Most Seniors cringe at the thought of college application season and often whine about the endless work. However, if you plan ahead, you will be more organized and well-prepared when it is time to apply for colleges.
Start early and be productive: While this may sound like a no-brainer, many students often overlook the benefits of planning early for college applications and later regret their inactivity. Keep in mind, you are most likely applying to several colleges, so it is to your advantage to start early.
Begin with small, manageable steps like creating a schedule and dedicating an hour or two just for college research. During your free time, visit college websites. If you gather information about colleges early, you can better balance your workload from allotting certain hours for college research and gain a sense of ease in the long run, since you won’t be cramming everything last minute.
Taking the initiative and effective research: Before students even think about their majors or career paths, most say they already know what colleges they are aiming for, yet they often fail to realize that those schools may not have strong programs in their chosen majors. So, it is key for students to find out which schools are known for what programs, and to avoid the temptations of big name schools that they know little about. Students should keep an open mind and look at all schools.
Go on websites like usnews.com that offer detailed information about colleges and ranking, or go to the Career Center and borrow books like “Fiske Guide to Colleges,” which offers substantial background about colleges in the U.S. Once you find a school that is compatible with your interests, go visit the college’s website and search around to find more details about the school.
Most of the time, the school will also explain some of its strongest programs, course catalogues and well-regarded professors. In many cases, students then realize whether they want to apply to the school after learning about the size of the school, the location and majors.
Likewise, if you like the school, request information about the programs that are related to your major and even visit those schools if possible.
“When schools are holding open houses, go as sophomores and juniors and show them you are interested,” Career Center Coordinator Ms. Amy Sisson said. “They [admission officers] want to see that students are engaged and interested.”
Financial planning is crucial: As college tuition continues to increase every year, it is imperative for students and families to begin thinking about how they are going to pay for higher education. While some universities like Ivy League schools have a need-base system—they give money to students who have low household income—many schools are less willing to use this approach. Students, as early as Freshman and Sophomore year, should begin applying to scholarships or grants because tuition can be very expensive. Apply for student loans as well, but remember that you have to pay those back.
“Just for text books, students should be prepared to spend 1500 to 2000 dollars, and remember, that is not including the transportation fees, living necessities, doctor visits, health care, and food,” Ms. Sisson said. “Students should start looking for every possible scholarship opportunity because every little bit counts.”
You can talk to your counselors or visit the career center for scholarship opportunities. Also, be alert during the bulletin because the announcers discuss possible scholarships.