December of junior year is a self-reflective time. You are watching seniors begin to hear back from colleges. You are waiting to meet with your school counselor about your own college application process. You are wondering where you should apply. Where you will get admitted. Where you will go.
There are so many questions and unknowns. But what if you knew exactly what to do?
I have a timeline that I use with my students in Application Nation and I've been updating it ever since I was a school counselor. It starts in earnest right about now. Here are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success:
1. Start prepping for a standardized test over Winter Break.
There are a growing number of colleges reinstating the SAT and ACT for admission. Auburn University, University of Miami, University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, and others announced this year that they were returning to a test-required policy after several years of having a test-optional policy. Dozens of other colleges have already gone back to requiring tests. Even the colleges that remain test-optional, like Boston College, clearly value test scores. Taking a test prep course, working with a tutor, or self-studying leads to stronger scores. And we know colleges want the highest scores possible. Using Winter Break to get a jump start (or a reboot) on test prep is one of the most effective ways to use your time off.
2. Start thinking about summer plans.
One of the best times to do something impactful is the summer between junior and senior year. If you need some evidence for your major choice, volunteer hours, or a paid job, summer is the time to do it. It's still early, but that's a good thing. You want to be a few steps ahead of everyone else. Reach out to mentors or family friends over the holidays for guidance. Find out which companies hire interns. Identify professors you could do research for. Stop in and grab a job application at the small businesses in your town. The early bird gets the worm when it comes to summer experiences.
3. Manifest goals for your current activities.
If you want to lead a school club or reach a level in your sport, art, or current job, do whatever you need to do to set yourself up for the best results. Create a vision board, write down your goals, arrive early, stay late, and lead by example. You can't turn it on right before the big election or competition and hope it's enough. What you do now can lay the groundwork for achieving the results you want for senior year.
4. Make connections with your teachers—now.
The most awkward conversation is when a student approaches a teacher for a letter of recommendation out of the blue at the end of junior year. You have to build up to that moment. It takes multiple conversations, impromptu chats, and curious discussions initiated by the student over the course of the school year for that teacher to really get to know that student. When they do, teachers tend to write significantly stronger and more personalized letters of recommendation.
5. Get on the radar of the colleges you are interested in.
Many colleges track demonstrated interest when making admissions decisions. They want to see that the student has made a concerted effort to show interest in the college. And even for those colleges that don't track demonstrated interest, being on their radar is a good thing. So, sign up for emails from the college. This will allow you to learn about upcoming visit opportunities or presentations in your community. Follow the colleges on social media, not necessarily for demonstrated interest as admissions offices don't typically track this, but for getting a sense of what's going on and what's new on that campus. Consider scheduling some college visits. When you visit, make sure to sign in or scan a QR code to let the admissions office know you visited.
READ MORE: Here’s What I’m Telling My Son After Our First College Visit
December is a time to celebrate the holidays and take time off. But it can also be an ideal time to invest in yourself and your future. For high school juniors, don't wait to take some important steps. If you want more guidance, reach out. My Application Nation - Class of 2027 group launches in January.
