It seems hard to believe, but the midway point of the summer is here, and the next school year is slated to begin in a little over a month. While we wait to see if spiked pandemic numbers influence the school settings and their starts, the application season will begin shortly. Below are some updates and things to look into:
JULY 1 -- The Apply Texas application opened for Fall 2021 applications, but most Texas schools won’t begin to accept applications until August 1….
AUGUST 1 -- This is the date that the Common Application will open for application submission to various schools. With that being said, that does not mean that a student needs to have their application submitted by that time. Many, if not most, of these schools will operate on an Early Action/Early Decision and Regular Decision timeframe, so most of these applications won’t be due until mid-October or early November.
Texas A&M -- whether or not this school is your first choice, if it’s anywhere on your list of prospective application destinations, then make it your first priority. A&M has pushed the application deadline back to AUGUST 1 (had been July 1 in prior years), and they operate on more of a spot-in-line decision making process. An earlier application can only help. If you’re in the Top 10% of your class, then you’ll definitely want to submit in August to not only be automatically admitted, but to also improve your chances of being offered a spot in your first-choice major. If you’re not in the Top 10%, you’ll want to have a thorough application submitted early, and submit updates (such as test updates, schedules, etc) as they come.
SRAR -- The Self-Reported Academic Record is a trend that many public universities across the country are moving toward, and A&M is among them. Because of this, A&M applicants do not need to submit a transcript; they’ll submit grades by semester via SRAR, and a final transcript will only be required if the applicant is admitted and then decides to enroll there (matriculate).
Essay Topic A required
Test-Optional -- A&M will be test optional for this year (and likely into the future). This is very good news for those of you who have terrific grades but lower test scores. The review process will nitpick your grades, rigor, and extracurricular profile instead of merely judging you by your SAT or ACT.
Essays and Personal Statements -- most of your designated applicant schools will require an essay and/or personal statements. The schools want to see how well you write, but the main point of them is to learn something about you that can set yourself apart from other applicants. What makes you different? What makes you tick? Has anything unusual happened in your life that needs explanation? How do you see yourself succeeding as a student on their campus? All of these can be addressed, and I’m in the process of working on an essay workshop, so be on the lookout for more information down the line.
As always, you know where to find me should you feel the need to utilize my services. I’m already working with a number of rising seniors in the area, so let’s put something on the books to help with future planning. I look forward to working with you!