When Should I Get Serious About College Applications?

I know preparing for college is a marathon, not a sprint, but when's the race really start? When is the most important time to get serious about applying to college?

Though college preparation can be thought of as a process that spans all four years of high school, it's typically during your junior year that things begin to escalate. The first half of junior year is a critical time for doing final research on potential colleges, while the second half is often dedicated to test preparation and the start of the application process.

Front-load your research efforts during this time. Consider factors such as academic rigor, school culture, location, and financial aid/scholarship availability when researching schools. Additionally, visiting campuses, either in person or virtually, can help solidify your impressions and determine which colleges might be a good fit.

The winter and spring of junior year are prime times for studying and taking the SAT or ACT, especially since many seniors don't want to be juggling standardized testing with college applications in the fall.

During the spring of your junior year and the summer before your senior year, start working on your college essays. It's beneficial to begin early, as you'll likely need multiple drafts before you feel satisfied with your personal statement and supplemental essays.

Lastly, the start of your senior year is when you'll submit your college applications—typically between November and January, depending on if you're applying early action, early decision, or regular decision. Keep in mind that you'll also need to manage recommendation letters, final transcripts, and financial aid applications (like the FAFSA), which open in October of your senior year.

Remember, though, everyone's timeline can look a little different depending on their unique circumstances. The key is to stay organized, break big tasks into smaller, manageable parts, and keep pace with your planned schedule.