As deadlines approache, more TJ seniors begin to feel the pressure of applying to college.
Spartans must create a checklist for all the necessary steps to attending the college of their dreams.
Going into high school, students should become aware of what post secondary education they would like to pursue. Freshman and sophomore year are critical with keeping grades up along with taking placement tests and accuplacers to see where a student stacks up on important tests such as the ACT or SAT.
Starting junior year, students want to be attentive to the schools that fit their academic abilities. Inevitably, Junior year grades are crucial to college admissions, as it can indicate growth a student has shown over the high school career. Preparing to take the ACT in April of junior year and the SAT anytime throughout the year, and visiting schools will help narrow the selection process and find the best fit for what interests a student has.
“Letters of Recommendation are the most important part of the college application process, because it gives the opinions of other people, including teachers about who you are as a person. It can help distinguish a student from other candidates,” states Senior Benjamin Smiley. Entering Senior year, a student will want to create a list of safe schools (these are schools in which students know to the best of their knowledge that with their grades and test scores they meet the requirements for admissions), priority schools (schools they’re capable of getting into), and stretch schools (schools that they are unlikely to get into or they are on the border of admissions). On average they want this list to be a total of 4-6 schools.
“Visiting schools is very critical in the application process. While there you can get a glimpse of what college life would be and whether it’s a good fit for you. Knowing information on your transcript, can really help your decision making as it reflects who you are as a student,” said Senior Jeremy Albright. Looking at majors the school offers, their campus life, graduation rates, tuition, location, and connections are important factors that all students should take into effect.
With schools in mind, the student should now research the application for the specific schools and requirements that are needed for admissions. “Making sure students advocate with the college is critical. Students staying in touch with admissions and the financial aid offices along with submitting the application on time will help,” states TJ Future Center representative Tabitha Rocha.
Discussing with the counselor if they are on track will determine what type of school it right for the students. If needed, retaking the ACT or SAT may improve the student’s chances of getting into a “stretch school” if they are on the border. “Making sure you have all the correct information on the application is important because it can affect if you are admitted or not,” expressed TJ Senior Victoria Wallace.
Filling out the college application, students will see an area to input letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors. Finding out the tuition and fees for that school along with scholarships available can be demanding on families to pursue the best option financially. Applying for FAFSA (Free Application For Student Aid) will improve students’ economic options and gives them more freedom when making a decision. This aid is given out to students who meet the requirements financially. Students should Investigate scholarships for schools they will be applying to, as well as ones that can be used at numerous schools.
Rocha believes one of the most important aspects of the college application process is the essays schools require for admission. The essays that are given can include a multitude of subjects, as they are likely to get the student out of their comfort zones and find out who they are as a people.
“Truly being able to sell yourself in the personal essay section will show the reader who you really are, and if you’ll be a great addition to the university and its community,” explains TJ alumni Ivory Allen. The essays help the college admissions officer get to know the student as a person and a writer, and can help distinguish individuals from other candidates.
“Applying early is crucial because colleges make decisions early instead of waiting for the regular rush. Notifying your counselor of the completed application, so transcripts can be sent, will help with the early action process where you have a better shot of getting in,” says TJ Counselor Erin Thompson.
By taking in all this information and using it to their advantage, students are bound to be on their way to receiving a college acceptance letter.
