We will dive into this topic in more detail on Wednesday, September 7th. Register for the free webinar here!
It’s never been more difficult to get into college. More students are throwing their hat in the ring at more schools. This is largely in part due to the test-optional movement, which at participating schools, eliminates SAT and ACT score requirements on a student’s application.
During the 2021-2022 application cycle, the Common App reported application volume was up nearly 20% from the previous year. In today’s competitive college landscape, college-bound students need help learning how to stand out among the pool of other qualified applicants.
I believe the best way to achieve this is to start planning early. Here are six ways students as young as 11 or 12 can get started.
1. Focus on grades, course selection, and building solid study skills.
It’s time to start laying the groundwork for future college success as early as late elementary or middle school.
Grades matter, and so do effective study habits. Sure, your daughter’s 6th-grade report card won’t be included on her transcript when she applies to college. But, her ability to properly manage her time, stay organized, and study effectively will all be evident when her grades really start counting for college.
College admissions offices will want to see your student’s high school GPA, in addition to how they challenged themselves throughout high school with the courses they took and the progress they made.
If your child is struggling with a certain subject or has weak executive function skills, it’s easier to address these issues now than when the work gets more challenging.
2. Students should work to develop a narrative throughout high school.
Educational Connections College Consultant Kristin Olsen Landis, J.D., who spent years reviewing applications at the University of Virginia, says nowadays, students need a common theme or thread throughout their application. This shows they’re passionate and illustrates what they will bring to the college community.
“I’d rather see a child passionate about 1, 2, or 3 things than have a whole plethora of activities on their application,” explained Landis. “For example, let’s say a student has an interest in marine biology, so they take an aquaculture class after school or they take an online course. Maybe they went and got their scuba certification, and then they volunteer at a conservation center in their town,” explained Landis.
This doesn’t mean teenagers need to know exactly what career path they plan to pursue. But they can learn how to weave together a compelling story to make a memorable application based on their current interests, extracurriculars, and ambitions. Students who start this process early, often with help from an experienced college consultant, have the advantage of learning how to seize opportunities and take control of their entire high school experience.
3. Make a solid testing plan.
As testing requirements change, it can be confusing to know if and when to take the SAT or ACT, then whether the scores should be submitted on applications.
Although the majority of colleges are currently test-optional, some universities, including M.I.T, have already switched back to pre-Covid test score mandates for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle.
Since testing requirements are likely to change from year to year, all students should have a testing plan in place, including when to register and how to best prepare.
4. Students should create a balanced college list.
When it comes time for your child to create (and then refine) their college list, balance is key. Your child should have a good mix of target, reach, and safety schools.
They can start doing the legwork, before junior and senior year, by researching the applicant profile at each school, which majors and extracurriculars are available, and if the school aligns with their values, goals, and family finances. “
There is a college for everyone,” explained Landis. “There absolutely is, and the experience of college is what the student makes of it.”
5. Plan ahead for essays and supplementals.
Your child’s response to the Common App essay and supplementals (like “Why would you be a good fit at New York University?”) will factor heavily into the decision-making process. They’re increasingly important because they help show the human side of an application.
Writing essays and supplementals is time-consuming and challenging. Landis says the process should require a lot of planning and energy, starting with brainstorming. She helps her students choose solid topics (and gives insight on topics to avoid), then helps them organize their time and ensure they’re presenting themselves, and their narrative, in a compelling way through their writing.
“This is the opportunity to really connect the dots, for students to show who they are, what they’re passionate about, what makes them tick, and how they communicate. And for the college admissions team, this is the opportunity to really learn about the student,” Landis explained.
6. Students need a roadmap to steer them through the application process
Between classes, clubs, homework, jobs, and friends, high school students are busy. But college application deadlines won’t wait. It’s crucial for high school juniors and seniors to start the admissions process with a plan to stay on track.
The often stressful process includes rounding up recommendation letters and other documents, completing the essay and supplementals, and working to make their Common App less common. It’s also important for students to understand the difference between early action, early decision, and regular decision.
There are a lot of moving parts, but you don’t have to navigate the college admissions process alone. An experienced college consultant can help give your family peace of mind by helping your child turn their accomplishments into applications and then into acceptance letters.
Author: Ann Dolin, M.ED.
Ann Dolin, M.Ed., has a strong conviction that school doesn’t have to place stress on children and parents. Based on her nearly 30 years of experience, she has developed practical strategies that she shares to help kids succeed and make the most of their academic journey.
Ann founded Educational Connections in 1998, tutoring one student at her dining room table. Today her company has grown to employ 120 tutors, executive function coaches, and college consultants who provide virtual support to K-12 and college students in the DC area and beyond.
Make sure to join us on September 7th for a deep dive into this topic. Register for the free webinar here.