SENIOR YEAR Suggestions: 

Academic performance.

 

Close with a STRONG finish. Develop superb writing skills; your GPA must be stable or on the rise, take college preparatory classes (pursue the highest diploma designation), and score your targets on the SAT and ACT. Colleges will request a final transcript.  You must pass AP/IB tests so build them into your study time.  

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

 

• Schedule yourself for the SAT/ACT if you need to retake it.  If you did not get your preferred score from your spring/early summer tests, be sure you sign up for fall dates.  

 

• Be sure you have a filing system and calendar for your application information and deadlines (online or physical, whichever you prefer...for Common App, there is a timeline/notification.  This is more for the schools who are not Common App, and you WILL start to receive tons of marketing materials).  Give copies of your calendar to parents so they can help you stay on track with reminders.  If you have a calendar option on your phone, create alerts to remind you of TO DOs.  Create or print checklists that will help you organize.  Use a logical, practical approach.  Don’t apply to 20 schools. Choose 5 or so that you know will accept you.  Meaning, you meet all of the criteria.  Beyond that, you decide where else to apply.  If you didn't finish your application process in August as suggested, don’t panic.  Just get it done asap.  You will want to apply early action, so get going.  Don't forget to MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING!  

 

• Check your transcript and make sure it includes everything.  If you have previously taken AP exams, ACC courses, etc., you want to ensure scores transfer correctly. Get extra copies. Review your grades to make sure they are correct.  The school will give you a certain number of transcripts at no cost, but order enough for all of the colleges and a few extras (your counselor will mail sealed copies).

 

• October: Take SAT subject tests if schools on your list require them.  Know the timelines for registration.  Prep for them!  Online and otherwise.  There is a great site page on the Common Application, which contains requirements for each school if you are planning on applying to any of them: https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/MemberRequirements.aspx.  Check it out.  

 

• Writing:  You should be college ready. Your initial SAT scores will tell you if you can organize an essay, articulate, etc.  The new SAT is essay optional but do it regardless. You have probably had little exposure to analytical writing.  Work with someone to critique and analyze films and artwork.  If you are not ready, get a tutor.  The more you write, the better you get.   

  • It doesn’t matter if you are in history or marketing class, spelling and grammar count.  Writing is a series of complicated brain functions and will not come without work.  Aggressively pursue improvement.  Compare your writing with what you read.  Does your writing sound mature?  If you were a stranger and read your writing samples, what age would you guess the writer to be?

  • Vocabulary.  Don’t just study it; use it.  Read classic literature.  Use www.sparknotes.com to help understand themes and characters.  Be curious.  When you hear a new word, ask what it means. Also, when you encounter a new word while reading, look it up after completing the chapter.  You probably have a smartphone or computer right there - so no excuses.

  • Really work each writing piece assigned in your classes this last year.  Don’t rush through it just to get it done.  It is a multi-step process and is the centerpiece of a university experience.  Evaluation and assessment methods change drastically.  In college courses, you may only have two or three chances to get the grade you want.  Much of your grade in college will depend on how well you write.  Write a blog, keep a journal, do something that keeps your writing skills fresh.  

 

• Professors and teachers want students who can organize thoughts, but they also get tired of reading the same essays day in and day out.  Offer up new and exciting ideas - don’t go to the same books and websites everyone else does.  Contact experts directly.  Look at older material no longer cited.  Teach your instructors something.  If you find your writing boring, your teacher will too.  Remember: college writing will require analysis and the ability to compare and contrast too.  You won’t always be able to apply “the formula,” so be open to new writing experiences and classes.  SO USE THIS APPROACH WITH YOUR COLLEGE ESSAY.  Say something that is of interest...tell a good story, use interesting examples, etc.

 

• If you did not take our summer workshop or didn't start your application in August, you will need to begin writing your application essay as soon as possible.  Most recommend you finish this by November, get it done earlier than that.  You want to have everything ready to submit by November if you are going with EARLY ACTION (be sure you know the difference between EARLY DECISION and EARLY ACTION).  You can find online sites with information on what to do and not do in your essay.  Seek feedback.  Have parents, peers, and teachers read it.  

 

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

College prep.

 

• Finalizing, mailing/submitting online and completing everything by the early action dates for each college will very likely provide you with better results. I do not recommend early decision (contractually binding and prohibits you from applying to other schools).  Early action, yes.  The earlier you submit, the more likely you will receive a yes (and possibly merit aid).  

 

• If you completed the GetReady! Workshop, then you only need focus on the materials your counselor must mail/send electronically.  Be sure he/she has your college list, and that you have filled out the counseling office request forms and indicated deadlines.  If your schools are Common App, you can send a request to your counselor electronically, and each year more and more schools allow more information to be submitted over the internet.  Talk to your counselor about all of this soon after school starts.  Get to him/her before everyone else does.  If you did not get things done this summer, get moving - now.  

 

• Use holidays to keep track of any college needs/requests, and if you did not do early action, know that everything should be completed and submitted on or before January 1 (unless you are applying to a school with rolling admissions, but still get those in as early as possible).  

 

Study skills and general suggestions. 

• Be sure you are using tools and resources regularly to teach yourself when you don’t understand something in class.  It makes your college transition much easier. Those who know where to find information will be able to teach themselves for a lifetime.  Don’t forget www.khanacademy.org for FREE math help.  Other helpful sites: http://freevideolectures.com/free-college-courses-online/, https://www.coursera.org/ 

 

 

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

College prep.

 

• Once you’ve applied, read your mail AND email thoroughly!  Especially since merit scholarships are sent through the mail with little or no warning. Pleasant surprise!

