Junior Year is Important

Junior year is a time of blossoming. In your first two years of high school you learn the lay of the land, make new friends, try out new activities, hit your stride academically. By third year you have mastered the environment and are ready to participate more fully. Choose and concentrate on what you like and what is important to you - in school and out, in music or sports, intellectual pursuits or employment, in service activities or solo hobbies. As you develop who you are, you naturally develop as a college candidate.
Admissions officers pay a lot of attention to junior year.

Here are some key words to help spark some of your own ideas for this year
• Explore. Try something new. Take risks. Be adventuresome.
• Lead. Help shape, run, organize something you enjoy.
• Build. Develop depth. Demonstrate discipline and continuity over time.
• Achieve. If you can – excel. Win a prize, gain recognition.
• Initiate. Start a club or small business. Develop a computer program to solve a problem. Write and publish an article. Teach yourself a language.
• Create. Develop your originality and uniqueness.
• Contribute. Follow through. Participate. Help out. Not only leaders are valued.
• Read.
• Think. How you learn from and reflect on your experience, not only what you do, makes you who you are.

Apply these action verbs to any activity – martial arts or arts, academics, carpentry, scuba diving, church altar service, playing flute or baseball, writing, scouting, fixing cars.



Let me help you during junior year to:
• Recognize your strengths
o Learn simple ways to add to your resume while doing what you enjoy
o Apply the key words to yourself
• Start learning about college choices
o Perhaps widen the options you consider
o Know how to do research on your own
• Understand Standardized Testing and Design your Schedule
o SAT, ACT, SAT II, IB, AP
• Plan which campuses and when to visit
• Gain confidence

Picking Colleges

Colleges and universities in the US do not follow a single pattern. You have real choices when picking a college. When you take the time to explore alternatives, you
• Discover exciting options that you never dreamed exist
• Understand better what suits you
• Apply only to schools you know you like
• Become a stronger candidate

Many students and parents are unaware of the richness and range of possibilities. You may think the only major differences among colleges are size, location and how hard they are to get into. Your assumptions can needlessly limit which schools you consider.

For example, do you believe
• Curriculums are basically similar. The first two years you fulfill requirements in subjects such as science, humanities, social science, and then you pick a major.
• It will cost more to go to a private school than a state school.
• State schools are very large.
• With SAT scores below 1500 there is no point applying to an Ivy League school?

Consider this!

• Many colleges have absolutely no required courses or subjects other than your major. You choose whatever you wish from the catalog, as much or as little math or history as you like, or none at all. (Check out Amherst, Vassar, Brown.)
o Some schools go even further to allow each student to design his own education. Students “contract” individual programs of study with faculty mentors. Rather than emphasize preset courses and content, you focus on independent reading, research projects, tutorials, internships or field work. (Check out Hampshire College, New College of South Florida.)

• Many private universities generously assist students from families of low and moderate income. Some provide merit scholarships regardless of financial need. Your tab could be lower than at a public institution.
o A notable example: parents with incomes below $40,000 are no longer expected to contribute to the cost of their child’s education at Harvard.

• Some state schools have fewer than 5,000 undergraduates. Among them are Fort Lewis in Colorado, University of North Carolina, Asheville, Purchase College, State University of New York, Evergreen College in Washington State.

• Admissions officers at selective, private institutions often have more discretion than their state counterparts. Rather than fill entering classes with valedictorians and students with 1600 SAT scores, they look for applicants who distinguish themselves with their accomplishments, commitments and interests, and personal characteristics.
o Your essay, resume, and interview, and recommendations can be decisive.
o Do not necessarily write off a school because 95% of students have SAT scores higher than yours!

Interview: High School “To Do” lists

More from student interviews on High School "To Do" Lists:

Sam:

In high school I wish I had known how to set a schedule for myself. In high school it was you got up in the morning, I got up 5 minutes before I had to leave for school, went to school, every single class was run on a bell schedule, and then I came home, did my homework, hang out with my friends, and that was my day. In college it is … I drive to school so I commute in, so it was the having to learn how much time to schedule for myself to get to school so I don’t show up late at school. It’s the freedom of saying well, yes my schedule today is I must be at class at 11 o’clock, however I’m really, really tired so I think I’m gonna sleep in. It’s the homework is no longer scheduled in after school because your classes can run back to back all day, or you can have 3 hours here, 3 hours there. So it’s the making a time for yourself to sit down and get what you need to get done, done.

James:

You definitely want to be able to take notes while a professor is talking, your teacher is talking, so you need to practice taking notes in class and finding out the best way that you learn before going to college because once you get into that environment, you can be put in a lecture room and you have to … it’s better to figure out the best way for you to get information before going to college instead of getting there and having to learn from there.

