-Build, grow or shrink your college list so that by the end of the summer, you have a solid list of schools that you want to apply to. "How many schools should I apply to?" is a common question. You want a balanced list with a mix of public and private schools that cover the gamut of reach, target and safety schools. A good # is 4-8 schools. You can technically apply for as many schools as you want but remember, most applications have a fee to apply and will you really want to fill out 20 applications??? For ideas on how to search for schools, see below. Here is a great guide to use!
https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-collegeAlso, check out the College Search and Application Spreadsheet below for a great way to organize your list.
-Make sure your list contains at least one MD Public University!!! (It is important to have this even if it is not your number one choice as, we can see from the past 2 years, finances can change in the blink of an eye, and plans sometimes have to change with it). It also gives you a good benchmark when comparing out-of-state or private schools' financial aid packages.
-Create a list/resume of your activities and clubs. Focus on the years of high school. Clubs, activities, honor societies, leadership positions, community service, employment, internships, etc. Jot them down with dates of participation so that you have them. Colleges WILL be asking you about all of this in your application. See the link for a resume template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ELXTW1b9NaOrgQS02OLP7K9bOb3Lh9Luu5WDOB-mees/edit Your teachers and counselor will need your resume to write your letters of recommendation. https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/guide-college-activities-list-common-app-example-application
- GO VISIT!!!! There is nothing that compares to stepping foot on a college campus and seeing for yourself what it is like and if it "feels right" to you. See below for tips on visitation. Check out the College Search and Application Spreadsheet that you can use to keep track of all of your potential schools, below! https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/tips-for-planning-a-college-visit
-If an in-person visit is just not possible, go to the college's website and do their virtual tour. It's the next best thing.
-Fill out the PHHS Senior Brag Sheet. This sheet will be required if you will be applying to a 4 year college as it assists your teachers and counselor to write you a letter of recommendation. https://student.naviance.com/about-me/surveys/201209/
-Practice for the SAT. Log in to your College Board account and use the free service, Khan Academy. This service works with your PSAT scores to create individualized practice for you. You can even set a regular schedule of practice. Recent studies suggest that practicing on Khan Academy for 20 hours increased students' scores by 115 points. That is substantial.
-Another option? The Answer Class! SAT/ACT Prep Info
Virtual SAT and ACT prep classes will be held this summer for fees that will not break the bank! $149 for an 8 hour course, combo SAT and ACT $249
Visit https://theanswerclass.com/
-Create a Common App account. The Common Application is one application over 900 schools use so chances are, many of your schools will be Common App schools. Set up your account with your profile but do not start applying to colleges. August 1st will come and wipe out any active applications but will not erase your profile. If you do your profile now, that will be a HUGE benefit to you when you are back in school trying to complete applications while also balancing life as a Senior. http://www.collegeboard.org
-While you are in Common App, check out the essay prompts. These are the actual prompts that you will use for your Common Application. You will choose one and only one when doing your actual application but, even if you don't do a Common App, the prompts there are very similar to other essay prompts in other applications. Begin brainstorming some ideas for your essay. Remember, the essay is the way that you bring your application to life and has become extremely important to the application process since many activities for students have been limited in the last several years. Plan on doing MANY revisions of your essay and understand that this is not a process that should be done in one sitting. The latest published essay prompts are located in the Junior packets below. Check out "The College Essay Guy". He is awesome and has TONS of free resources available. See below...
-Speaking of finances, if you and your family have not already had a discussion about money for college, please do so as soon as possible! It is often too late for many students to try and figure out how to pay for college when they receive their financial aid packages in the spring of their senior year! Know how much you have and how much you may need to finance so that you can make realistic decisions.
-The College Board offers scholarships to Juniors! Last chance to stay in the running for $40,000! Sign-up for Opportunity Scholarships by JUNE 30 to qualify.
-Begin looking for and applying to scholarships. IT IS NOT TOO EARLY!!! College is expensive and most of us need all of the help we can get. See the financial resources sheet below for links to legit websites. Remember, you should NEVER pay for a scholarship search!!! That is a scam so don't even bother. The Golden Rule here - You should never pay money to get money.
