Attention all juniors, and parents of juniors, it is time to get going on the college process. I know it seems soon, but I can assure you that the students that started in the winter of their junior year were, by far, better prepared and submitted much more thorough applications. Perhaps, just as important, they submitted fewer applications than those students that started the process later. This point usually gets parents’ attention, since each application ranges about $60. Most of the student I worked with submitted eight applications, but it is not unusual for unsure students to submit up to 20 applications.
So what can students and families start to do? Begin by planning some college visits, particularly if your son or daughter is not sure of what kind of college they are interested in. We are fortunate to have a range of schools in our area. Visit a SUNY, a large university like Syracuse, Ithaca, or Cornell, and some smaller liberal arts institutions like Hobart &William Smith, Union, and Colgate. Assure your student that these are not necessarily the schools they have to attend, but that this is just practice in how to get the most out of college visits. These early visits will give your student a frame of reference. “I like campuses that have X,” or “I hate colleges that focus so much on Y.” These likes and dislikes help students begin to define what they want from a college, what programs are offered, what kind of students they feel most comfortable with, what learning style matter most to them.
I encourage families to schedule visits online as early as possible. Yes, you do have to register now. Many students waited to the last minute this year and were not able to schedule themselves on tours or information sessions. It’s difficult to get a real sense of what a school is like without taking the tour or hearing the admission staff representative’s address. Holidays like Martin Luther King weekend and February break are great times to visit since college student are on campus.
The other important area juniors can begin to explore is summer plans. Does the student plan to get a job, attend a summer enrichment program, do community service? Many of these programs actually have applications due in the winter. How students spend the summer between their junior and senior year matters. Many colleges actually have an essay question on their applications asking about this. Others certainly ask in the interview. So it is a good idea to give it some careful thought.
I share this advice not to put families in a panic, but to give everyone a “heads up.” More students are submitting more applications than ever before, so getting yourselves organized and thinking about the process will help your son or daughter approach this important time thoughtfully and with more confidence.
Maria Badami is a college admissions consultant with COLLEGE DIRECTIONS of CNY. 7030 East Genesee St., Fayetteville NY. 243-6658. collegedirectionscny.com.