Maria:

I wish my disability support service worker - love her to death, she was a great woman - would have told me more about how to speak to professors or teachers or maybe taking me along when she went to tell my teachers what I had, just so I would have felt more comfortable explaining what my disability was and how it’s supposed to be dealt with because I really only had the explanation from my mom and then reading the wording in the disability support services letter that I got to help me to formulate how I was gonna tell a professor, well these are my accommodations and this is what I need. So I would have liked in high school for someone, I guess who is in that area at the high school, to have explained to me well, this is how you can go up to your teacher or professor in the future.

Jenna:

Once I hit my junior year, I wanted to become a more well rounded student so I started participating in a lot of different organizations, I started volunteering because a lot of colleges love seeing someone who is out there volunteering, someone who’s out there in an organization or working. It’s not always all about having the highest grades, but more colleges focus on a well rounded student, someone who takes charge in life, participates, and can improve their school by participating in a lot of activities; and at the end of my junior year once I started getting the applications together, I started focusing more on my school work. I knew that college was gonna be a little bit more intense, especially in the classes so I asked teachers for help, asked them what could I do to improve in this area before I get to college.

Amy:

By taking classes in high school that challenged me, I was able to deal a lot easier with the workload; just because I knew what I was getting myself into and I already knew what I needed to do in order to succeed. One of the other things I did was start learning how to get a rapport with your teachers in high school, because high school teachers tend to be a lot more approachable than college professors do, and if you’re already in the habit of talking to your teacher, of asking them questions, going in after class, going in before class, it’s a lot easier to pick those habits up when you’re in college.

High School "To Do" List - Junior

Junior-year tasks

* Continue your involvement in school- or community-based extracurricular activities.
* Continue exploring assistive technology.
* Focus on matching your interests and abilities to the appropriate college choice.
* Research the resources in your state to find a college preview event for students with disabilities. If your community has this type of event, plan on attending.
* Look for college campuses that have majors in which you might be interested and the kind of campus community in which you would like to live.
* Identify the appropriate academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services that you will need in the postsecondary setting.
* Keep a current list of the academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services you use in high school in your “Going To College” portfolio.
* Consider taking a course to prepare for the SAT or the ACT test.
* Research how to get accommodations on the SAT or ACT.
* Take the SAT or ACT in the spring. Consider taking them more than once.
* Establish a possible career goal (you can always change your mind).
* Think about a possible college major consistent with your career goal and your strengths and interests.
* Learn time management, organizational skills, study skills, assertiveness communication, stress management and test-taking strategies which will help you get good grades.
* Learn how to set short-term and long-term goals.
* Learn how to advocate for yourself — not everyone will understand your disability or be sensitive to your needs.
* Gather information about college programs that offer the disability services you need (you may want to add these to your “Going To College” portfolio).
* Speak with college representatives who visit your high school and at college fairs.
* Visit campuses and especially service providers to verify the available services and how to access them. Or if you can’t visit the campus, take a virtual tour on the college’s Web site. Make sure to check the disability support services section of the college’s site to understand what you need to do to receive academic services and supports.
* Consider people to ask for recommendations — teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, etc.
* Investigate the availability of financial aid from federal, state, local and private sources.
* Investigate the availability of scholarships provided by organizations, such as corporations, labor unions, professional associations, religious organizations and credit unions.
* Continue saving for college.
* Contact the vocational rehabilitation counselor who serves your school to determine your eligibility for vocational rehabilitation's services.
* Invite the VR counselor to attend your planning meeting.
* Make sure that the documentation of your disability is current. Colleges usually want current testing based on adult norms, usually less than three years old when you begin college.

Interview: Taking Standardized Tests

More from interviews with students on taking standardized tests:

Lisa:

I’ll take the SAT and the ACT. I did better on the ACT than I did on the SAT. I don’t really know why but I did better accommodation wise on those tests. I didn’t even know you could get accommodations on those kind of exams, nobody told me, and I guess I just never really took the time and figured it out on my own. But that’s definitely important if you’re planning on going to college and you’re gonna take those exams. Make sure if you are qualified for the accommodations that you get those and that it helps you on your exams … because those exams are pretty important for when you apply.

Andrea:

I’ve not always performed as well on standardized tests so it was really, really critical for me to have accommodations and even with those accommodations I found them to be very anxiety provoking experiences, so I had to take them more than once to just kind of tweak out … how to best take those exams. They were not easy for me. But I did have accommodations, I had … I had extra time and I was able to take breaks when I needed to, and I had a scribe, so I had quite a few and they were tremendously helpful - the only way I could have gotten through.

Maria:

On the SAT test, I definitely used my accommodations. I got time and a half testing for the SAT, and with that I think I got an extra break during the SAT because it’s so long anyway. I started at the same time as the other students, but I was in a room with other people with a learning disability or other forms of disabilities, and we just got an extra break I think, so our testing went a little longer.

