Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
We’ve been working on potential majors, careers, and what you want to be a part of your college experience. An important part of this is visiting college campuses. Don’t forget to complete your criteria building college visits.
Complete your College Criteria Visits. Here are some Tips for Planning a College Visit. These experiences are great reference points as you figure out what you’re looking for in a school. And some schools offer incentive grants if you visit campus, either in person or virtually.
Consider keeping a journal to collect essay ideas- here are some questions for inspiration. NYT Writing Prompts for Students: Start keeping a journal.
Keep your grades strong! This is the last year of final grades that will be on your transcript when you apply to colleges. Feeling like you’re falling behind in class? Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and the sooner, the better. Check in with your teacher. Ask older students and/or peers if they might be open to tutoring. Form a study group, or stay after school to work through difficult course content. Uplevel your study skills: This guide has tips to help you study smarter, not harder.
Start thinking about summer. Start investigating competitive summer programs. Some applications open as early as December. Check Teen Life Summer Programs and the Summer Match Me search engine
Start thinking about financial fit. Start discussing college costs as a family. Look at Net Price Calculators and MyIntuition on college financial aid websites to get an estimate of how much each school will cost. This article from the College Board about Net Price and Net Price calculators is helpful. Experiment with the Net Price Calculator to get a rough estimate of what you might pay for college, and start the conversation with your parents or guardians.
Review PSAT/PreACT results (if you sat for a test): You can review not only your scores but also the questions you answered correctly and those you missed. Pay special attention to the questions you answered incorrectly and use this information to prepare for the SAT/ACT.. Strong test scores as a junior may qualify you for academic honors as well as for special programs and recruitment opportunities. Here are some free tools to help you understand and prepare for SATs and ACTs.
Compass Guide to Admissions Testing: If you haven’t already, this is the time to map out a testing plan. Testing spots can be really tough to find in the Puget Sound area. Sign up for 2-3 test dates now - you can always cancel your test registration later on if you decide that you do not want to take the test another time. And remember that 1,000+ U.S. colleges are using test-optional policies for fall 2022 applicants.