Wow…..Guess who had a whirlwind of a Fall 2021? THIS GUY!
The application season for current seniors saw many updates, changes, and challenges. It’s getting harder and harder, or so it seems, for families and their prospective applicants to track down all that they need to do for proper application submission. More and more institutions have begun to require not only a main essay, but additional personal statements and self-reported grades as well. That’s where a subject-matter expert (such as I) can help navigate the often tricky and evolving nature of college admissions.
That said, the bulk of work for seniors is done; most major application deadlines have passed, and while decisions and scholarships still loom, the hardest part –the application— is largely done. It’s now time for JUNIORS to “turn on the switch” for college planning, and there are several key things to begin doing (if not already begun).
First, while much has been made about test-optional or otherwise, it’s important for a Junior to begin taking the SAT and ACT this Spring semester (some might be ahead of the timeline). Most colleges will accept scores until November-December timeframe of an applicant’s senior year, so by having scores earlier in the process, it can be determined whether ACT or SAT is better, which one to re-take, potential test-prep, and if test-optional is the right approach.
Second, Junior year is the last year that colleges will see on an applicant’s transcript, so it’s imperative that each student maximizes every single grade opportunity possible. NOW is where GPA, class rank, and grade trends are determined, so this is the money semester of the money year, so to speak. Make it count.
Third, while colleges will not have senior-year grades, they WILL see what a student has in-progress form a course load perspective. For students that have specific majors in-mind (Ex: Engineering, etc.), it’ll be important for the applicant to take senior year seriously and to have courses that align with their academic major interest.
With so much going on, now would be a good time to schedule an underclassman consultation with me to help you and your Junior prepare for the coming onslaught, especially since Juniors will begin requesting senior classes soon. Contact me soon for help!