GOALS
It’s here! Here’s how it’s going to roll:
– For a couple months, you are buried in the hardest course load, possibly retaking standardized tests, and reaching as far as possible with your extracurriculars and for any possible awards or honors. Strap in!
– ON TOP OF THAT, you will finalize your application strategy, write your 650-word personal statement, and start the flood of supplementary essays that come with applying to selective schools.
– You will like choose to apply Early Decision (and possibly Early Action) to a school or schools. More on that in a blog post to come, but meanwhile Google and ChatGPT can tell you all. Usually November 1.
– You will prepare to apply to a slew of schools by Regular Decision deadline, which is usually the first few days of January.

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Note: I hold monthly group calls for anyone to ask questions or share where they are in their process. Contact me to be put on the email list for the links.

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September
Classes and Grades
1) Still critical! Read 11th Grade blog post for September.

SATs and ACTs
Selective schools are increasingly moving to test-required. Be ready! Scores are IMPORTANT. Learn now how much you need to study for the spring tests.
1) If your scores aren’t in the range of the schools you are targeting, you should have already been studying like a madperson. Register for SAT and/or ACT test for September, October, or November.

Extracurriculars – Deepen and Take on Leadership
Selective colleges want to see major leadership roles in substantive extracurriculars. Many rural schools are limited.
1) It’s late to start anything new that will be developed enough for an application, but lean in to what you have, and looks for opportunities for awards, commendations, partnerships that can further your reach. It’s not over, but rarely does it make sense to start something brand new now. Plus, you’re going to be super busy with the college research and applications.

College List and Early Decision
1) If you don’t have it, whooops! See this page for details on making that happen fast. Otherwise, continue learning about the schools on your list. Your feelings might evolve over time. Mine did. Especially get out there on Reddit and YouTube — tons of organic content, rabbit holes, but helpful.
2) Now’s the time to decide on whether (yes) to apply to a school Early Decision. This is a binding application but increases your chances of acceptance.
3) Feeling overwhelmed? For a quick assessment, drop me a note. This is important to start before the early October college fair!

DEFINE YOUR APPLICATION STRATGY, WRITE YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT, COLLECT YOUR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
It’s here. It’s time. I’m happy to talk to you about it More posts on this coming.
1) For strategy, think about two things: 1) The “two-sentence you,” how do you want the admissions officer to summarize you when done spending the 8 minutes they spend on an application, and 2) How will you use the arc of and examples from your life to illustrate that in the EC (estracurriculars) list and essay(s).
2) Also, here is a good page on the Personal Statement from the College Essay Guy. TONS of great content on his site.
3) For letters of recommendation, here’s what I didn’t know: You can and should help your counselor and teachers make them fit into your overall strategy. Write to each with a list of traits you’d like them to emphasize and even citing some specific examples you offer they might reference. Specifics help! And you can help them add the specifics.

October
College Fairs
1) This is the most critical year for college fairs! Google for any within driving distance and go meet any reps from your target or possible target schools. These reps actually, literally are the ones to read your application! IMPORTANT. Dress nicely; prepare questions for each rep. It takes time. Is worth it.
2) STARS (Small-Town and Rural Students College Network) is also now offering virtual (online) college fairs, which are really great. Click the Events button from their home page here.

WRITE YOUR EARLY DECISION APPLICATION
More detail to come on this. Meanwhile, you are welcome to contact me.

November
WRITE YOUR REGULAR DECISION APPLICATIONS
More detail to come on this. Meanwhile, you are welcome to contact me.

December
WRITE YOUR REGULAR DECISION APPLICATIONS
More detail to come on this. Meanwhile, you are welcome to contact me.

January
APPLICATIONS DUE

April
Most regular decisions are released.

May
May 1: National Candidates Reply Date – deadline to commit

YOU DID IT! HOWEVER IT WENT, NOW, ROCK THAT THING.