Forget the diet and exercise resolutions in 2018. Instead, let’s focus on the rest of your high school career! Students should, ideally, begin thinking about the college application process during their freshman year of high school. Those who plan ahead and think about college all the way through high school will be that much more prepared when its crunch time for college applications.
Freshman Year:
- Quit extracurricular activities you hate, find ones you like and then really participate.
- Work hard in your studies. Many upperclassmen look back and wish they tried harder as freshmen.
- Visit a few local colleges just to get a sense of what is out there.
- Keep a copy of your resume (extracurricular activities, honors and awards, community service, work experience, etc..) on your refrigerator and add to it as things happen.
Sophomore Year:
- Run for or volunteer for a leadership position.
- Identify what you like and dislike about high school and apply this to your college list.
- Look for summer programs that highlight your intellectual curiosity.
- Take your first SAT.
Junior Year:
- Study for the SAT or ACT.
- Take the SAT or ACT…twice.
- Visit and attend information sessions and tours of colleges that might interest you.
- Develop/cultivate relationships with teachers that you will want to ask for letters of recommendations.
- Don’t let the carefree ways of summer get the best of you. Get the bulk of your applications completed during summer break so you can focus on your studies in the fall. This also keeps the stress levels in check.
Senior Year:
- Avoid senioritis. Some colleges may revoke early decision acceptances due to falling grades.
- If you have been deferred, be sure to contact the admissions office to tell them you are still very interested and send any updates on your grades or awards received.
- Make a concerted effort to talk about something else! Don’t let the stress of it take over your life!
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