Andrea:

It’s similar to when you need accommodations for college, you have to have letters from your doctors stating that it’s required, so you need like a formal documentation. And then you sent it to, if you contact the SAT office or the GRE office, they have a special section for people with disabilities, so basically you just ask to speak to them and then they’ll tell you what the process is.

Taking Admissions Tests

Tests are part of the process

Many four-year colleges and universities require standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. These scores are designed to supplement the information provided by your grade point average, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, reference letters and personal essay. It is important to check the admissions requirements of universities, colleges and community colleges to determine what, if any, admissions tests are required. Keep in mind, many community colleges do not require the SAT or ACT for admission.

The most common admissions tests include the SAT Reasoning Test and the ACT test. Both tests are timed and average about four hours, including breaks. A fee is required to register for each test.

Sitting through the SAT

The SAT is designed to measure critical thinking, mathematical reasoning and writing skills that students need to complete college-level work. It consists of three major sections: critical reading, mathematics and writing. Each section has a potential of 800 points. The test consists of multiple-choice questions, a written essay and math questions.

The art of taking the ACT

The ACT test is a general education college entrance exam that is based on what is taught in high school. It covers four areas: English, math, science and reading. The test is given in a multiple-choice format, with a score of 1-36 possible for each area, and an overall composite score is given. The optional 30-minute writing test requires students to plan and write a short essay.

Which test is best for you?

It is important to talk with your teachers, guidance counselors and other students about which test may be best for you to take. Some students may feel more comfortable taking a test based on what they were taught in high school (ACT) vs. skills they will need in college (SAT). You can also try out some practice test questions as each standardized test comes with practice test questions on their Web sites. Guidance counselors can assist you in registering for the test. It is also recommended that you take the SAT or ACT in your junior year, so you have the option to retake the test if a higher score is desired.

Start preparing

In the fall of your junior year, you may take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) which helps you to prepare for the SAT. By taking this practice test, you also have a chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship programs. The PLAN is a practice test to prepare students for the ACT, which can be taken by 10th-graders. For more information visit the ACT Web site.

These practice tests will give you feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on the skills necessary for college study. This information will help you target specific areas on which to focus, study or practice. You can also see how your scores compare with others applying for college and the type of questions and specific directions to expect on the tests.

If you typically do not do well on standardized test, consider taking a preparation class or workshop in your area to improve your test-taking skills. Check out the ACT and SAT Web sites for additional preparation materials as well.

Apply to College

Before you get started, think about how you would answer the following questions.

1. What is the best way for you to manage multiple deadlines?
2. What resources are available in your high school to help you write an impressive personal essay for your college application?
3. What are some advantages and disadvantages of disclosing your disability in your college essay?

Application overview

The college application process can occur over the course of a year. Each college has its own application requirements, form, fees, due dates and acceptance procedures. It is important to keep track of this information in a manageable way.

Getting in

Initially, similar to a job application, it is important to look good on paper. Most college application packets will require the actual completed application, your high school transcripts, your college admissions test scores, a personal essay, a few references and your payment submitted by a particular due date.

Most colleges will have an application form to complete online. You will be asked to attach your essay and other information to the application. Your guidance department will submit your transcripts, so it is critical that you allow enough time for the guidance department to submit your transcripts before the due date of your application. Make sure to have a family member or friend review your application to make sure all sections are completed. It is easy to miss or skip a section. Applications must be fully completed to be accepted.

Itroduction to College Planning

Recently I received this question from a parent with a child in High School: Where do I even start preparing for college with my child? I've never been to college and everything is so complex...
I will cover the following topics in the coming weeks:

* Choosing a college – Find a good match for you. By considering key features, you can increase your likelihood for success in college.

* Deciding on a major – Learn what steps you can take to choose a major. To do this you need to find a major that will use your strengths, minimize the areas in which you have difficulty and capitalize on the areas about which you are passionate.

* Applying for college – Figure out what you need to do when applying for college. Each college has its own application requirements, form, fees, due dates and acceptance procedures. You’ll learn the process for applying, tips for writing your essay, how to get your recommendation letters and how to keep it all organized.

* Getting financial aid – Investigate your financial aid options so you are prepared to cover college expenses. You’ll learn how to get financial aid, what aid is available for students with disabilities, how to get scholarships and how to budget your money while in college.

* Taking admission tests – Learn about the SAT and ACT and learn how to prepare for these tests. It’s important to understand how eligible students with disabilities can get accommodations on these tests.

* High school “To Do” list – Learn the steps you need to take in high school to get into college. All of these “To Do” items can seem overwhelming, but by having a plan, you will be better able to get it all done.

Step #5: Acing the SAT

There is only one way to ace these tests – prepare, prepare, prepare! Enroll your teen into an SAT preparatory class. Buy books and host study groups – complete with pizza. Allow your teen to take the test more than once. While a lower grade on these test will not keep your teen from attending college completely, a higher grade will get him into the college of his choice and can help with scholarship funding.

