College admissions advice for rising juniors

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- As a rising senior in high school, I can’t pretend to be an expert on college admissions—I haven’t even sent out my own applications yet—but, with the start of the school year fast approaching, I want to take this opportunity to address rising juniors.

Junior year is often singled-out as one of—if not the most—challenging years in high school. Juniors, as you're ready to dive into another academic year, I want to leave all of you with whatever college-related advice I can to help you through your remaining high school years.

Maintain Your Focus

The pressure many students feel to do well academically junior year is not unfounded. College may seem far away as a 16-year-old when school begins this August, but junior grades are in fact vital. They are the last full year of academic work colleges will see on your application.

Hit the ground running this year by taking your classes seriously from day one. Do not hesitate to ask questions or get extra help. Your dedication will pay off later.

Keep Track of Deadlines

Academic grades are only one piece of the admissions puzzle. Keep college entrance exams in mind while planning your year.

Colleges accept either the SAT or ACT, so research both—or even consider taking each test once to determine which plays to your strengths. Both tests are offered several times throughout the year and do not have conflicting test dates.

Create a testing schedule. Many students take an exam the spring of their junior year and again in the fall of senior year. Register early to get a spot at your preferred testing site.

Not all colleges require SAT Subject Tests, but if you plan to take one or more, consider testing in May or June when course material is freshest in your mind.

The Real Expert

Choosing a college is about a lot more than which institution will eventually issue your diploma. You are picking the community you will live and interact with for the next two to four years.

This cannot be taken lightly nor can it be done for you. You are the one who will be going to college shortly. At the core of this process lies you, not your guidance counselor, parents or friends.

Because of this, it’s important to sit down and really examine yourself and your priorities. Take a couple of quizzes from college guidebooks or on college-planning websites.

As you consider your preferences—big or small, two or four years, rural or urban—think about where you will thrive.

Trust yourself. You’ve known you for over 16 years now. Let your values and priorities help you identify the best type of school.

Make a List

Once you have identified what it is you’re looking for in a school, start researching colleges that fit your criteria.

Use your resources: guidebooks, college fairs, college websites, friends, family and guidance counselors are all good sources for college ideas.

This is by no means a finalized list. It is a list of ideas, a wide range of colleges to investigate in the coming months.

Your college list will be edited and refined through research. View college websites, talk with alumni or current students or go on campus visits.

Pursue Your Interests

There is a lot to keep in mind junior year, and you can’t ignore the college process, but it’s important not to let it consume you life. Join clubs, sports and other extracurriculars because you truly want to, not to pad your college resume.

Applying to college should not be some arms race of AP classes, leadership positions and summer programs. Your application must reflect who you are, your true interests and passions. It is this genuine engagement with and love for what you do that will distinguish you.

The person on paper who is accepted at a school should reflect who you really are to help you find the college that is the best fit.