07 Aug Road Map for August: Class of 2020

As you gear up for a busy year, it’s particularly important to set goals and prioritize.  For most colleges your grades in core academic subjects are the most important factor in admissions, so school should come first.  This is also the year of standardized testing, and your activities may present opportunities to grow by taking on a leadership role or focusing on a special project or goal.  Take some time to reflect on what you hope to accomplish this year and plan for how you’ll do it.

One good way to plan for the year is simply to take stock.  Update your resume to include your summer activities and consider creating accounts in the Common Application and Coalition Application to enter your personal information, activities and recent accomplishments.  Then think about what you’d like to be able to add to your list throughout the year, and the steps that will involve.

It’s also a good idea to get organized for time-consuming activities like test prep and campus tours. Call a family meeting to look at the calendar for the year ahead and note relevant dates like standardized tests and college fairs, activities such as athletics or the school play that may keep you busy for a longer stretch, as well as family commitments and school breaks.  Then figure out your available time for travel and any other college-related events you can plan for in advance.

To learn more about what you can do this year to be ready for college admissions, save the date for my September 20th event, College Admissions: A Road Map for 11th and 12 Grade Students, at 6:30 pm at the Hill Center.  Online registration will be coming soon, or you can email me to RSVP.