COLLEGE PLANNING

Creating a 4-year plan and college planning timeline in high school helps ensure you stay on track academically and reach your future goals. It will ensure you meet graduation requirements, explore interests through extracurricular activities, and take advantage of advanced courses. But most importantly, it gives you a sense of direction and ownership over your educational journey! 

Creating a step-by-step college planning timeline is crucial. Starting in 9th grade and continuing through 10th and 11th grade allows you to have clarity and confidence and own your process. Early planning helps you make informed academic and extracurricular decisions towards your long-term goal. Breaking the process into manageable steps, you can develop meaningful interests, understanding of crucial steps like standardized tests, letters of recommendation, and the financial aid process. In my experience, students who have a step-by-step plan feel less stressed and more empowered to take ownership of their future and reach their full potential. 

Applying to college during senior year can feel overwhelming and stressful if you don't plan for it. Staying organized and following a clear timeline and checklist can make the process much more manageable. From asking for letters of recommendation, writing your essays, and completing financial aid forms, having a guide is crucial.. A structured timeline will ensure that you are prepared and on schedule, giving you the best chance for a successful outcome.

You got this!

When it comes to your life outside of school, your extracurricular activities can be a powerful way to explore your passions and show colleges who you are besides grades and test scores. Do you love to make videos or write stories? How about building stuff or fixing things? Are you an athlete? 

Whether it's a part-time job, volunteering, sports, research, or summer programs, it is about choosing experiences that matter to YOU and the intention behind your involvement. When your activities align with your interests, you grow as a person and create a clear story so that admission officers can connect with you. Choose how you use your free time wisely, remember that quality and meaning and far more valuable than quantity! Let your passions lead your journey!