Preparing College Applications

Hi, I'm trying to map out my junior year and I'm not sure when I should start preparing my college applications? When do most students usually begin?

Typically, a good time to start preparing your college applications is the summer before your senior year. This gives you ample time to carefully fill out your applications, proofread them, write and revise your essays, and prepare your resume of activities, while balancing other commitments such as schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and standardized testing.

That said, some aspects of your application should ideally be initiated much earlier. Standardized test preparation, for example, should begin in your sophomore year or the beginning of your junior year, aiming to complete at least one round of exams by fall of your junior year. This provides enough time for retakes, if needed.

Furthermore, you should also be thinking about your list of colleges during your junior year. This involves researching various factors like program offerings, locations, sizes, financial aid availability, and admissions criteria to develop a balanced list of reach, match, and safety schools.

It's also good practice to start brainstorming for your college essays towards the end of junior year. Reflect upon your experiences, identity, growth, and achievements, which can provide material for your personal statements.

One last thing: Don't forget to cultivate relationships with teachers throughout your high school journey, as they will eventually serve as your recommenders when college application season rolls around.

So, while the formal application process begins in the summer before senior year, the preparation has many facets that can and should be started earlier. Best of luck with your college application journey!