Getting Into College Overview

Getting a college degree is one of the best goals a teen can have. It is, however, also one of the hardest goals to achieve. Here are the steps you can take that will help you achieve the goal of going to college:

• Getting Into College Step #1: Make the Decision
• Getting Into College Step #2: Taking the Right Courses for College
• Getting Into College Step #3: Making the Grade
• Getting Into College Step #4: Choose Which Colleges to Apply
• Getting Into College Step #5: Acing the SAT and SAT II
• Getting Into College Step #6: Filling Out a Successful Application
• Getting Into College Step #7: Paying for a College Degree

Come back each day for another step...

Strengthen Your Academic Skills

If you think your skills aren't quite up to speed for college, don't give up. Take time to prepare yourself. There are many ways to get a college degree. You just have to take the path that's right for you. Follow these tips:

• Use test score information to see where you need work. Score information from the ACT®, SAT, PLAN, PSAT can tell you what subjects you need help with and what you can do to raise your skills to the next level. Remember, a low score doesn't necessarily mean you're bad in a subject. It just means you haven't mastered the subject yet.
• Work with a tutor to learn what you don't know yet.
• Take a summer or night school class.
• Check out study aids—books, videotapes, audiotapes and computer programs—at your school library, a public library, or a local bookstore.
• Ask your counselor or a teacher about ways you can build your academic skills.

College Planning Tips for Underclassmen

As an underclassman in high school, you may not think that you have to start preparing for college until your senior year. However, getting a head start on the college planning process will ensure that you meet most of the requirements of college admission by the time your senior year rolls around. Follow these college planning tips to put you at the head of the game.

Freshmen
• Keep your grades up. While grades are not the only factor that colleges look at when admitting students, it is still a very important factor of college admissions. Be sure to study hard throughout your four years of high school.
• Register for appropriate classes. There are certain classes you have to take in order to be accepted into college, such as math, science, English, etc. Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss classes you should take in order to stay on the college-bound track throughout high school. Try to take as many challenging classes as possible, such as honors or advanced placements courses. Not only will this look good on your college applications, but you may even gain college credit for taking AP courses.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities. By being involved in extracurricular activities, colleges will see that you are a well-rounded student. During your freshman year, find a few activities that you have a genuine interest in and stick with those activities throughout high school. Try to be fully involved in a few activities rather than be slightly involved in a lot of activities.

Sophomores
• Plan your finances. The earlier you start planning for the financial obligations of college, the better prepared you will be when you actually have to start paying for it. Try to get a job during the summer, so you can save your earnings for college costs. Begin to research scholarships and student loans now too; remember to compare lender benefits when researching student loans.
• Research colleges and careers. Start researching colleges and career options as early as possible so you will have some ideas for a major. Click here to get started on your career exploration.
• Practice taking college entrance exams. If you practice taking college entrance exams, such as the PSAT, ACT, etc., during your sophomore year, then you will know what to expect and be better prepared for the real tests when you have to take them during your junior year.

Juniors
• Attend college fairs. By attending college fairs, you will have the opportunity to meet with a variety of college recruiters to discuss campus atmosphere, admissions process, etc. Take a copy of your resume to hand out to college recruiters at the fair.
• Take college entrance exams. In the fall of your junior year, take the PSAT to establish eligibility for scholarships. In the spring of your junior year, take the SAT/ACT. Check with your intended college(s) about which test they prefer. Consider taking Advanced Placement Exams or the CLEP tests, if applicable. This may save you time and money by testing out of college courses you won't need.
• Visit college campuses. Once you have narrowed down your choices for post-secondary schools, you should begin scheduling campus visits for the final schools on your list.
• Research/apply for scholarships. Throughout your junior year, focus on researching scholarships. You should begin applying for scholarships the summer after your junior year, especially if deadlines are in the fall.

By taking steps to plan for college during your freshman, sophomore, and junior years of high school, you should be well prepared to apply to the college/university of your choice by your senior year.

Tips for First Generation College Students

Being the first person in your immediate family to attend a postsecondary institution may seem daunting. Without help from family members, you may not even know where to begin the college planning process, much less know what to expect once you get to college. The following info should give you a better understanding of the postsecondary route and help ease your anxiety of being a first generation college student.

College Planning

Planning for college is often more difficult for first generation college students because they probably don't have assistance from a knowledgeable family member. If you need help with the college planning process, here are some tips:

Get acquainted with your high school counselor. As someone who wants to be a first generation college student, you will need a lot of help from your school counselor. Throughout your four years of high school, your counselor will be there to answer any questions about the different aspects of college planning, so be sure to utilize him or her as a valuable source.

Look for outreach programs that can provide mentoring services to help you prepare for college. Your high school may even offer this service as an after-school program.

