It's Fall, time for leaves to change colors and fall from the trees. Time for juniors and seniors to begin work on college planning. Here are some priorities to put on your calendar.
JUNIORS
Start making a list of what’s important to you -
Check out colleges that fit your interests -
SAT or ACT test prep -
Financial aid and scholarships
Prepare to present yourself!
SENIORS
Fine-tune your college list
Take the ACT or SAT
Get the applications you need
Start writing your essays.
Finances
It may feel like a lot but you’re setting the stage for the next stage of your life. Ask for help, for feedback, for suggestions from others who have walked this path. You’re not alone on this journey!
JUNIORS
Start making a list of what’s important to you -
- Favorite classes (may help you decide on a major)
- What careers interest you?
- Do you want a small college or a large one?
- Do you want to stay close to home or venture further out?
Check out colleges that fit your interests -
- Here’s a good resource: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search
- What’s the range of GPA and SAT/ACT test scores of their freshman class?
- Plan an in-person or virtual visit to your top 5 or so colleges.
SAT or ACT test prep -
- If you’re not within the SAT range of your top colleges, get test prep and pull up your scores! https://www.triplethreattestprep.com/
Financial aid and scholarships
- Some counselors suggest applying for the small, lesser known scholarships because there are less people applying for those and your chances of receiving an award are therefore greater. Still apply to the larger ones – you want to keep your options open!
- Check this out, too: cb.org/opportunity.
Prepare to present yourself!
- Create a resume with your work experience, volunteer activities, clubs, extra-curricular activities. Show who you are! Let your passion for your contributions shine!
SENIORS
Fine-tune your college list
- One guideline is to apply to 10, have 5 favorites, and choose from 3.
- Download college applications
- Plan visits, attend college fairs, talk to current or recent students there.
Take the ACT or SAT
- Take a test prep booster class if you’re not yet hitting your score goals
Get the applications you need
- If you’re interested in an HBCU, many are on the https://commonblackcollegeapp.com/ For a single $20 application fee you can apply to up to 67 HBCUs in that network..
- Other schools, as well as some of the HBCUs, are on the The Common Application. About half of the 1000+ schools require an application fee – unless you get a fee waiver from your school counselor.
Start writing your essays.
- Ask your English teacher for help if needed.
- Ask others to read your essays and give you feedback.
- Don’t wait until the last minute. Essays are very important parts of your application package and you want to be sure you have “crossed the t’s and dotted the I’s.”
Finances
- Complete the FAFSA as early as possible.
- Apply to scholarships.
- Some counselors suggest applying for the small, lesser known scholarships because there are less people applying for those and your chances of receiving an award are therefore greater. Still apply to the larger ones – you want to keep your options open!
- Check this out, too: cb.org/opportunity.
It may feel like a lot but you’re setting the stage for the next stage of your life. Ask for help, for feedback, for suggestions from others who have walked this path. You’re not alone on this journey!