What can I do for my college application?

Question

I'm only a highschool sophmore, but I want to get an early start on preparations for college, so what can I do to help my college application? Please list everything I should know (I don't know that much about applying for colleges yet beacause I'm still only a sophmore in high school, so please explain in a way a high-schooler can understand)

Answer 1

I am an independent college counselor. Here is what I tell my clients.

First, the most important thing you should be doing right now, as a sophomore, is getting the best grades possible. That really is the number one thing that colleges and universities want to see in applicants.

Second, don't start by asking how you can prepare the best application -- start by asking what types of colleges might be the best fit for your needs and goals. Honestly, the students who have the MOST success in applying to colleges are those who have thought about who they are and what they want out of a college experience, and then developed a college list that matches those qualities but that also includes colleges in a range of selectivities.

There are over 2500 four year colleges in the U.S. alone, but there is not a single school (even those "name brand" schools everyone knows) that are right for every single student. So, begin by thinking about YOU. Some questions to consider:

What do you like about your high school that you'd like to find in a college? What do you dislike about your high school that you'd like to avoid in a college? How do you learn best - do you like classes where there's lots of discussion or classes where the teacher does much of the talking? Do you have a clear career or major in mind, or do you want to explore before making a commitment? What is your group of friends like? Do you want to be around similar people in college, or very different types of people? How would your friends describe you? How would your teachers describe you? How would YOU describe you? What do you think your biggest strengths and weaknesses, both academically and socially are, and what types of colleges would be best for someone with those strengths and weaknesses?

Next, learn about the different types of colleges out there -- don't just think "Gee, I've heard of Harvard, so Harvard must be a good place for me." Find out the differences between a liberal arts college, a research university, a master's level university, a private college, a public university, a specialized college. As a sophomore, visit one of each type in your state or local area. These don't have to be the schools you ultimately apply to - at this point you should just try to get a sense of what makes each type different and unique, and what they each have to offer you.

As you begin your research, keep your options open, but ask a lot of questions. What makes a good college? What's it like to go to a large school, a small school, a medium sized school? What's it like to go to a school that has a large number of people in frats or sororities? What's it like to go to a religiously-affiliated school? A school in a major city? A school in a small city? A school in a rural area? A school in the midwest, the northeast, the south...etc., etc.

As you answer these questions, try to find colleges that fit with you -- both your grades, your interests, your desires. Keep your options open!! Do not narrow your list of possibilities down too early (really, senior year is plenty of time!).

Aside from the above, specific things sophomore might consider doing this year: Take the SAT Subject exam in June if you are taking AP bio, AP chem, or AP US History AND have good grades. Talk to your counselor about your grades and course schedule to see if he/she has any suggestions for how you might improve them compared to other people in your school. Find two or three activities outside of the classroom that you enjoy and find meaningful, and get involved. But don't just join a bunch of clubs or do community service because you think colleges might like it on your application --- figure out what you enjoy and pursue it. Colleges want depth, not quantity, and they want to see people who are excited and enjoy what they are doing.

Next year, as a junior, take the PSAT and plan out your SAT schedule (prep as hard as possible!), start visiting colleges that you might be interested in, and attend local presentations with admissions people where they will tell you what they look for in applicants.

Finally, and MOST importantly, don't stress too much. As I said, there are 2500 four year schools, the vast majority admit more people than they reject (and yes, you can get a great education at a school that admits 60% or more of applicants!). Do your best in your courses, enjoy your activities outside of the classroom, don't forget to schedule time for FUN!

You may also want to read my blog, where I write about the college search and admissions process --- I have hundreds of links to college planning resources listed there as well.

Carolyn Lawrence, www.AdmissionsAdvice.com

Answer 2

Hi,
Applying to college can be an extremely stressful process, but planning ahead of time and doing your research makes things much easier. Depending on how high you set your sights, getting into college can be extremely easy, extremely difficult, or somewhere in between.Some colleges will want you to complete calculus and statistics before you apply; others will stress a broad range of humanities classes. Be sure that you have an idea of the colleges you might want to apply to, and start meeting their class requirements, if necessary. Look at colleges that have features that interest you, such as ideal major, class size, location, and the like. Check out their websites, since many of them have application information. It is also worth checking out books about scholarships at your public and school libraries.
Many companies nowadays will compile lists of colleges that you can browse through or buy. They break down how hard it is to get into, what kind of SAT/ACT score you need, what campus life and academics are like, and what kind of job prospects alumni have upon graduation.
For application help you can ask help from expert from web.

Answer 3

Take the SAT's early and several times. You improve each time as you learn how to answer the questions. So a SAT course and practice book or disk would help.
Take the ACT's if you are scientifically inclined. Same on the practice.
Do volunteer work or paid work in a field you want to go into.
Be active in school and community in activities you enjoy .
Study and do all the work required.If a project choice is offered, choose one that is related to a field you may go into.
Choose a curriculum that follows your field of choice and do the higher level courses when available.
Good luck

Answer 4

Wow - it's great that you're so ambitious! I wish you the best.
Some things to consider - think about what schools you want to attend, and call them and ask for an application. They'll be MORE than happy to help you out. (Or go to their websites and request an application from there) Once you have the application, see what they ask for - do they want a written essay? Do they want a certain type of test score (ACT vs/ SAT, or neither?) Are there special placement tests for specific majors? Also, see if you can find out about academic requirements - do you have to have 2+ years of a language completed before entering college? Can you use AP test scores to "opt out" of certain classes?
Start making a list of all the things you want to know about a certain college - ask any question you can think of. Then, call Admissions counselors at schools you're interested in and ask them your questions. I can guarantee they will try and help you as much as possible!
And, use your guidance counselor at school too - they know more than you think :-)
Good luck to you!

Answer 5

It really depends on what college you want to apply for. At this stage, I would be looking through resources like the US New Report, for info on colleges. Your local library should have several books you can look through. I would also focus on keeping or getting good grades and have some sort of extracurricular activity, like sports or scouting.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

Ha, i wish i had thought ahead that early.

Well what you can do is start gathering letters of recommendation and apply for some scholarships since there are some out there that only pertain to sophomores/juniors.

Answer 7

You should give www.theadmissionsprocess.com a try. My friend told me about it and it's the best