Your high school years are an exciting time—part of that excitement is, “what comes next?” One of the biggest jobs is preparing for college. It might feel overwhelming at first, but don’t worry! With the right guidance and a little organization, you will be on the right path to college. This blog gives you a checklist that will keep you on track, reduce stress and anxiety, and give you the best chance of getting into your dream college.
1. Explore Your Passions and Goals
Start by thinking about what you love to do and what you want to study – dream about what you want to do in the future. Do you enjoy math, writing, science, business, law or playing an instrument? Knowing what you’re passionate about will help you choose the right colleges to fit your interests and dreams.
2. Learn About Different Colleges
Many schools will have programs to help you reach your goals. But do you want a large university or a small college? What kind of campus culture, and extracurriculars are you looking for? These questions will help you create a list of potential schools. Learn more about them, visit their websites, and attend virtual tours or info sessions. You can even reach out to current students, faculty, or alumni to gain insights into their experiences.
3. Understand Admission Requirements
Each college and program has its own application requirements, most include standardized tests, transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and possibly interviews. You should know what each college on your list requires – if you are working with a college admissions coach, they can help you with this. Find out which standardized tests (SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests) are required by the schools on your list and register for them in advance. Make sure you start working with a professional test prep tutor well in advance (most tutors recommend an average of 12 weeks prep time).
4. Build Relationships with Teachers and Counselors
Your high school teachers and school counselors can provide valuable insights, guidance, and letters of recommendation that stress your academic successes and personal strengths. Make sure to talk to them about your plans for college and ask for their help whenever you need it.
5. Get Involved in Activities
Colleges look beyond academics. Whether you play sports, join clubs, volunteer, or pursue hobbies, they like to see how you have contributed to your school and community. Document your involvement and accomplishments, whether it’s sports, clubs, volunteer work, part-time jobs, or interests outside of school. Remember, a short list of meaningful activities always beats a long list of less significant activities to college admissions officers.
6. Start Writing Your Personal Story
Most colleges require you to write essays, including a personal statement. This is your chance to share your story—what makes you unique, what you’ve learned, and what you hope to achieve in the future. Your college essay coach will help you brainstorm, outline, and hone each essay, but start early jotting down notes of what you think makes you interesting as an individual, events that have shaped you, and why you would be a good community member at a college or university.
7. Make a Plan and Stay Organized to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Managing all the deadlines and tasks for college applications can feel overwhelming. Working with your college planner, make a plan with a calendar or use an app to keep track of important dates, like test days and application deadlines. Breaking things down into smaller steps will make everything feel more manageable and reduce stress and anxiety.
8. Practice Talking About Yourself
Some colleges may want to chat with you in person or online. Practice talking about your interests, why you want to go to that college, and what you can bring to their community. Make sure you research each school and use the interview to show off your knowledge of and interest in each individual school. Your thorough knowledge of their institution will impress them. This is your chance to show them how great you are!
9. Review Everything Carefully
Once you’ve filled out your applications, go back through it all with your college application coach and double-check everything. Make sure all your information is correct and easy to understand.
10. Stay Positive
Applying to college is a big task, but remember to stay positive, even if things get tough. Your college application coach, test prep tutor, teachers, family, and friends are there to support you. Believe in yourself and keep working toward your dreams.
11. Decision Time!
When acceptance letters arrive, review them with your parents. Compare financial aid packages, program strengths, campus culture, and personal fit.
12. Final Campus Visits
If you are still undecided, consider visiting or revisiting your top choices. Participate in admitted student events to get a better feel for each school. Once you have chosen, notify the chosen college by the deadline. Also, inform other colleges that they won’t be attending to free up spots for other students. Remember to submit the enrollment deposit to secure your spot. This is typically required on May 1.
In Conlusion
As you start planning for college remember, this is an exciting time to explore new opportunities and prepare for your future. By using this checklist, you’ll be ready to tackle the college application process with confidence and calm. Enjoy this journey—it’s your chance to shine and show the world what you can achieve!
Best of luck on your path to college!
Dr. Nathan Hurwitz, The Tutor Duo, LLC
