Preparing for college can feel overwhelming, but starting early gives you a major advantage. Whether it’s researching schools, mapping out your academic path, or building a standout application, early planning sets the stage for success. With the right steps, preparing for college doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be a rewarding journey that leads you toward your future goals.
Map Out Your High School Path
Although it may seem counterintuitive, the best place to begin preparing for college is by planning your high school experience. With the help of your counselor and family, map out your courses and set goals for your academic path. If you’re strong in math, for example, aim to take honors geometry or enroll in Pre-calculus early. This way, by junior and senior year, you can be in the highest-level math courses available at your school.
Beyond academics, start exploring your interests and gradually increase your involvement in your current extracurricular activities. When exploring extracurricular activities, consider how they align with your interests and long-term goals. Be an active member of your clubs and teams—offer to run a meeting, plan an event, or ask your coach for extra practice. If there isn’t a club that aligns with your interests, consider starting your own. Colleges love self-starters!
As you progress through high school, it’s also important to build strong relationships with teachers, faculty, and other mentors in your life. You can build these relationships by actively engaging in class, seeking feedback, and showing genuine interest in their subjects. When the time comes, these connections will lead to thoughtful, personalized recommendation letters.
Don’t worry if your interests or plans shift over time—that’s completely normal and expected. Using the earlier example, you may find that by senior year, your passion for math has faded, and the BC Calculus class you planned on taking feels less appealing. That’s okay! Adjusting your schedule and extracurriculars along the way is perfectly normal. The key is to start with a general plan to avoid missing important opportunities, even if your path evolves.
Standardized Tests: Know What to Expect
Standardized tests like the ACT and SAT often play a key role in college admissions, although their importance varies by school. Familiarize yourself with the test requirements of your target colleges early. Some may require specific subject tests or prefer one test over the other.
Consider creating a test prep plan during your sophomore or junior year to give yourself plenty of time to improve your scores. Resources like practice tests, test prep books, and tutoring services can help you excel. If your scores don’t meet your target, you’ll still have time to retake the test and achieve a competitive score.
Pro College Application Tip: Many schools have adopted test-optional policies, but submitting strong scores can still enhance your application, especially if your GPA or extracurriculars don’t align with your top-choice school’s profile.
Research Colleges That Fit You
Now that you’ve started building your academic foundation and extracurricular involvement, it’s time to dive into your initial college research and develop a list of schools that spark your interest.
There are countless resources available to help students discover colleges and universities that align with their goals. When researching, consider factors like academic programs, social life, and campus setting. Do you want to attend a school across the country, or would you prefer being close enough to visit home on the weekends? Are you competitive in terms of GPA and test scores for a school with a 15% acceptance rate, or would a state school with a less selective admissions process be a better fit? When researching, consider each school’s financial aid policies to understand what you can afford.
Each student’s college priorities will be different. One student might be drawn to a college because of its vibrant campus culture, while another may be attracted to the same school for its renowned animal science program. College research should feel exciting, not scary!
At this stage in your college prep, begin drafting a list of schools you plan to apply to. If possible, arrange campus visits or attend virtual information sessions hosted by the schools on your list. Although not all schools track demonstrated interest, attending these events is a great way to familiarize yourself with the school’s vibe, learn more about their admissions process, and determine if the school is still a good fit for you.
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Summer Before Senior Year
The summer before senior year is the ideal time to finalize your college list and begin preparing your application materials. Use this time to decide exactly which schools you’ll apply to, note the application deadlines, and gather all of your additional application materials. The earlier you write your personal statement and any supplemental essays, the more stress-free your senior year will be when it comes time to submit applications.
The summer before senior year is also the perfect time to retake the ACT or SAT if needed, ensuring that your scores are ready before you submit your applications. While not every college requires test scores, a competitive score can improve your chances of admission at many schools.
Additionally, the summer is ideal for beginning to think about the cost of college. Start your scholarship search as soon as possible! StudyLab offers hundreds of scholarship opportunities that can help ease a student’s tuition costs. As you think about cost, research the financial aid processes at the schools on your list. Familiarize yourself with the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and begin compiling the information you’ll need to complete these forms.
Prepped for College
With these college application tips and financial aid planning in mind, you’re set to tackle the admissions process with confidence and clarity. You’ve planned, organized, researched, written, and completed countless important tasks throughout this process. The skills you’ve developed—time management, organization, and critical thinking—will be invaluable as you move forward, both in your college applications and during your time in college. While the transition to college may come with challenges, your careful preparation ensures you’ll hit the ground running and make the most of your college experience.
To explore more college prep resources and information, check out these other great blog posts!
- Learn how to stand out on your college application and impress college admissions.
- Are the ACT and SAT going away? Find out in this blog post!
- Get ahead in your education with college credit opportunities. Check out the 10 ways to get college credit.
If you’re feeling stuck or want personalized guidance to make the most of your college prep journey, Premium Prep is here to help. Schedule a free consultation with Premium Prep College Counseling and discover how their expert counselors can tailor a plan to your unique needs, goals, and dreams.
This blog post was originally published by Premium Prep College Counseling: “The Ultimate Guide to Starting College Prep in High School“
