What should a Junior do in March 2023 for Upcoming College Applications?
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
by Tony T.
With several months to go for the 2023-2024 college application season, it is the time for high school juniors to prepare for this overwhelming experience. IvyBoost would like to advise several tips for this important process:
- Focus on your academic performance: Colleges will look at your grades and the ones from junior year are the most important to prove yourself. If you feel a particular subject is challenging, take actions early to study more on it or consider getting a tutor.
- Prepare and take the AP Exams: There is no SAT Subject Test anymore, but colleges may refer to your AP exam results to see your subject strength and your ability to handle rigorous courses. AP exams will take place in the first two weeks in May every year. You may want to prepare these tests well in advance, and to finish your finals of the semester strong as well.
- Achieve in extracurricular activities: You may have been joining activities in your interest. Now it is the time to have achievements or leadership from those activities, which can include sports, clubs, community service, or other activities.
- Join a meaningful summer program: What you do in the final summer of your high school says a lot about who you are and what you want to do in the future.
- Prepare for standardized tests: If you have not taken SAT or ACT, now you may want to take it in August or October. For students who don’t have AP Exams, you may also consider taking it in May or June.
- Start researching colleges: Begin researching colleges that interest you and make a list of the schools you would like to apply to. Consider factors such as location, size, majors offered, and cost.
- Visit colleges: Visit colleges that interest you to get a sense of what campus life is like. You should attend information sessions and tours to learn more about the school. The spring break, the summer, and even early fall are all good time to visit.
- Start thinking about essays: Many colleges require essays as part of the application process. College essays take long time to come up with good ideas. Now it is the time to think about topics that you could write about.
Remember, preparing for college admissions is a process that takes time and effort. By starting early and staying focused, you can improve your chances of getting into the college of your choice.
IvyBoost provides one-stop college counseling including planning, application, college essays, financial aid and scholarship, etc. Visit ivyboost.com to book a free counseling session.