Juniors and junior parents,
It’s time…..time to now refer to yourselves as “Rising Seniors,” and it can be hard to believe or imagine. Recent graduations mark the end of a school year, but they also unofficially give rise to the next crop of prospective college applicants. Below are some hot topics to watch as the summer quickly approaches.
ACT/SAT Testing and Test Optional -- much had been made about the future of testing and test optional admission approaches for applicants BEFORE COVID-19 took stranglehold, but the pandemic forced the hand for consideration more quickly than many of even the most progressive admission offices expected.
Test Optional is a mixed bag. You’ll want to check with each individual prospective college to see what their policy is this upcoming application year. Some will still require SAT and/or ACT, while others are optional. Examples below:
-- Tulane will be test optional for Fall 2021 applications
-- Vanderbilt and Boston College will still require SAT and/or ACT
-- The University of California System schools will be test optional
-- UT and Texas A&M are still expected to require SAT and/or ACT
This might beg a simple question: “What if my test scores are high?” The answer is to submit!
Grade Policies/Trends -- The pandemic forced schools to close their doors, and homeschooling took effect from mid-Spring semester onward. With the transition to online learning and grading, many high schools will opt to list “Pass/Fail” for second semester grades, while others will work diligently to report whatever grades for which they can account.
Expect leniency from admission offices. Colleges endured the situation along with everyone, and most colleges will look for reasons to admit you. Succumbing to a global pandemic through no fault of your own will not be held against you, and they understand that many high schools across the country have had to adapt.
Rigor will be further emphasized. Since many schools have different policies, the rigor component will play a big part in admission review. This will put a greater emphasis on your prior semester coursework.
Application Deadlines -- Most colleges will still maintain their traditional application deadlines, so be aware of different policies and timelines. Know the difference between the types of application deadlines listed below and which ones may or may not apply to your designated applicant schools:
-- Early Action
-- Early Decision (Early Decision 1 and/or Early Decision 2)
-- Regular Admission
-- Rolling Admission
-- Major-Specific applications and deadlines
Summer Activities -- Some students and parents overly stress the “What did you do to make use of your time during the pandemic or summer months?” I’ve heard from a few parents that colleges are going to demand to know and that it will affect their admission. That’s not necessarily true. The stress of forcing some activity can be counterproductive from a mental -- if not physical -- standpoint. Here are my suggestions for meaningful activity:
-- Find something you LIKE doing, not something that you feel you MUST do. Colleges enjoy hearing about your passions, interests, and creativity. It’s understood that our economies (state-by-state) are not fully open and that options might still be limited, but if you’re genuinely interested in something and can do it, then it almost doesn’t matter what it specifically is. If something leads to personal growth and development, then do it.
-- Get a head start on your application essays. With test-optional policies in place, an even greater emphasis will be placed on how well you can communicate to colleges your personal contribution to their campus.
-- Common Application Essay prompts found HERE
-- Apply Texas Application Essay prompts found HERE
Reflect on what you think college is and how your designated schools fit that role (and how you fit).
Interest -- Reach out to your designated admissions counselor from your schools and ask if they do coffee chats, interviews, virtual tours, Zoom meetings, virtual meet-and-greets, etc. Establish a rapport with your representatives and move forward from there. When you’re considered in the application process, you’ll be glad to have someone go to bat for you. The earlier you start building your relationship, the better your voice will be heard.
Overall, take a little while to soak in the circumstances of the past few months, take a deep breath, and rest for a bit. Our trying times test us all, so don’t fret. Be sure that you’re being responsible with your interactions, but otherwise, be yourselves. Come into application season (and senior year in general) with a fresh outlook and rested mind.
You know where to find me should you need my services. Speaking of which, consultation prices will roll over on June 1. The Class of 2021 will be considered as seniors from that point forward, so senior package and custom rates will apply. Please be advised. Otherwise, know that I’m available to help with your individual situations, and having an experienced professional to help guide you through the wacky and changing waters will be most beneficial in your college search and admission. You can count on me!