 

• Write thank you notes to teachers who provide you with recommendations, counselors who send your information and promote you to schools, anyone and everyone who helps you. This leaves a really positive impression.  

 

• Continue tracking accomplishments and updating your online portfolio.  Keep them in a journal, in a file, for scanning, etc.  You will not be able to remember these when it is time to apply if you don’t get them online or written down.  Start tracking them now.  Contact me when you are ready to put together your ePortfolio, tracey@getreadyu.com, or call 512.922.3236. If you prefer to register now, you can do that too. If you don’t create a portfolio, make sure you have a resume. If you have one, include your eportfolio in every correspondence with admissions representatives. Just add a final sentence that says something like, “If you are interested and have a few minutes, here is the link to my ePortfolio.  It highlights all of my accomplishments.  Thank you for your consideration.”

 

• Schedule college interviews, visits, and go (this can start fairly early...just be aware).  Practice interview questions with everyone who is willing. Role playing is important.  You don’t need to be nervous. They interview hundreds of students.  Be sure to use stories whenever you can, these are more memorable.  Profile the unique you each and every chance you get.  Also, there may be multiple people in the room speaking to you. This is not meant to intimidate you; they are trying to be efficient with time.

 

• Make sure your counselor sends your top choice a final transcript and any other required end of year paperwork to close out your account.  Regularly check the dashboards in your application accounts for deadlines/to-dos (Common App, Apply Texas, etc.). 

 

• For those interested in international opportunities, do contact me for individual consulting if you are interested in pursuing a full-time program in another country.  Foreign universities are very student-focused, cheaper, and you can finish your degree program in three years. Yes!  They offer complete degree programs taught in English and more and more pop up each year.  Studying abroad can expand your horizons, give you a chance to immerse yourself in another language and culture, and expand your network and job opportunities.  Once again--it is unique.  That counts in a world where there are 7B people.  

 

• If there are any new developments in your life, update schools.  If you have received an award, gotten a higher score, or anything else has come your way that could change your application status, call admissions or send them updates via email.  

 

 

Study skills and general suggestions. 

 

• Continue solid relationships with your teachers.  Never stop.  They are your support.  

 

• Stay current.  Read one news article a week. 

 

• Continue focus on your foreign language skills. 

 

• Continue the money search:  www.fastweb.com, www.collegeprowler.com, www.scholarshipexperts.com, www.scholarshipmonkey.com.  Apply--you have to if you want money.  Avoid debt if possible!

 

• Keep track of what you read—keep a list.  You can never read enough. Add this list to your portfolio.

 

• Continue active participation in your hobbies and extracurriculars.  Enter contests. 

 

• Registration for AP is usually in February.  Be sure to get your fees and paperwork in on time.  Study for you AP exams WELL in advance.  Start in January.  This is your last chance to show you are college ready.  Spend an hour each weekend, 30 minutes on each, and then accelerate as you get closer. The teacher will give you practice tests, and if you do well on those, you still need to study.  Sorry.  Study.  These are college prep tests.  If you do not do well (scores posted in June), colleges CAN retract offers.  

 

• In February, March and April you will probably be making decisions…comparing financials, programs, and deciding which school is the right match.  Once you choose a school, PLEASE notify others you will not attend, and send them thank you notes (email and formal).  Some will extend the offer out multiple years if they really want you--just in case you get to your school of choice and find out it is not a good match. Just depends on school policy.  So write that note!  Plus, this is a stressful process for them as well...a thank you is a nice surprise.

 

• The most important things you can do…get fantastic grades; show effort.  The average American high school student spends 900 hours in the classroom and 1500 hours in front of the television.  Don’t make that mistake--and NEVER believe that once you're accepted grades don’t matter.  The numbers matter right down to the end.  You also don’t want to jeopardize any possible future scholarship opportunities.  You can still apply for those!  

 

• TIP:  Don’t buy the expensive, formal high school graduation invitations.  There are so many nice, contemporary invitations that allow you to include a photo of yourself.  They are cheaper, and if you order from sites like this, you help support a small business owner/your local graphic designer: http://www.zazzle.com/graduation+invitations.

 

• Once all is said and done, remember - college is very expensive.  Don’t waste money by focusing on the wrong priorities.  If you flunk out, you do not get a refund.  When your parents were young, they could change majors, fail a few classes, and still finish on the cheap.  Times have changed, and tuition is outrageously expensive.  Contrary to what movies and culture tell you, college is not about partying and football.  You don’t get grades for that, and you cut into study time if those are your foci.  College time is about transitioning into adulthood and becoming part of a global community. Enjoy school, get involved, and become a part of the community...but don't get off track. Students all over the world have dreams and goals.  Culturally they are taught to view education as an opportunity to grow and become successful.  If you choose not to take it seriously, they will.  

 

MARCH/APRIL

College prep.

 

• Continue to focus on grades.  Make sure you are continually studying for your AP/IB exams. Set aside time specifically meant to fill in AP/IB study gaps. 

 

• It is very likely you are mulling over college options. If it would help to have a site for comparing all schools, check out this one: http://colleges.startclass.com

 

• Be sure you are checking your emails and regular mail for updates.  Sometimes if a school really wants you and doesn't hear from you, they will send small merit awards to entice you - so check!

 

• Once you have made your decision, celebrate!  AND don't forget to let the other schools know you will not attend -  send them a thank you too!  

 

• Keep your final scores, awards, and any other accomplishments in your files so when you are ready to update your portfolio, they are reading for scanning.  

 

 

   Congratulations!  You made it!