Updated: Monday, September 30, 2024
The college process can feel overwhelming, especially when students get a late start. From compiling a best-fit list to writing essays, there are many steps in the college application process. Consequently, we always encourage students to start early and build executive functioning skills that will serve them throughout college and beyond. While high school is undoubtedly a crucial time, there are several steps students and families can take to start preparing long before ninth grade.
Families should keep in mind that the college process is a marathon, not a sprint. Instead of waiting until junior year to begin test preparation and touring, it’s often best to build up to these components of the admissions process. While students in middle school probably won’t be drafting their personal statements, there is still work that can be done to set students up for success. Students should be encouraged to be their authentic selves and to start developing a love of learning. From independent reading to exploring topics that interest them, build the foundation for a strong academic career by encouraging curiosity.
In college admissions, we often discuss the idea of best-fit colleges, or schools that align with your students’ personal, social, and academic needs. As opposed to focusing on “name brand” colleges that are known for their selectivity, students should prioritize identifying colleges where they feel like they can thrive. This concept of personal fit isn’t limited to college admissions; the same principles apply to choosing a middle school or high school. It can often be helpful to work with a school placement counselor to determine the type of academic environment that best aligns with your students’ needs and goals.
Students shouldn’t wait until high school to start building strong study habits. Since admissions officer review every year on a students’ high school transcript, it’s important to make sure students are set up for academic success on day one of high school. By middle school, families should start to encourage their students to become more self-reliant and practice time management skills. This can include building out a calendar to stay on top of homework deadlines and setting aside time for weekly study sessions. Additionally, students should begin building their own relationships with their teachers and get in the habit of reaching out to instructors when they have questions or need clarification.
In addition to building academic skills, students should get a head-start on exploring their interests and passions. Admissions officers are looking for applicants who have “specialized” in a small handful of activities that they are truly passionate about. Even before high school, students can begin discovering the fields that interest them most. Encourage students to try a variety of different activities that relate to their passions. For example, a student who loves art may wish to explore photography, painting, and sculpture classes to get a sense of which medium they might choose to further explore throughout high school and beyond.
While there are certainly many steps within the college admissions process, that doesn’t mean students and families need to feel overwhelmed. In fact, the college admissions process can be an exciting period of self-discovery, especially if students and families begin well in advance. If you’re looking to get a head-start on college admissions and develop executive functioning skills, our team of experts can provide guidance throughout your journey.
For current seniors, the college application process is in full swing. It’s so important to have perspective when going through the admissions journey, which is why we’ve reached out to one of our own students, Alyssa, to share some advice for future applicants.
Setting goals is a great way to motivate yourself to achieve something that’s meaningful to you. And if getting into college is a major goal, then you can break it down into smaller, more manageable steps related to academic performance and expanding your knowledge in areas of interest. These two go together, and both are important for college admissions.
Navigating college life can be both exhilarating and challenging — and the challenges may be compounded for individuals with disabilities. Fortunately, most colleges and universities are committed to being inclusive, offering a myriad of campus resources tailored to support students with diverse needs. Learn more about campus programs and resources that can help disabled students thrive academically and personally.
Students interested in going to school in New York City often prioritize two colleges: New York University (NYU) and Columbia University. Although these institutions are located in the same metropolitan area, New York City, there are several key differences between them.
