As we are midway through August, it is time to start thinking about going back to school and what that means with important upcoming tasks. Understanding timelines by grade level is beneficial to keeping your college process on track. At Campus Bound, we help ensure you are doing what you need to do, when you need to do it, and to the best of your ability.
Seniors: This is the most important time for you and will likely be the busiest you have ever been in high school!
- Do well in your classes. Colleges will likely see your first term/trimester/quarter of senior year, depending on your deadlines, so make them count! Colleges also see your senior year classes, so now is not the time to “take it easy.”
- Solidify teacher recommendations. If you haven’t done so yet, ask two academic teachers from junior (or senior) year to write college recommendation letters.
- Meet with your school counselor and learn your high school’s process for sending out your transcript and recommendations to your colleges.
- Finalize your college list and start buckling down on essays and applications. Campus Bound counselors work closely with students to ensure students have a balanced college list– Make an appointment today!
- Solidify your college deadlines: early action, early decision, or regular decision.
- Understand testing policies for your list of colleges. You can still register for a last-minute ACT/SAT if you need testing.
Juniors:
- Do well in your classes. Grades and rigor matter.
- Get involved in extra-curricular activities and community service. These things are important parts of your college applications.
- Start thinking about what qualities you might want in a college, such as size, location, major, etc., and plan campus visits to different colleges.
- Start to put together a testing plan for the ACT or SAT.
Sophomores:
- Do well in your classes. Sophomore year counts too! Campus Bound counselors assist students with course selection each year, helping students select the right classes and challenging themselves where they can.
- Join a sport, club, or other activity through your high school.
- Take the PLAN test (Pre-ACT) if your high school offers it.
- Do well on MCAS for a chance at state-level scholarships (this is for students in Massachusetts).
Freshmen:
- Do well in your classes. Meet with teachers and start to build your academic profile.
- Get involved in school and your community. Join a club, try out for a sport, get a job, or volunteer in your town. One big area of focus Campus Bound counselors will help students with is developing a list of meaningful activities, focusing on how students spend their time outside the classroom.
Wherever you are in the college planning process, Campus Bound counselors meet students and families where they are. We understand there are many moving parts when applying to college and challenges and confusion that arise as you navigate each step. Contact us today to help give you the confidence to put your best foot forward while reducing the stress that we know the college process can bring.