What every junior should know about finding the right school
Toolbox
By BRIAN VACHON - Published: October 28, 2007
A group of high school and alternative learning students recently met with members of the State Board of Education to talk about an area of mutual interest: the future of education in Vermont. They had lots of ideas about what was working, what wasn't, and what needed to be changed. But on one point, the students were in total accord. There simply wasn't enough time available to do all the things they wanted or needed to do, they said. There was just too much going on in their lives. Too many options. Too many demands on their attention. Too many tests. Too much homework. But also, too many things they'd love to accomplish.
For the seniors in the group who were preparing college applications, the time problem was only exacerbated. The added stress of heightened expectations, they said, was becoming excruciating.
There are no simple solutions to the time problem for high school seniors. Their complaints are legitimate. But there are steps high school juniors can take now, particularly if they are planning to attend college, that will help take the pressure off next year. Here are 10 of them:
1. Start thinking about possibilities: Obsessing about college as a junior doesn't make sense, but ignoring the subject entirely doesn't either. Now is the time to start thinking in broad generalities. What kind of college would you like to attend? What would it look like? Where would it be? What would it offer? It's time to start building a preliminary list of possibilities.
2. Start getting solid information: Ask guidance counselors, teachers and parents for suggestions. Talk to college students and ask what's working for them and what isn't. Go online and see what colleges are saying about themselves.
3. Start focusing: This is the time to really be serious about grades. These results counts more than any in the college admissions process. If you have to give up some things to make certain your grades are strong, this is the year to do it. Next year, pulling up your grade point average will be very difficult.
4. Start thinking about your favorite teachers: Almost all colleges ask for at least one teacher recommendation. And next year, many teachers will be besieged with requests. It doesn't hurt to let a favored teacher know that you would greatly appreciate a letter of recommendation from them when the time comes. It pays to plant that seed.
5. Start being a little self-centered: Or perhaps, a little more self-centered. Now is a time to really begin some thoughtful self-assessment. What is it that you do well? What are you passionate about? What makes you unique? What should you be doing more of this year, that you can talk about with confidence next year? Those are the things that should be getting your attention.
6. Start keeping a journal: The biggest challenge in the college application process is the required essay. Colleges use essays to get to know more about you, and they play an important role in the decision process. That can make it a daunting writing assignment, particularly when you have to pull it together under the pressure of a deadline. So get a head start on the essay now. Record random thoughts. Collect ideas about important moments. You'll be so glad you did.
7. Start preparing for standardized tests: You may dread them, but most colleges still want to see how you did on these tests (even though many colleges are de-emphasizing them as a deciding factor in admissions). The best way to prepare, by far, is to get familiar with the kinds of questions that will be asked on the ACT or SAT. Prep books and practice tests are available on line and sold in most bookstores. Use your PSAT results to identify areas that need improvement.
8. Start making college visits: There's no better way to form an opinion about a potential college than to spend time on campus. When you visit, be prepared to ask questions. And trust your instincts. If a college feels wrong, don't try to talk yourself into it. (You're not likely to change your mind.) But if it feels right, plan to visit a second time next year, and spend the night or visit classes.
9. Start thinking about finances: Find college financial aid forms online and talk with your parents about their requirements. Start exploring local scholarship possibilities. Confirm your Social Security number. Understand that colleges are very expensive, and are getting more so. But there are lots of ways to help ease the burden, and identifying them shouldn't be just left up to your parents.
10. Start broadening your horizons: You'll almost certainly hear stories about students who had 4.0 GPAs and near-perfect test scores who got turned down by the selective colleges of their choice. And those stories are probably true. Because there are more students applying to more colleges today (you happen to be at a peak in the student population curve) the competition to get into elite schools is brutal. But there are some 3,000 four-year colleges and universities in the United States and the majority accept half their applicants or more. There are a lot of colleges, including many in New England, that are well worth investigating.
And five don'ts for high school juniors:
1. Don't worry about classmates who seem to be further along in this process than you are. It's not a race.
2. Don't worry too much about picking a college major. Most students have little idea or what they want to major in, even as college freshman.
3. Don't throw away current class work, especially the papers you're proud of. You may be asked to submit one with your college application.
4. Don't let the student tour guides be too influential. There can be great tour guides at colleges that may not be a good fit for you, and dreadful guides at colleges that could be ideal.
5. Don't be too influenced by name brands. They are generally the most difficult to get into, while some colleges you may never have heard of could be exactly right. Great education can happen in lots of places. And more often than not, the deciding factor will be you.
Brian Vachon is a member of the State Board of Education and a consultant who works with high school students on the college admissions process.
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