Juniors: It’s Time to Focus on College

Many juniors and their families will have their first meetings with their school college counselors in the next few months. Here are some things to do to get organized.

• If you receive a questionnaire from your school counselor, take the time to fill it out as thoughtfully as possible. Counselors use these forms to help find colleges that match your priorities. They also use them to write their letters of recommendation and the more details you can provide them, the stronger the letter will be.

• Try to put together an initial list of colleges before you meet with your school counselor as a way to start the conversation. Make sure you listen to their input especially if they tell you the list is unbalanced.

• Book in person tours for upcoming long weekends or days off of school. Many colleges are still limiting the size of tours so book early to secure a spot (you can always cancel if you need to). Don’t only visit reach colleges!

• Attend virtual information sessions for colleges that you are unsure about visiting. See if you like their programs and other factors before you travel to visit in person.

• When booking in person or virtual visits, use the email that you plan to use for your applications. Colleges that track demonstrated interest will use your email to see how often you have interacted with them.

• Have a plan for standardized testing. Book additional test dates, if necessary, and spend time preparing for the tests.

• Start thinking about your summer plans.

If you would like help in your college admissions process, please visit Excelsior Admissions Consulting Excelsior Admissions Consulting to find out more information, or click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.