College Readiness Essentials

College Prep 101: Essential Guidance for Freshman Year Success

For numerous high school students and their families, the journey towards college can feel overwhelming, akin to carrying a heavy burden. According to the Plano Senior High School website, the college admissions process often appears daunting without sufficient planning and careful consideration.

A great starting point for this endeavor is the high school guidance office, which is rich in college-related resources. In addition to onsite counselors, many high schools also provide online information along with links to valuable websites. For instance, the Plano Senior High School website presents an extensive range of advice, stating that “the college admissions process begins well before one’s senior year.” It advises students to research specific college admission requirements and expectations, including:

The number and types of class credits required
Required state and national exams, including SAT & Subject Tests, ACT, Texas State Assessments of Academic Readiness—End-of-course assessments for English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History (STARR EOC), and Texas State Initiative (TSI)—an assessment to evaluate students’ basic skills in reading, mathematics, and writing, alongside development to enhance weak areas
Whether entrance essays are necessary
If teacher recommendations are requested
The importance of school participation and extracurricular activities
The significance of community service involvement
Financial obligations and availability of financial aid
Key application dates and deadlines

The website also includes a timeline for college planning geared towards juniors and seniors with specific instructions aligned with the school’s procedures.

Advisors and university representatives agree that the best strategy for coping with what can be a chaotic process is to breathe deeply and begin planning well in advance. Sherry Nowak, a college planning counselor based in Indiana, encourages students to start consulting with their school counselors as early as eighth grade. She urges incoming high school freshmen to create a curriculum plan that allows for timely scheduling of prerequisite courses to pave the way for more challenging classes. “The earlier, the better,” Nowak contends. “While many don’t feel the need for a private college counselor, it’s essential to form a plan early to prevent missed opportunities.”

Alyssa, an Admissions Representative, Student Ambassador, and sophomore at the University of Texas, Austin, advises high school students to challenge themselves with advanced courses, such as honors or AP classes, and to engage in extracurricular activities. “It’s more beneficial to select one or a few activities and be significantly involved rather than to overextend yourself and miss out on leadership experiences.” Her additional recommendations for high school students consist of:

Balancing academic and personal time to prepare for effective time management in college
Putting in effort, as universities favor an upward trend in grades from freshman to senior year
Consulting with a guidance counselor during junior year to explore college options
Dedicating significant effort during junior year, which is crucial!

Regarding scholarships, Alyssa mentions that policies vary by institution. “UT automatically evaluates students for academic and athletic scholarships upon application during their senior year.” However, she notes that private scholarships often have earlier deadlines.

For a structured approach, the SAT website provides a comprehensive timeline that outlines necessary actions starting from freshman year. Students usually take the SAT in their junior or senior year of high school. Approximately half of all students take the SAT two times—once during their junior year in spring and again in fall of their senior year, commonly experiencing improved scores on their second attempt.

The SAT also offers Subject Tests™, which some universities require. Although students generally take these tests towards the end of their junior year or at the start of their senior year, it’s recommended to take tests like Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics, and World History soon after completing the corresponding classes. Students usually perform better in language subjects after completing two years of study.

Refer to the SAT’s Comprehensive High School Timeline!

Good Life Family reached out to local high school juniors and seniors to gather their college preparation tips for underclassmen. Here are their insights:

“It’s never too early to start exploring college options! As a freshman, it may seem like college is a far-off event, but suddenly you’ll find yourself in junior year preparing for your ACT/SAT. I recommend visiting campuses of your top choices during the summer before junior year. Virtual tours are also a great alternative.”

– Emily Wood, Junior, Plano West Senior High School.

“Reflecting on my college application experience, my main advice is to have all applications completed before senior year kicks off. While some colleges don’t accept applications until the school year starts, you can prepare them in advance. Since many colleges use the Common Application Form, you’ll soon find different schools require varied information, including different essay prompts. It’s easier to work on applications when you’re not tied up in classes all day. Submitting applications early gives you the advantage of receiving acceptance letters sooner, which is quite rewarding.”

– Mason Buncher, Senior, Plano West Senior High School. Plans to attend Auburn University or The University of Oklahoma.

Utilize college matching platforms like Parchment.com and CollegeBoard.org. This will narrow down potential schools that suit your preferences, allowing you to assess your academic fit.
Maintain a comprehensive list of your extracurricular activities and resume boosters to ensure nothing goes uncredited when applying to colleges.
Start taking practice tests for the SAT and ACT early to evaluate your current standing and set realistic goals for senior year.
Keep track of admission essay topics as they arise, and actively seek out opportunities to develop leadership and educational experiences.

– Austin Bennett, Junior, Plano West Senior High School.

“Begin contemplating your future path and the type of colleges appealing to you (big, small, private, public, etc.). Start building your resume and documenting your activities now. It’s difficult to recall everything when you are a senior, and colleges appreciate a diverse range of experiences. A key takeaway for me throughout the college application journey has been to apply early, regardless of the deadline. Submitting in the fall, even if the deadline isn’t until January, alleviates stress as the deadline approaches.”

– Kayla Mykeloff, Senior, Prince of Peace Christian School & Early Learning Center. Plans to attend Hillsdale College in Michigan.

“While it’s crucial to genuinely express your personality through your application, creativity plays a vital role. Approaching the application process in a way that reflects your character and interests is essential, but creative elements can elevate your application, distinguishing you from your peers. The more distinct your application is, the greater your chances of being noticed and ultimately accepted.”

– Sepand Abootorab, Senior, Prince of Peace Christian School & Early Learning Center. Plans to attend St. John’s University in New York City.