Getting ahead – thinking about college now

I know this is a weird year, and without the usual milestones of PSAT, SAT, and college visits in many parts of the country, I think college seems intangible to a lot of high schoolers. Completing college applications and going through the process is so much more than checking boxes and filling out forms. As I tell my clients, the college application process is really about storytelling. Who are you? What are your interests? What will you add to a new community? What courses you choose, how you spend your time outside of school, and what your interests are all contribute to this. Have you taken time to reflect on these things? The writing portion of applications is the most time consuming part (and weighted more heavily this year without test scores being part of the equation at many schools) and is a way for you to express your values and beliefs.
Just like each student, each college has its own personality-looking at a wide range of schools and taking in factors such as affordability, student body size, campus culture, and academic opportunities takes time.
Do you have a plan to prepare for college applications? The application process is an exciting time, and dare I say fun, when students are able to do it over time and aren’t rushed. The sooner you get started, the more enjoyable it will be.