Get your parents involved in the college planning process. Since planning for college will be a new experience for them as well, you should try to keep them informed about what needs to be done. Encourage them to meet with your high school counselor too. Often, a parent's biggest concern is how to pay for college, so try to get your parents to attend a financial aid workshop in your area. Keep in mind that if you are a dependent student, your parents will have to sign the FAFSA (Free application for Federal Student Aid) in order for it to be processed. The FAFSA is the form you and your parents must fill out in order for you to be eligible for state and federal financial aid. It is very important to fill this form out as soon as possible after January 1st of your senior year of high school. And remember: you must reapply for financial aid as soon as possible after January 1st each year that you are in college by filling out a renewal FAFSA.

Stay on track. Make sure to do each of the following so you stay on the postsecondary path:
• Register for appropriate classes. Meet with your school counselor during your freshman year of high school (preferably earlier) to discuss what classes you should be taking for all four years.
• Keep your grades up.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities.
• Research colleges and careers.
• Take the PSAT.
• Take the SAT and/or the ACT.
• Attend college fairs.
• Visit college campuses.
• Attend a financial aid workshop.
• Research/apply for scholarships.
• Submit your college admissions applications. Watch out for deadlines.
• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1st of the year for which you are requesting aid.
• Review your financial aid award letter and accept the awards you would like to receive.

Helpful Website for Your College Planning 2 of 5

Planning for college can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Here are some helpful websites that should make planning for college a little easier.

ActStudent.org

If you have taken or plan to take the ACT, be sure to sign up for an account at actstudent.org. This account gives you free access to viewing your ACT scores online and establishes an email address to receive direct communication and reminders from ACT. Some of the other features on the site include:

• ACT test prep. This section of the site gives you tips on preparing for the ACT. From tips about calculators to test day procedures, you will find all you need to know to be fully prepared to take the ACT.
• College and career planning podcasts. Get advice from recent students about college and career planning by downloading featured podcasts. These podcasts include topics such as "What I’ve Learned Since High School" and "ACT Test Day."
• World-of-Work Map. The World-of-Work Map graphically shows how occupations relate to each other based on work functions. When you receive scores from one of ACT's assessments, you receive a personalized report that suggests career areas for you to explore.

For more information about planning for college, please contact your high school counselor or an expert, like me.

Pros and Cons of Community Colleges

If the idea of going to a four-year college or university seems a bit daunting, you may want to consider a community college. Take into account the following pros and cons of community colleges to help you make a decision.

Pros

Small class sizes – Because classes at community colleges are smaller, you would have the opportunity to interact more with your classmates than you would at a larger, four-year college or university. Small classes allow for small-group discussions where active participation and hands-on learning is encouraged. This may be beneficial to you if that kind of interaction helps you learn more information than if you were just listening to a lecture.

Interaction with professors – Since professors at community colleges have fewer students than those at larger colleges, they have more time to get to know each student individually. They will be more involved in helping you make the most of your college experience. Furthermore, small school courses are usually taught by the actual professor. This is in contrast to larger universities where classes are sometimes taught by teaching assistants.

Gives you time to try again – If you are unable to meet initial entrance standards required by the four-year school of your choice, a community college can give you a second chance. If your ultimate goal is to go to a four-year school, you can transfer after you have improved as a student. Going to a community college will give you the opportunity to improve your grade point average, score higher on standardized test scores, and have a broader knowledge of specific academic subjects. Once you have enhanced your academic record, you will have a better chance of being accepted at the four-year school of your choice.

Spend less money – Community colleges are cheaper than four-year colleges and universities. If you want to get a four-year degree, but you're not exactly sure what you want to major in, it may be beneficial for you to go to a community college for the first two years. That way you can take all of your core classes (just make sure they will transfer) and not spend as much money as you would if you went to a four-year school for all four years.

Cons

Smaller variety of courses/majors – Since community colleges are two-year schools, they don't offer the range of courses and majors that a four-year school offers. If you want to go to a school with a variety of classes and majors to choose from, a community college may not be your best option.

Miss experience of living on-campus – This may be a pro to some. Most community colleges do not offer the option of living on-campus. By not living on campus, you miss out on many college experiences such as sharing a dorm room and many living-on-campus conveniences such as rolling out of bed ten minutes before your class starts.

Not as socially involved – Because many community colleges do not offer as much when it comes to campus life, you may find it harder to be socially involved with fellow students. Community colleges offer less in terms of big sporting events and other social opportunities. If you want a college with an abundance of social activities, a community college may not be for you.

Difficulty transferring credits – If you decide to transfer from a community college to a four-year school, keep in mind that some credits may not be transferable. Sometimes when you transfer from a two-year school to a four-year school, you may be required to retake courses that you have already completed at the community college. This may delay your graduation date. Before you decide to attend a community college, you should find out what courses are transferable between your community college and the four-year school that you want to attend.

Before you make a decision about whether or not to attend a community college, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Just remember that in order for you to be content during your time in college, you need to pick the kind of school where you are most comfortable and the kind of school that is most conducive to your needs. Good luck!

