THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS FOR JUNIORS
As the junior year moves along, questions of the future and college come about. We hope that the following information is helpful. Please read the other articles on our webpage for more complete details about the process of getting into a college.
Steps:
1. Begin with narrowing interests and majors. Students will want to think about what they
would like to take in college. This is sometimes
a daunting task and it seems to overwhelm students. At this time it is only necessary to have a
general idea of what they would be willing to take at school. Students do not have to have a lifelong plan
of every career they will have. Now is the
time to follow interests and look at schools that have programs and majors in
those areas. Online resources such as
career/interest inventories are available as well as books in our office.
Timeline: Now through next fall
2. Identify colleges that meet the student’s
needs. Read the
packets that come in the mail. Compare
the different schools. Talk to friends,
relatives, past graduates, neighbors, etc. the more information you get, the
more information you will have to base your decisions on. Resources are available in the guidance
office, on-line and in local libraries to assist with this process. Timeline: Now through next fall
3. Visit the schools of the student’s interest. Often the best way to know whether a school
meets the student’s needs is to visit the campus. Interviews with the admissions staff are
highly recommended. Some colleges will
waive the application fee if the interview has been completed. Use time on family vacations or when visiting
relatives to go to a few colleges. Even
if the college is not top on the list, it will give both parents and students
increased awareness of what colleges can offer.
Timeline: Now through next fall
4. Look at admissions requirements.
Colleges require different courses, exams and forms in order to be considered
for admission. Check with individual
colleges to avoid confusion and disappointment in this process.
5. Take the entrance exams. Be sure that the student has taken the
appropriate college entrance exams (SAT
1, SAT 2, or ACT). Timeline: Spring of
Junior year and if retakes, Senior year
6. Obtain the college applications
from the guidance office, on-line or from the college directly. Note the deadline dates for submission. Timeline: At the latest – October of senior
year.
7. Request that a minimum of two teachers write
recommendations.
Students should ask their chosen teachers early. Sometimes teachers
are requested to write many recommendations.
Timeline: September – October senior year.
8. Complete and submit the application for
admissions. Be sure to
complete any optional request for information.
Students should spend quality time on the essay if required. Remember, the more competitive colleges
review essays as a means to learn more personal information about the
student. This can often help a student
obtain acceptance. Students should have at least one application completed and
to us (in the guidance office) by November 1st. Timeline: October, November, December