Throughout my 20-year career, I have been asked numerous questions about the college application process.
- When should my son or daughter start to think about college?
My simple answer has always been the earlier the better - it is important to start thinking about college no later than the sophomore year of high school. For most families, a good time to begin would be toward the end of the student's sophomore year or early in the student's junior year. Ideally, college visits should begin by winter/spring of junior year. It is important to ask as many questions as possible while visiting, talk to students on campus, visit classes in your major, check out the multi-media facilities, etc.
- What are the steps in the college search?
It is a lengthy process but here are the basics: Prepare yourself by taking the right courses in high school, necessary standardized tests - PSAT, SAT and/or ACT - participating in community and extracurricular activities, developing a résumé, attending college fairs and visiting colleges.
Research the admissions requirements for each college, such as essays, letters of recommendation, additional testing requirements, financial aid and available scholarships.
With applications, watch deadlines for regular action, early action and early decision; make rough draft copies of applications, even if you are applying online. Work diligently on any required essays - choose the topic carefully, be sure to proofread applications and essays and always have someone check it for you.
Once you receive your acceptance letter(s), review the financial aid package you have received from each school, weigh the pros and cons of each school, perhaps, visit the campus again and sit in on classes in your major, talk to more students on campus. Check out the social scene on the campus. Determine if you can see yourself as part of the student body.
- When should the student take the SAT?
I would recommend at least once in the junior year (preferably March, May or June). Perhaps some students may consider taking it twice in junior year - January and then one of the other dates. Depending on the scores received, they may wish to take it again in the fall of senior year (October would be best). Some schools also require students to take subject tests (SAT II). They should be taken when the student completes the course in high school. For example, if a student takes biology as a sophomore, they should take the subject test in biology, if required by the college, at the end of the sophomore year.
- When does the student need to make their decision for what school they will attend?
Again, this can be complicated, because not all schools send their acceptances at the same time. Some are rolling admissions, which means the decisions arrive quickly, usually within a month or two of applying, whereas some schools have much later notification dates - like March or April. For the most part, a late March/mid-April deadline should be the latest target time for seniors to make their final decisions. Also, for some majors which have limited space, it may be necessary to make a decision within days or weeks of an acceptance to receive the open seat in the major.
As college admissions become increasingly competitive as the number of applicants rise, many parents and students may wish to consider a private career and college counselor for a lifeline in navigating the stressful process of researching and applying to colleges. Private counselors help alleviate that stress for students and parents by providing information, helping them find the best-fit colleges for them, and then guiding them through the often daunting process. A private career and college counselor will be aware of the many types of financial aid and scholarships available. A small investment in a private career and college counselor can pay for itself when it comes to finding and receiving scholarships.
Few high school students know what they want to be when they grow up, let alone what major or college they are interested in. Private counselors can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses to assess what careers and schools might be a good fit.
JENNIFER L. SEVERINI-KRESOCK, is a private career and college counselor and owner of NEPA Career and College Counseling Associates. Find her on Facebook at NEPA Career and College Counseling and follow her on Twitter @NEPACareerandco.
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