College Planning 101

It’s also a time of information overload. You’re starting to receive dozens of mailings, hundreds of emails, and constant invites to college events. It can become overwhelming.

But rest assured, there’s help.

College Planning 101 is a roadmap that can help remove some of the anxiety from the college search process, and provide direction on what to do and when.

When to Start Your College Search

You may be wondering when to start looking at colleges. You should start your college search by the fall of your junior year. You want enough time to learn about academic programs that match your career interests, and have time to explore colleges and attend open houses. That way in the fall of your senior year you’ll be knowledgeable, and ready, to begin the college admissions process.

Many high school students begin their college search in their sophomore year. While this may seem early, it provides you with certain benefits as you prepare for college:

• Selecting the right classes – Starting early gives you time to plan and select classes during high school that will prepare you for more challenging course work in college and that help fulfill certain admissions requirements. For example, engineering majors require four years of math including pre-calculus. Computing majors recommend computing electives and programming classes. Many art, design, photo, and film programs require a portfolio of your best work. The more time you have to select the right high school courses, the better prepared you’ll be for the college admissions process.
• Earning good grades – You’ll submit your high school transcript as part of your college application. Your transcript covers grades earned from your freshmen year through your senior year. Taking your studies seriously from the beginning allows you the time to build a long-term record of academic excellence.
• Getting involved in extracurricular activities – Your involvement in clubs and organizations over multiple years is important to securing leadership roles as a high school junior or senior. Extracurriculars are also key to developing different skills–in athletics, the performing arts, and leadership–which can set your application apart.

Don’t Forget About Career Exploration

Career exploration is a big part of your college search process. It can help you explore your interests, learn about different majors and the occupations they lead to, and assist you in identifying academic programs that fit your professional aspirations.

If you already know what you want to study, congratulations. But, many of you may be asking yourselves, what should I major in? At this point in your college search, it’s normal to be undecided.

Attending a career exploration event can help you discover more about your interests and assist you in linking academic majors to career paths. These events are designed for you to interact with college faculty, explore career interests, learn something new about yourself, and help you choose a college major.

How to Start Your College Search

Searching for a college can be a challenging and time-consuming task. There are a lot of things to consider and you want to get it right. Here’s how you should begin:

• Step 1: Explore College Websites
  College websites are robust with information on academic programs and courses, faculty, facilities and labs, educational experiences, and opportunities for you to engage in student life (e.g., performing arts, athletics, clubs, and more). Don’t forget to sign up for emails and follow colleges on social media. You’ll be the first to know about events and news regarding academics, student life, and more.
• Step 2: Start Visiting Campuses
  Schedule campus visits, tour a school virtually, or register for open houses at the colleges that interest you most. Campus visits are an excellent way to get a sense of the spirit and culture of a college, meet faculty, tour labs and classrooms, and chat with current students. Those who visit schools are more confident in selecting which ones to apply to, and they have a better sense of which college they want to attend.
• Step 3: Participate in Virtual Events
  Most admissions offices offer virtual information sessions or recordings which will answer questions about academic programs, the application process, and what you can expect once you apply. You can also participate in student-led virtual tours and view student videos.
• Step 4: Decide What You Want From Your College Experience
  Once you explore websites, visit campuses, and attend virtual events you’ll probably realize that not all colleges are created equal. While they all offer academic majors, you want a college that offers more than just a degree. Colleges should have an abundance of opportunities for you to learn and grow outside the classroom.
  
  Now’s the time to make a list of what’s important to you and what you want to get out of your college experience. That list should include opportunities such as:
  • Hands-On Learning – Applied experience gained in labs, in studios, in the field, and in the classroom turns knowledge into know-how.
  • Cooperative Education – Real-world career experience, gained through full-time, paid cooperative education programs, provides you with the experience and credentials employers look for in their next top hires.
  • Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees – Accelerated dual-degree programs allow you to earn both your bachelor’s and your master’s degrees in as little as five years.
  • Undergraduate Research – Conduct undergraduate research in a range of labs where you’ll investigate and explore topics of your choosing with faculty researchers.
  • Study Abroad – International experiences can broaden your cultural horizons by exposing you to cultures, religions, foods, and experiences different from your own.
  • Exceptional Outcomes – You want a college that has a strong and recognized track record for outstanding outcomes.
  • Athletics – Division I, II, and III athletic teams, intramural programs, and wellness and recreation offerings keep you physically and mentally sharp.
  • Performing Arts – A performing arts program can keep you connected to your musical, dance, and drama interests.
  • Clubs and Student Organizations – A vibrant selection of student clubs and organizations can enhance your student experience.

How to Apply to College

Now that you’ve narrowed down which colleges have both the academic programs and college experiences you want, it’s time to start the college admissions process.

• Step 1: Decide Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision
  Early Decision is for students who know a college is their first choice. You apply early and get an admission decision sooner, along with other benefits. Early Action allows students to apply early without committing to a school, offering the advantage of receiving admissions decisions early while still keeping options open. Regular Decision is for students who are interested in multiple schools and are still deciding which college is their best fit. Application deadlines vary, so check each college’s admissions website for deadlines.
• Step 2: Submit Your Application
  Most colleges offer information on how to apply for admission, which includes links to start an application, important deadlines, and more. Apply for admission by submitting an application via a college’s website or use the Common Application, a service used by more than 900 colleges. With the Common App you’ll complete a single application and send it to colleges you select from the service’s list of schools.
• Step 3: Wait
  We know, it’s hard to be patient.
• Step 4: Compare all your options​
  Once you are notified of admissions decisions, you’ll want to do a final comparison of colleges. This is where cooperative education, accelerated dual degrees, undergraduate research, hands-on learning, and other opportunities can really influence your decision.
• Step 5: Make An Enrollment Decision
  You’ll need to accept an offer of admission and submit your enrollment deposit in order to secure your spot at your chosen school.

A note about SAT/ACT Scores: Many colleges have chosen to become test optional or have waived standardized test requirements. Check each college’s individual admission requirements for more information. But there are benefits to taking the tests. For example, to become eligible for a National Merit Scholarship you must complete the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

You’re Ready to Start Your College Search

Now that you have the guidance you need, and a step-by-step guide on what to do and when, you can feel confident in starting your college search. Planning for college can be an empowering experience. It’s the beginning of journey that will launch your career. Don’t forget to enjoy the process and have fun. Now, get out there and start exploring!