Preparing for College Applications as a Junior

What are some tips for getting a head start on college applications as a junior? I've heard it can be overwhelming, and I want to make sure I'm organized and prepared. Any advice on what to focus on or start doing now?

Sure! It's always a great idea to start preparation early, as that can help you reduce anxiety and avoid last-minute rushes. Here are few things you can focus on:

1. Research Colleges: Start shortlisting schools that you're interested in. Consider factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, financial aid programs, and admission requirements.

2. Understand the Requirements: Make sure you understand what each college requires, such as the SAT or ACT, recommendation letters, application essays, and a list of extracurricular activities.

3. Plan for Standardized Tests: If the colleges you're interested in require standardized tests, start preparing and schedule your exams. With the recent changes to the SAT and ACT, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the digital testing platforms, such as the Bluebook™ app for the PSAT.

4. Cultivate Relationships: Develop strong relationships with teachers, counselors, and coaches as they might be the ones writing your recommendation letters.

5. Deepen Extracurricular Involvement: Continue your involvement in Tier 1 or Tier 2 extracurricular activities. Show a high level of involvement or achievement in one or two areas rather than a wide variety of less committed activities.

6. Start Drafting College Essays: brainstorm essay topics and start outlining your thoughts. Remember to avoid cliche topics like sports injuries or immigrant stories unless you can make them extremely unique or incredibly personal.

7. Prepare your Resume: Start creating a list of your important achievements, activities, internships, and more which you can use to fill out your applications and as a reference when drafting your essays.

8. Plan College Visits and Interviews: If possible, visit some of your top choice schools. Even if formal interviews are not yet underway, these visits can give you a sense of the place and help you decide whether you would like to attend.

9. Financial Aid Research: Get a sense of your budget, use colleges' net price calculitors, learn about financial aid options and scholarships available. Some colleges may also have special scholarships that require additional applications, so be sure to note these deadlines as well.

Remember, each stage of this process helps to provide more information for the next step. It's okay to not have all the answers right away. Good luck with your college preparation journey!