When Should I Apply to College?

Too many times, students wait too late to apply to their college or university of choice. So when should you apply? Here are some tips.

* Talk to the school as early as possible to get all the information you can.
* Many schools only consider your grades cumulative through your junior year for admission. They look at your final grades to decide whether or not you can still attend.
* Apply early. The application itself is usually the most extensive process for both you and the school.
* Take your ACT and/or SAT in your junior year of high school. Due to deadlines, the October administrations (during your senior year) of the exams may be your last chance at certain institutions.
* Do not miss the final deadline. College application deadlines are non-negotiable.
* Make sure you have submitted ALL applications and required documents to your college or university.
* Keep copies of everything you submit - including the dates that transcripts were mailed by your high school.
* GET THE INFORMATION FIRST-HAND! So many things are different from one school to the next and even from one year to the next. In other words - DO NOT ASSUME.
* The application process is different at different types of schools. Not all schools require essays, lists of activities, or interviews for example.
* Above all else, do not be afraid to ask questions. This is your first time going through this process.

Try to take steps one at a time and get an early start on gathering applications and information on your colleges. Beginning all of this in October of your senior year is WAY too late.

Get to Know Your High School Counselor

While your school counselor is there for you if you ever have a problem, he is also there to assist you with college planning. Be sure to make the most of your counselor's help.

Why Should You Get to Know Your Counselor?

Your school counselor plays a big role in helping you with the college planning process. Your counselor can:
• Help you determine your abilities and interests in future educational and occupational choices.
• Make sure you select the right courses and are on the appropriate track for the kind of post-secondary education and occupation(s) you would like to pursue.
• Help you in selecting and registering for appropriate college admissions tests, and then explain the results of these tests.
• Encourage you to participate in college fairs and financial aid workshops.
• Give you information on different schools (entrance requirements, curricular offerings, costs, etc.) and occupations.
• Encourage you to visit college campuses.
• Teach you about early action and early decision admission programs.
• Help you create a timeline, so you won't miss any deadlines associated with the admissions process.
• Write letters of recommendation for you.
• Help you develop interviewing skills and encourage you to participate in college admission interviews.
• Give you information about financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans.
• Assist or help you find assistance in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Help you prepare for your transition to college.

How Can You Get to Know Your Counselor?

Because your school counselor can play such a critical role in the college planning process, it is important that the two of you get to know each other. Be sure to:

• Visit your school counselor early. You should develop a relationship with your counselor during your freshman year of high school. This will give your counselor sufficient time to get to know you and your family, and therefore let you know about any college information or pre-college enrichment programs that come up along the way.

• Visit your counselor often. Be sure to visit your counselor at least twice a year during your freshman and sophomore years. Beginning your junior year, you will want to start visiting your counselor a little more often, as college preparation becomes more critical. Visit your counselor at least once a month during your senior year to keep him updated and to ask any questions that may come up.

• Open up to your counselor. In order for your counselor to be able to assist you to the best of his ability and provide a quality recommendation for you, he needs to know who you are. Provide him with a list of your extracurricular activities, jobs, volunteer experiences, etc. Let him know what kind of occupation you are thinking of pursuing. Give him a list of schools that interest you.

Your school counselor is there to assist you in planning for college. However, keep in mind that you shouldn't let your counselor (or your parents, for that matter) do all the work. As the student, you need to be actively involved in planning for your future. Don't forget to send a thank-you note to your counselor at the end of your senior year.

If your counselor is unavailable, and most are not, or if you feel that there is more to be done or more you feel like knowing to prepare yourself for college feel free to read blogs such as this or contact a consultant like me to assist you.

Why So Interested in Summer?

You may have noticed that I’ve been going on about summer school for the past few days…

The historical and traditional perspective of a summer school program is one that sparks emotions of fear, despair, and boredom. Normally we think of summer school as something a student would be required to do because he or she needs a class in order to move to the next grade. This is not always the case…

Many advanced students will enroll in a summer program to get a class out of the way so they can do more the next tear or take a class that would conflict with whatever course they took in the summer. Some students will take basics or prerequisite courses during the summer in order to enroll in AP classes during the year.

There are also many summer “schools” that are not necessarily school at all. Many universities have summer programs for students to come and visit (in hopes that they will eventually enroll at the university) and see what college is like. Other community programs such as museums, parks, and community centers offer classes in extracurricular subjects like dance, art, space exploration, mountaineering, etc.

These programs often compete with the typical summer camps that most youth have experiences in before high school. There are camps for music, sports, scouts, and a variety of other interests. Not all are for middle school age children only. Many summer camp programs include high schoolers as participants as well as counselors or student leaders or managers.

But what is the point of the summer program anyway? I mean, students spend more time in school now than they have in years, especially those that want to go to college…
But is it all necessary? I’m afraid the best answer I can give is maybe. Some students will need summer classes to get through school (whether for bad grades or to move into advanced classes). Some students will want those camps or summer programs because that is the only time they have to devote to extracurriculars. But some won’t.

