What you should be doing now: College Planning in the Age of Covid
Through all the changes during the past year due to COVID-19, grades and rigor of the curriculum are still the most important in the holistic college admissions process. Do what you can do, be creative and open-minded, and make sure to practice self-care (see recommended College Data article below).
Here are some goalposts for each grade to get you on the roadmap to college and stay on track.
If you are a Freshman or Sophomore/9th or 10th grade:
Establish strong study habits
Choose challenging courses and strive for good grades
Meet with your high school college counselor to plan courses and activities
Participate in extracurricular activities that explore and develop your interests
Attend college and career fairs (virtual for now)
Take every opportunity to improve your writing skills.
Sophomores: if you are taking an AP course, take the AP test in May (if possible)
Consider attending a summer academic or music program
Read whenever you can and be aware of local, national, global issues
If you are a Junior/11th grade
Keep up your grades
Start a college list – what are the important criteria for you?
Research college choices and visit colleges (virtually for now)
Meet with your high school counselor
Take the PSAT (if possible - normally given in October)
Take every opportunity to improve your writing skills
Follow your interests in your activities, building skills and demonstrating commitment; aim for leadership roles
Plan summer activities such as research, internship, music festival, a job, community service, independent project
Take the SAT or ACT (spring) and/or AP tests (May) – if possible
Ask teachers to write a letter of recommendation (end of the school year)
Start brainstorming your essays and writing in the summer
Music students: talk with your teacher about audition requirements and preparation
If you are a Senior/12th grade
You are on the homestretch of this marathon, so stay on track. Most likely, nearly all of your applications have been submitted and the waiting game begins. Keep engaged in your classes, activities, and improving time management skills – all of which will be important when you start college in the fall!
Food for Thought during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Check out these recent articles!
Ten ways to keep the college planning process moving forward during the pandemic. - The College Data Resource
The Coronavirus May Change College Admissions Forever by Frank Bruni, The New York Times. The author of the New York Times best-selling book “Where You Go is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania” speculates on the ways that the pandemic will affect college admissions. Casting away the “dumb rules” has its advantages!
Didn’t get enough financial aid for college? You can ask for more money. - Elissa Nadworthy of NPR writes on what parents can do regarding financial aid awards this year.
What Students Should Look for in Choosing a College. Isabel Roche, the former Dean of Bennington College, weighs in on the four most important factors for selecting a college. There is truth to her statement that “Students can get an excellent education at many schools.”