THE ROAD TO COLLEGE
A ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
#1 of 20:  December, Part One

Here's the first in a series of a step-by-step year-long plan to find, apply to, and be accepted at a college that’s just right.

by Martha Green Quirk, M.A.

High school students, what are you going to do after graduation? Some choices are to attend college, get a job, enlist in the military, or take a “gap year.” All of this assumes that “hanging out” at home is probably not an option!

If you decide to attend college, how do you choose between schools you think you want to go to and schools you are qualified to get into? There are over 3,400 public and private colleges and universities, pre-professional and trade schools, and junior and community colleges in the United States. How will you know which college is right for you—where you “fit” academically, athletically, socially, and feel comfortable—and where you can best develop and improve your individual talents?

The key to acceptance at the college of your choice is evidence of a strong academic performance in high school that begins in your freshman year. The stronger your academic course-load over four years, the more you communicate to colleges your readiness to take on their rigorous academic programs.

Colleges expect prospective students to take 16-20 courses in English, math, science, history, social studies, and foreign language in high school. The most selective colleges will look for students who have taken and have done well in the most challenging courses their high schools offer.

Stress about choosing and applying to college is usually caused by lack of planning and foresight, doing things at the last minute, or not communicating with the right people at the right time. The proactive steps you take now will also lessen your fear that colleges might not admit you.

No matter what your grade point average is or your test scores are, there is a college out there for you. Your job now is to find those colleges that will play to your strengths and improve your weaknesses. Through research on the internet, review of college literature, conversations with your school’s college counselor, and open dialogue with your parents, you should come up with a preliminary list of 12-15 colleges that seem like a good “fit.”

The college search and application process does not have to be overwhelming—if you get organized, plan ahead, and follow through with all requirements. Here are 10 general steps to get you started:

1. Figure out who you are as a learner and what you want out of your college experience. A self-assessment of your learning style and academic achievements is a place to start.

2. Consider different college environments and evaluate individual colleges to see if they offer what you want and “fit” your educational objectives. Find out by using the Internet to search college websites (a typical pattern is “www.nameofcollege.edu”). Write, email, or call colleges for more information and appropriate literature.

3. Don’t limit your search to only one or two colleges. Your preliminary list should have 12-15 schools, and then, after research and campus visits, you’ll end up applying to five to eight colleges—any of which you’d be excited to attend.

4. Keep your parents informed of your progress. Ask them for suggestions. Show them that you are taking charge of the process. That’s the best way to ensure that you are in the driver’s seat in this process. If you procrastinate, they’ll nag!

5. Visit as many college campuses as you can. Start informally as early as in the summer after 10th grade. High school juniors are encouraged to visit colleges in the spring, and seniors should visit in the fall. In-person campus visits are key to successful decision-making.

6. Be aware of application, scholarship, and financial aid deadlines for each college. Each college has different deadline dates! Don’t forget that it is your responsibility—not the responsibility of your high school guidance counselor—to have official copies of your SAT and ACT scores sent to the colleges directly from the testing agency.

7. Complete each application thoroughly and thoughtfully. Your personal essay is a key component of your whole application. It’s the one place where you put your own personalized stamp on your application, where you tell more about who you are and what you have to give to that campus as a student.

8. Complete every part of the application yourself, including your essay. Proofread each word. If you apply online, be sure to print a copy of your application and essay for your records. Stay in touch with colleges and your admissions counselor at each school so you know the current status of your applications.

9. Give advance notice to each of your references who will write your recommendations. You want to be sure they can meet the colleges’ deadlines for mailing or submitting these forms online.

10. Remember, the four semesters in your junior and senior years are important academic terms. Don’t slack off! These semesters will make (or break!) your chances to get into the college of your choice.

Going to college will be one of the grandest adventures of your life. Enjoy the journey to get there by being organized, punctual, and involved in the college search and application process. After all, it is your education.

 

Martha Green Quirk, M.A., has been active in the college admissions field for over 30 years, including many years as dean of admissions at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. In 2008 she founded her own independent educational consulting company, College Admissions Consulting (CAC), in St. Louis, Missouri.

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