Admissions Counselors will have your grades, SAT/ACT scores, course lists, extracurriculars, essays and maybe even letters of recommendation. Students are in school in most areas for 9 or 10 months out of the year. Based on transcripts and score they will know if you can handle school and how well you are expected to do in classes at a college. Those who are college bound need only be worried about one thing: Balance. They want to admit students who have achieved a successful balance between school, family, fun, work, and life in general. They want students who will add to their community.

What does that mean for you? Take a look at all you do. Don’t spread yourself too thin, but be involved and active in something. It looks better to an admissions counselor that you have good grades and are involved in one or two things consistently and seriously that it does to see someone with good grades that is all over the place when it comes to extracurricular activities. Joining 10 clubs and participating in 3 sports doesn’t work for most people. Don’t be fooled that numbers matter when it comes to showing involvement. You have an essay and maybe letters of recommendation to help you show how balanced and well rounded you are, to show how you can contribute to the campus community of the college of your choice.

Remember, it doesn’t matter if the only thing you do is volunteer or participate in a church youth group. But you should be able to show how that activity has made you into a better, more capable/responsible/reasonable/etc [insert your adjective of choice here] person.

Summer School - It’s Not What You Think:

Summer school may make you think of remedial classes for students who slacked off during the school year. But that’s not the whole story. Yes, lots of high schools do have mandatory summer school for students who have underperformed. But summer school can also mean attending classes at a college, in programs students actually compete to get into.

A Variety of Programs and Benefits

These days, there are summer schools for just about every type of student, whether you’d like to work on academic subjects or developing skills such as playing an instrument or sport.

Pursue Your Interests

Use a summer program to develop a talent or interest in the arts, humanities, or sciences. For example, the California State Summer School for the Arts, held on the campus of the California Institute for the Arts (CalArts) in Valencia, has programs in film and video, creative writing, visual arts, animation, dance, music, and theater.

Meanwhile, the Michigan Tech Summer Youth Program allows you to participate in week-long “Explorations” in engineering, math, science and technology, ecology, outdoor adventure, and a variety of social sciences and humanities areas.

To stay closer to home, check out your local performing arts centers, science museums, and parks; many have summer programs where you can get hands-on experience, ranging from set design to environmental education.

Gain Experience Outside of the Classroom

Summer school programs often involve a lot more hands-on learning than you’ll find in your regular classes. Many residential summer school programs include sports, travel, and social activities in their curricula. Personal development and leadership skills are also major themes.

Improve Your High School Transcript

A challenging summer school program can increase your chances of getting into a competitive college. Attending a challenging summer school program can increase your chances of getting into a competitive college. In fact, some summer school programs are as competitive as colleges, requiring an extensive application complete with SAT or PSAT scores, teacher recommendations, and a personal essay.

While attendance at a high-powered summer school does not guarantee that you will get into an Ivy League school, it does add a certain luster to your college applications. Nonetheless, a cutting-edge internship or a job that requires responsibility and leadership can look just as good on your college applications.

Try Your Hand at Real College Work

If you’re craving more in-depth study of a subject you’re interested in, and high school classes leave you wanting more, college-level classes may be the answer. Or, if you simply want to explore a particular school, or experience college classes, it's a great preview.

Most colleges welcome anyone who wants to learn into their normal college-level classes. Of course, they give priority to students who are enrolled full time, but more often than not room is available. Call the colleges on your wish list. Ask if they have a summer semester and get them to send you a catalog.

If you are motivated and able, it’s also possible to enroll in college classes during your normal school year. But make sure the extra workload won’t interfere with your high school work.

The Cost

Private summer schools can be expensive, but the good news is that Governors’ Schools and similar programs supported by state and federal education funding tend to be less so – some are even free of charge, and most offer financial aid based on need.

If you come from a low-income family or you’ll be the first member of your family to attend college, you may be eligible for an Upward Bound TRIO program, in which you could spend part of your summer at a nearby university or college, essentially getting a preview of campus life while building skills and meeting other students from across your region.

Private summer schools, like the program offered at Harvard, also offer a limited amount of financial aid, so don't cross them off your list just because they carry a hefty price tag.

Great Schools for Not-so-Great SAT Scores

Let's face it -- some strong students just don't do well on standardized tests. More and more schools are recognizing this fact, and the list of test-optional colleges continues to grow. Other excellent colleges require standardized test scores, but their average scores are well below what we see for the Ivy League and elite liberal arts colleges.

Of the more than 10 colleges and universities in the list below, many are highly selective schools with test-optional admissions policies. Others are colleges that offer top-notch academics, but are likely to admit students with mid-range SAT scores.

