Health & Fitness
College Application Readiness Tips for Rising Seniors
With just a few weeks before the new school year begins, what should rising seniors be doing in preparation for the 2011-12 college application season?
ROBYN’S COLLEGE CORNER
Part I in a series on tips and trends for the upcoming college application season
With just a few weeks before the school year begins, what should rising seniors be doing in preparation for the 2011-12 college application season?
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Tip #1: Review your ACT and/or SAT (including Subject tests) scores
If you’re not satisfied with your test scores, there’s still time to take them again. Also, some highly selective schools (Ivy League, Stanford, etc.) require SAT Subject Test scores in addition to the ACT. Visit each college’s individual website for complete details on what tests they require for admission.
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ACT test date
Register by
September 10, 2011
August 12, 2011
October 22, 2011
September 16, 2011
SAT test date
Register by
October 1, 2011
September 9, 2011
Tip #2: Create a Common App account
If you know you will be applying to at least one Common App school, then go ahead and register as a new user and create a first-year student account. This will allow you to start the data entry for the online application and access the essay requirements for each school. I recommend applying to 5-8 schools. Your list should encompass an equal number of target, reach, and safety schools.
Tip #3: Schedule interviews (where appropriate) and continue college visits.
I strongly recommend that you take the opportunity to interview at every school that offers one… even if the college is not your top choice. Call the admissions office to schedule an interview at least two weeks in advance of when you hope to have it. Interview slots fill quickly and you may have to be flexible with dates and times. Inquire whether the interview will be informational or evaluative in nature. Some schools only offer alumni interviews in the Chicago area. Do still take advantage of this opportunity. The college visit is one of the most important parts of the college search process. I advise against waiting to visit all the schools until you find out if you have been admitted in the spring. Many colleges will document if a campus visit has been made, so it is crucial that you make a personal visit.
