At this point, both students and parents need to give strict attention to college preparation during the 11th-grade year. Here is a list of what 11th graders should be doing–including looking into desired careers, exploring the desired colleges, applying for scholarships, and keeping the savings account on track through defined and efficient means.
Before the college search begins properly, the school counselor makes it easier and quicker to find the best option. They help students stay on track to meet the required resources and requirements, thereby deriving the best possible option that suits them better. After establishing appointments and discussions have been made between the school counselor and the student, the proper college preparation can begin.
Studying and registering for the preliminary and standardized tests is a vital step. These tests can help colleges assess your readiness for college success and also qualifies you for scholarship programs. With that step done, a common app account can be created. The Common App account can be created anytime, and the account information can be rolled over from year to year with the same username and password. The major details needed on the Common App account are Profile, Family, Education, Testing, Writing, Grades, Courses, and Activities.
At this stage, a lot has been covered. Most colleges require a letter of recommendation from the applicant, which will help the school know the student or applicant thoroughly. Do not wait until the senior year is over; go search for your recommenders. Seek the willingness and agreement of teachers while you are still in 11th grade. This will make the latter process easier and faster. The last on the list is to explore the chosen college or colleges. This is the best way to define the right and matching environment for your needs and capabilities. You could visit the college campus virtually or in person. Take a tour, attend informative sessions, have discussions with students, and, if possible, visit a class. This will be easy and fun as many colleges and universities offer special visit days and programs for target students.
These steps can be broken down and grouped into different intervals for easier processing, as stated below.
Groupings Interval
- Fall
- Winter
- Spring
- Summer
Fall
Start with you. This is the easiest and quickest time to make lists of all your abilities, cultural preferences, social preferences, and determined qualities. This is the point you list things that you will love to pursue in college. At this time, you will search for resources that serve as a positive catalyst for your pursuit. You will search for counseling coaches and college websites guide that will help you determine your desired College environment. They will also act as a manager for all your available resources, including financial aid. This is the stage that will help you determine what next to do.
Winter
By the Fall processes have been completed, the Winter stage will be much easier. This stage is mainly for signing up and creating accounts. Sign up for the required and helpful college exams like the PSAT and SAT. By exploring the AP (Advanced Placement) Program and registering for their classes, be rest assured you can achieve your college dreams for that year. The financial aid and scholarship board opportunity is properly looked into this season. Do not overlook local and states aid sources; they are also useful. By completing individual planning steps, aids ranging from partial to total funding can be awarded.
In these areas, a counselor is vital.
Spring
Develop a strong listing of colleges that are of interest to you. Depending on your criteria and best fit, they could range from 15 to 20. The college search is mainly about exploring who you are, what you want, and the colleges that match your attributes and goals. Do not limit your college; stay open to all colleges that meet your goal. Colleges’ selective attributes vary, some can be highly selective, and others can be less selective. Play safe by applying to many colleges to have a lot of options to choose from. When satisfied, take the SAT examination. This examination can be written again by fall if the scores attained are not satisfying. Most students take it again when they become seniors and have established a higher rate of attaining satisfying scores.
Summer.
This is the finishing touch. If you are an athlete planning to study sports in college, the National Collegiate Athletic Association ( NCAA) would be a preferred planning option to define your eligibility. Get your FSA ID and be ready to dive into a full-time or part-time job search. If a job is not your preferred option, there are summer camps and summer colleges, to begin with.
At this point, create a resume and portfolio and fill in college applications. Applications vary by college, but most have the option of filling it online or via a paper application.
Do not forget to visit colleges, either virtually or in person. If applicable, talk to as many people as possible when you are there. This can include college staff, students, and even professors to have a detailed discussion. Where necessary, a tour guide is also useful in defining the right college for you.
Conclusion
Now is the time to determine your interests and pursuits. This is a concept that turns into actual reality for your future.
All these steps, adhered to and strictly followed, will attain your desired college.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I take both the ACT and SAT?
Answer– Most colleges, if not all, will take either of any. So it is advisable to focus on one to save time and money and achieve a better score result.
- Many colleges have been mailing catalogs to me; what do I do?
Answer– You can read through them and give a response to colleges of interest. This does not mean you must be accepted into the school.
- There is no time for a full visit; can I just do a drive-by?
Answer– You shouldn’t do a drive-by. A thorough college visit is preferable and of great value. Try and squeeze in time to learn more about the college.
