Answer:
Information and Resources for Students and Parents
College applications: words that strike fear in the hearts of many high school juniors and seniors. But students need not tremble and break out into a sweat. While the college application process will always be associated with some stress, the more you know about it, the better you will manage and the more likely you are to achieve your higher education goals. With that in mind, this guide helps demystify the college application and admissions process. Get information and resources to help you conquer each step of the process, from start to finish.
Application Timeline
The college admissions process starts long before the first application is submitted. Even though it might seem early, students can and should begin thinking about where they want to go to college, what they want to study, and how they plan to get there once they start high school. Review these tips for freshman through senior year to ensure you cover all your bases before you send your applications for review.
Research and Self-Reflection
Picking the right college starts long before the application process and requires students to think critically and carefully about the type of experience they want while in college and what they want to do after college. Before even beginning an application, students need to reflect and consider the big picture. A few questions that prospective applicants should ask themselves include:
*Why do I want to go to college?
*What do I want to do after college?
*If I don’t know what I want to do after college, *what subjects have I enjoyed in high school? *Could any of them turn into a major or career?
*What are my strengths, weaknesses, and personal interests, and, knowing these, what could be possible majors to pursue?
*In what type of environment do I learn best? (E.g. smaller classes with more personalized instruction from professors or large auditoriums where I can do my own thing?)
*What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a college? (E.g. Cost? Community? Ranking? Location? A specific degree program or department?)
After considering these questions, students should consult with parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and academic advisors to ensure they are on the right path for achieving their college goals. Students should also start researching prospective colleges by visiting school websites, requesting information packets, and attending college fairs.
