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!

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Researching and Visiting Colleges During Covid

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Campus Close-Up: Oberlin College and Conservatory - Oberlin, Ohio