As high school juniors step into their classrooms this fall, they're not just starting a new academic year – they're launching into a pivotal moment in their college admissions journey. While the road ahead may seem daunting, success lies in focusing on four key priorities this autumn: excelling academically to set a strong foundation, preparing strategically for standardized tests like the PSAT and SAT, deepening involvement in meaningful extracurricular activities, and beginning thoughtful college research. By tackling these areas with intention and balance, students can not only boost their college applications but also reduce stress and gain valuable skills for their future academic careers. Remember, the goal isn't perfection, but progress – so take a deep breath, create a plan, and embrace this exciting time of growth and discovery.

September 19th Webinar at 6:00 pm CDT

The Extracurricular Edge: How to Build a High-Impact Activity Profile that Gets You Noticed 

Is your student ready to excel in the competitive college admissions process? Join our expert-led webinar to learn how strategic activity planning can enhance your student's applications. In this one-hour session, we'll review how colleges evaluate extracurriculars and guide you in creating a personalized activity roadmap. Gain insights on exploring interests, demonstrating leadership, and making a measurable impact—key factors that can set your student apart in today's holistic admissions.

For parents:

• Help your teen brainstorm ways to take their interests to the next level. Encourage them to think about how they can make a unique contribution or solve a problem.
• Encourage a balance between academics and activities – quality over quantity! It's better to be deeply involved in a few meaningful activities than superficially involved in many.
• Support your student's unique interests, even if they differ from your expectations. Authentic passion is what colleges are looking for, not a predetermined set of activities.
• Assist in finding resources or connections that can help your teen pursue their interests more deeply.

Remember, it's not about padding a resume with a long list of unrelated activities. Instead, students should focus on pursuits they genuinely enjoy and can speak passionately about in their applications. Colleges are interested in seeing depth of commitment, leadership, and personal growth through your extracurricular involvements. 

In recent years, many colleges have placed increased emphasis on standardized test scores as part of their admissions process. This shift is partly due to the challenge of evaluating academic performance across diverse high schools, especially in light of grade inflation. While some institutions have adopted test-optional policies, strong SAT or ACT scores can still significantly bolster an application, providing a standardized metric for academic preparedness. For many colleges, these scores serve as a valuable tool to assess a student's readiness for college-level work, complementing GPA and course rigor. Dedicated preparation for these tests has become an essential part of the college application process.

3. Standardized Test Prep: Lay the Groundwork

In recent years, many colleges have shifted back to an increased emphasis on standardized test scores as part of their admissions process. This shift is partly due to the challenge of evaluating academic performance across diverse high schools, especially in light of grade inflation. While some institutions have adopted test-optional policies, strong SAT or ACT scores can still significantly bolster an application, providing a standardized metric for academic preparedness. For many colleges, these scores serve as a valuable tool to assess a student's readiness for college-level work, complementing GPA and course rigor.

Here's how to get started:

For students:

• Mark your calendar for the October PSAT. It's great practice and could qualify you for National Merit Scholarships!
• Take both a practice SAT and ACT to determine which test suits you better. Many students perform differently on each test, so identifying your strength early can focus your efforts.
• Start building a consistent study routine, even if it's just 15-30 minutes a day. Consistency is key in improving your scores over time.
• Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types. Understanding the structure of the test can boost your confidence and performance.
• Identify your weak areas early and focus on improving them. This targeted approach can lead to significant score improvements.

For parents:

• Help your teen explore test prep resources, including free online materials and local tutoring options. There are many high-quality, low-cost resources available.
• If your student needs testing accommodations, start the process now – it can take time. Documentation and approval processes can be lengthy, so early action is crucial.
• Encourage a balanced approach to test prep that doesn't overshadow schoolwork. Remember, strong grades are still a fundamental part of college applications.
• Consider investing in a reputable test prep course or tutor if your budget allows. Professional guidance can be particularly helpful for students aiming for top scores.
• Help your student stay motivated by setting realistic goals and celebrating improvements, no matter how small.

Pro tip: Many test prep companies offer a free practice ACT or SAT. Take advantage of these resources to get a baseline score and identify areas for improvement.

4. Initial College Research: Start Exploring

As juniors begin to contemplate their college list, one of the most valuable tools is the college tour. These visits offer a wonderful opportunity to experience campus life firsthand, providing insights that brochures and websites simply can't capture. Walking through lecture halls, dining in campus cafeterias, and observing student interactions can give you a genuine feel for a school's atmosphere and culture. Many students report that the "vibe" they get on a campus tour plays a crucial role in their college decision. In addition, demonstrated interest through campus visits can sometimes factor into admissions decisions.

Here's how to begin your college research journey:

For students:

• Begin creating an initial college list. Think about factors like size, location, available majors, and campus culture. Don't limit yourself at this stage – include reach, target, and safety schools.
• Set up a meeting with your high school counselor to discuss your goals and course selections. They can provide valuable insights into colleges that might be a good fit for you.
• If possible, visit a few local colleges of different sizes to get a feel for what you like. Pay attention to your gut feelings during these visits.
• Start exploring college websites, social media accounts, and student forums to get a sense of each school's unique characteristics and student life.
• Consider reaching out to current students or alumni from schools you're interested in. Many are happy to share their experiences.

For parents:

• Help your teen organize their research using a spreadsheet or college search tool. This can help track important information about each school.
• Encourage your student to build relationships with their favorite teachers – they may write recommendation letters next year!
• Start conversations about important factors like financial considerations and distance from home. Be open about any constraints or concerns.
• Support your child's exploration, even if their interests differ from your expectations. The goal is to find the best fit for your student.
• Consider planning family vacations around college visits to make the most of your travel time and budget.



Tip: Fall college fairs are a great way to learn about many schools in one place. Keep an eye out for these events in your area! These fairs offer opportunities to speak directly with college representatives and gather information on schools you might not have considered.