What's up everyone? I'm a high school junior right now, and I'm starting to think about the college application process for the Class of 2025. Are there any changes coming up or anything new I should be aware of? Thanks!
Hello! It's always good to prepare early for the college application process. From what we know now, there aren't any major changes coming up for the 2024 college application cycle that haven't already been implemented in previous cycles. However, here are a few things to keep in mind as you start your college search and application journey:
1. Test-optional policies: Many colleges went test-optional due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and some have decided to keep those policies in place for the time being. Be sure to check the testing policies of each school you're interested in, as they may vary. If you do decide to submit test scores, make sure they're competitive for the schools you’re applying to.
2. Affirmative Action: As of June 2023, the US Supreme Court struck down race-conscious admissions. Colleges can no longer explicitly practice affirmative action, though they can still consider how an applicant's race may have impacted them as an individual, if discussed in their essays or provided context.
3. Holistic admissions: Be aware that colleges will continue to practice holistic admissions, which means they'll look at your entire application - not just grades and test scores. Your extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation will also play a significant role in how your application is evaluated, so make sure you're presenting yourself well in every aspect of the application.
4. Deadlines: Pay close attention to deadlines for both regular decision and early action/decision. Plan your college admissions timeline to ensure you submit all your applications on time.
5. Scholarships and financial aid: As the cost of college continues to rise, it's important to research scholarship opportunities and have an understanding of financial aid processes like submitting the FAFSA. Plan to complete any necessary aid applications well before their deadlines, and utilize schools' net price calculators to get a sense of your potential aid package at each institution.
6. College research: As you begin your college search, research the programs, resources, and campus culture of each school you're interested in. Make sure to also look at factors like location, size, and available housing options. This will help you create a more targeted and informed list of schools you'd like to apply to.
7. Application essays: Give yourself ample time to brainstorm, write, and revise your application essays. Start thinking about potential essay topics, and seek guidance from teachers, counselors, and any available writing resources at your school or online.
8. Campus visits and virtual resources: While in-person campus visits can be a helpful part of the college search process, you should also make use of virtual resources like college fairs and online information sessions. These can provide valuable insights into what each school has to offer.
9. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with any news on the admissions front by subscribing to relevant newsletters or blogs, and being active in online forums like this one.
In summary, while there aren't any anticipated major changes for the 2024-2025 college application cycle, you should still be proactive in your preparation and stay informed about any developments or updates within the world of college admissions. Good luck with your college search and application journey!
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