Arcadia University

Located just 25 minutes from Center City, Philadelphia, Arcadia University features small classes and one of the best study abroad programs in the country. Visitors can't miss the stunning historic landmark, Gray Towers Castle.
• Location: Glenside, Pennsylvania
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 500 / 610
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 490 / 590
• Test-Optional? No

George Mason University

The 2009 U.S. News & World Report ranked George Mason #1 among "up and coming" colleges, and it's easy to see why with the school's rapid expansion since its founding in 1972. The university's pre-professional programs such as business, engineering, education and nursing are all popular among undergraduates.
• Location: Fairfax, Virginia
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 500 / 600
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 520 / 610
• Test-Optional? Yes

Hampshire College

Hampshire College has never been fond of conformity, so it's no surprise the school has test-optional admissions. If you like to think outside the box, if you enjoy debate, if you'd like to design your own major, if you'd like to be evaluated qualitatively, not quantitatively -- then Hampshire might be a good choice.
• Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 610 / 700
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 540 / 660
• Test-Optional? Yes

Mount Holyoke College

Founded in 1837, Mount Holyoke College is the oldest of the "seven sister" colleges, and it consistently ranks as one of the top women's colleges in the country. Mount Holyoke features a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and a beautiful campus where students can enjoy the college's botanic gardens, two lakes, waterfalls, and horseback-riding trails.
• Location: South Hadley, Massachusetts
• Test-Optional? Yes

Sarah Lawrence College

Located in Bronxville, New York, Sarah Lawrence has an amazing 6 to 1 student / faculty ratio and students will find that teaching truly is valued more than faculty research. The application process does not consider standardized test scores at all; in fact, Sarah Lawrence was a leader in the test-optional movement. The college's quaint campus has the feel of a European village.

Sewanee, The University of the South

Sewanee can boast of a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, small classes, and an 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio. The university has a particularly strong English program that is home to The Sewanee Review and Sewanee Writers Conference.
• Location: Sewanee, Tennessee
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 570 / 680
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 580 / 670
• Test-Optional? Yes are likely to admit students with mid-range SAT scores.

Texas A&M at College Station

If you have a strong GPA or high class rank, you don't need to report SAT or ACT scores when applying to Texas A&M. The university has many strengths in engineering and agriculture, but the liberal arts and sciences are also extremely popular among undergraduates. In athletics, the Texas A&M Aggies compete in the Division I Big 12 Conference.
• Location: College Station, Texas
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 520 / 630
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 670
• Test-Optional? Yes

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Manoa's strengths are many, including highly ranked programs in astronomy, oceanography, cancer research, and Pacific Island and Asian studies. The university has a diverse student body representing all 50 states and 103 countries. UH at Manoa is the only college in Hawaii to have a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
• Location: Manoa, Hawaii
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 480 / 580
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 510 / 610
• Test-Optional? No

University of Iowa at Iowa City

Iowa has strong programs in nursing, creative writing and art, to name just a few. Some of the University of Iowa's graduate programs are consistently ranked among the top in the country. The Iowa Hawkeyes compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, and historically the football, basketball and wrestling teams have enjoyed great success.
• Location: Iowa City, Iowa
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 520 / 650
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 550 / 670
• Test-Optional? Yes

University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin does not require SAT or ACT scores from students who have a high enough GPA or class rank. The university is one of the top public universities in the country. It has numerous selling points including a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a top business school, and membership in the Division I Big 12 Athletic Conference.
• Location: Austin, Texas
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 530 / 660
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 690
• Test-Optional? Yes

University of Montevallo

Most students submit ACT scores, not SAT, but applicants with average scores won't find the admissions standards beyond their reach. As a public liberal arts college, Montevallo is a true value. The campus is charming, and students can expect strong student-faculty interaction.
• ACT Composite (middle 50%): 19 / 24
• ACT English (middle 50%): 19 / 25
• ACT Math (middle 50%): 17 / 23
• Test Optional? No

Ursinus College

Ursinus is a highly selective college, but they do not require SAT scores if an applicant has a strong enough GPA and high class rank. Ursinus is a top-rate liberal arts college with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio, generous financial aid, an excellent observatory and art museum, and a new performing arts building. In 2009, the college was ranked #2 for "up-and-coming" colleges by US News & World Report.
• Location: Collegeville, Pennsylvania
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 550 / 660
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 660
• Test-Optional? Yes

Wake Forest University

Wake Forest is one of the most selective colleges to move to test-optional admissions. The university combines the small classes and low student/faculty ratio of a private liberal arts college with the excitement of Division I athletics as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
• Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 610 / 700
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 630 / 710
• Test-Optional? Yes

Washington College

Founded in 1782 under the patronage of George Washington, Washington College has a long and rich history. The college was recently awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its many strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. The college's scenic location provides students with opportunities to explore the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the Chester River.
• Location: Chestertown, Maryland
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 520 / 630
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 520 / 610
• Test-Optional? Yes