I think I may be going a bit too far on the idea of asking for help from older people, but anyway, when you talk to your college counselors, be straightforward. They are the people who can help you and provide you with resources to succeed during the college application season. That is why you should be very honest with them so they can give you the best insights possible. Don’t be afraid that your application is worse than someone else's or feel hesitant to disclose information about your awards, course load, or grades. College counselors are there to help you; the more you share with them, the better they can understand you and provide helpful information that will be beneficial when applying to colleges.
Another very important thing to consider during your junior year is which colleges you want to attend. Do you prefer a small private school, a larger private institution, or perhaps a religious college? There are so many options available, so try to create a list of 10 to 12 colleges that interest you. Some important aspects to consider when choosing potential colleges include:
The population size of the school.
The geographic location and how far it is from your home.
The living expenses in that area.
The total cost of attendance and whether they provide financial aid for international students if you’re applying to study in another country.
The campus community—what activities and clubs are available? Are there communities for specific groups, such as Asian students or LGBTQ+ individuals?
There are many other factors to consider, such as class size, the professions offered, and the salary of graduates from the college. Numerous online resources can help you learn how to choose colleges, so make sure to do that as soon as you can. Besides checking the school’s website, another valuable option is reaching out to alumni. They can provide a better overview of what the university and campus are like, helping you determine whether it’s a good fit for you.
If possible, consider taking college tours. I understand that many people may not have the financial capability to visit multiple colleges in person. That’s why many institutions have created virtual tours, providing an online experience of visiting the college. This allows you to gain insight into the campus, the majors offered, and other important aspects of college life.
Something I’ve heard repeatedly and found very useful is to categorize potential colleges into three types: reach schools, target schools, and safety schools. Essentially, reach schools are those where you have a lower chance of getting in, as the average scores of admitted students are higher than your current scores (e.g., GPA or SAT). Next, we have target schools, which are institutions with student statistics that align more closely with your academic capabilities. Finally, safety schools are those where you have a better chance of acceptance.
When applying to colleges, aim to apply to about three or four reach schools, three or four target schools, and three to four safety schools. This way, you’re taking risks by applying to schools with lower acceptance rates, while also playing it safe by including schools where you have a higher chance of getting in.
Remember, college is not the only path available to you. If you feel pressured or uncertain about going to college, consider other directions. For example, after graduating from high school, you could go straight to work or take a gap year to better prepare for your college application and explore your interests. I understand that many high schoolers don’t yet have a clear vision of where they want to go or who they want to be.
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