Juniors: Summer Is Coming
Summer means the start of college applications...Yes. This. Summer.
Here are guidelines to help you prepare.
1) University choice: Whittle down your list of schools. Visit them. Determine which are the right fit for you.
Haven't started? Use college search tools to help: Naviance, Money Magazine.
Remember: Safety schools. Target schools. Reach schools. Be realistic.
2) Testing: Determine which college entrance exam is best for you: ACT or SAT. Confirm your choice with this comparison chart. Come up with a strategic plan to finish testing, with the goal being November 1 (this varies per school).
Two goals in in mind:
a) meeting or exceeding the SAT/ACT mid-range scores of your universities;
b) obtaining the highest level Bright Futures scholarship possible (for Florida residents).
Take it with writing, if you are applying to highly selective universities like Stanford, Ivy League schools, Duke, University of Michigan, University of California schools. Check out each university's website for writing requirements.
Take SAT Subject Tests, if applying to highly selective universities.
Note: Most require two subject tests, and certain programs require specific tests.
Strategically plan these tests. Remember to sign up for May tests concurrent with your AP classes. Optimally, complete all SAT Subject Tests by November 1st. Each university varies as far as last test date considered; verify their websites.
3) Paying for college: Determine how much each university on your list will cost you per year.
Two helpful tools:
a) fafsa4caster: determines if you have financial need, and if so, the maximum grant you will obtain from the federal government per year;
b) netpricecalculator: informs you about the specific cost per university, based on your family's income.
4) Scholarships: Start looking into scholarships. Check out scholarships and due dates from universities on your list.
5) Essays: Good news: the essay prompts for Common App and Coalition App will not change for the 2018/2019. Helpful hints:
Be Genuine.
Write in the Active Voice.
Consider the small or familiar experiences in your life as potential topics.
Feel free to deviate from the traditional format.
Avoid embedding a catalogue of your achievements into an essay.
Avoid being arrogant or condescending.
Make your point implicitly.
Juniors, it is almost college application time!
We can help you strategically plan your testing, choose your universities, and inform you about those schools that provide the most scholarship. Make an appointment with us today to make your path to college easier: 954 651 3335
Here are some additional blogs that you might find helpful:
Everything juniors - and their parents - need to know about the ACT and SAT!
