions and plans, but they’ll be here before you know it! If you are a Junior (or a parent of one), then here are some things to know going into the Spring semester 2021:
As stated in prior communications, the Junior year is the “Perfect Storm” year, as it’s the first year that more rigorous classes become largely available, and it’s the last year that colleges will see on a transcript when applications are submitted next year (senior year). Make it count.
Maximize EVERY grade opportunity from this point forward. If you have any loose ends, need to re-master learning by re-testing (if optional), need to be better about procrastinating, or restoring academic relationships with teachers (in-general), then NOW is the time to do it. I like to call it “driving 90mph until the end of the semester,” figuratively speaking, of course.
If you’re on rocky ground with your teachers, then this is the time to start mending those fences. Set good habits, and being diligent and timely with your coursework only helps your cause here. Show your teachers that you’re taking them seriously, and they’ll be far more likely to return the favor/sentiment. FYI, many of these junior teachers would be good recommendation letter candidates….
ACT and/or SAT — If you have not taken one or both of these as of yet, then don’t fret; you’re still right on time. I typically recommend that most students begin taking the standardized tests in the Spring semester and continue re-testing into the summer and fall of senior year.
Most colleges have no preference between the ACT or SAT, so I recommend that students try BOTH at least one and utilize a comparison chart once all scores are received to see which one the student excels. If one is higher than the other, then focus on re-taking the higher of the two from that point forward.
Don’t go spending a huge amount of money on test preparation until you know how you’ll score. Many test prep agencies and tutors and tailor programming around a student’s strengths and weaknesses. Since it’s very likely that you’ll re-test, go into test prep with the knowledge of where to best utilize your time to help maximize your scores(s).
Test-optional — yes, many schools have instituted a ‘test-optional’ approach due to the pandemic, but it’s also a terrific benefit for the student who is a superb performer in the classroom but doesn’t test all too well. Understand that colleges will be far more likely to highly scrutinize grades, grade trends, course rigor, etc., in a test-optional approach. I still recommend trying the SAT and/or ACT without submitting to schools first.
SENIOR YEAR COURSE SCHEDULE — just around the corner is planning and scheduling for senior year. This is crucially important; colleges won’t have access to senior year grades until the end of the first semester at the earliest, but they will judge/scrutinize applicants for how seriously they’re taking their last year of secondary school. A proper senior course schedule could send the right message in application review and help a student’s cause. The lack thereof could potentially have the reverse effect.
Not all seniors have the same level of rigor/structure needs. What looks good to colleges will vary from student to student, so there’s not set-in-stone and across-the-board answer for every student. Students should take what’s appropriate for their interests and capabilities. That said, I highly recommend that students challenge themselves whenever possible within the offered resources and their capabilities.
AP vs. Dual Credit — which one is better to take will depend on each individual student and perhaps their preferred college destinations. Generally speaking, colleges prefer AP, but it’s not mandatory or even necessary in a lot of instances, so many students should not feel compelled to have a schedule that’s loaded with AP courses.
College Visits — this is a time of year when colleges will begin scheduling programs for underclass prospective students. Special preference will be for the rising juniors who will be next year’s applicants. The pandemic might very well limit the amount of in-person activity, but it’s worth researching which schools might offer on-campus visits. Just about every college will offer a virtual tour if you’re uncomfortable with anything in-person.
Alright, juniors, it’s go-time! Take this last semester before your senior year to solidify your standing and take the next step in your preparation. The application process won’t start for you until the summer at the earliest, but it’ll be here before you know it. Contact me to set up a consultation so that I can help you diagnose your current academic standing, help you plan for ACT/SAT, identify prospective college majors, identify prospective college application destinations, and of course, to help you determine the all-important SENIOR YEAR SCHEDULE, which your schools counselors will soon begin the process for you. Take advantage of the time in January and February. You know where to find me!
Happy New Year,
Randy Trevino