The post Planning Your College Visit first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Here is why you can’t take the foot off the gas entering your senior year as it relates to class schedule and rigor: 

Colleges want to see more than the bare minimum 

The first reason is that colleges will see your course selections for your senior year. In fact, you will have to list them right there on the Common Application. More than likely, your transcript will also reflect the courses in which you are enrolled. If these are not listed on the transcript, your counselor will likely let the admissions office know in some other fashion. So, you can’t really hide. 

Admissions officers do care about your senior year courses. They are looking for students who challenge themselves, who are interested in their own learning, and who pick senior year courses that push them to be their best. Colleges want curious students who are academically interested–as well as talented. 

Colleges are also not looking for students who do just the bare minimum. There is a big difference between what your high school requires for graduation and what colleges would like to see from you. After all, colleges are “schools”, and they want to see how you take advantage of your educational opportunities. 

College admissions officers want to see course rigor in 12th grade 

In your senior year, you need to be taking the most rigorous schedule possible. Admissions officers will be looking closely at 12th grade course rigor as they review college applications so plan carefully. If you’ve taken one AP in Junior year, now is the time to take two APs. If you’ve taken two APs junior year, now is the time to take three APs. You get the idea. 

Some seniors are even taking five APs. Of course, if you had an extremely difficult time in junior year with two APs, it’s advisable to stick with only a handful of AP classes for your senior year. The key is to not decrease the number of your rigorous courses. Colleges want to see that you continue to challenge yourself each year. 

Which is better: taking easier courses and boost your GPA, or taking more rigorous courses and risk a perfect GPA? Read our blog post on the subject.   

Your education starts today 

It amazes me that kids (and sometimes their parents) will talk about the importance of college and proceed sign up for “student assistantships” and take extra periods off during their senior year of high school in order to relax. Well, high school may, indeed, be winding down, but your education is just beginning. And for most students (and parents), high school is free. College is not free. So why would you pass up the opportunity to advance your education during high school and potentially go into debt to take courses in college that you should have taken in high school? 

I sometimes hear kids say, “I am not going to take calculus this year because I’ve already completed all the math requirements, and I’m just going to have to take it in college for my math/economics/engineering major anyway. So, I’m going to hang out with my friends while I still can.” 

This approach is completely wrong. Sure, you may have to take–or retake–calculus in college. But taking it in high school can give you an advantage later. If you do well in the AP Calculus BC course, then you might not even have to take it in college. In fact, you may get credit for the course in college if you do well enough on the exam. That could save you (and your parents) several thousands of dollars. Even if you end up retaking it in college, your early preparation may make it possible to ace that college course, thereby raising your college GPA.  

Summary: Your Senior Year Class Schedule Matters for College Admissions 

High school is your education. It isn’t just a holding pen for college-bound students. It’s an opportunity to learn. And isn’t that why you’re going to college…to learn? Take full advantage of the educational opportunities you have today. Don’t fritter away your senior year. Get out there and learn stuff! 

Need more help in preparing for college and choosing the right senior year courses? 

If you’re thinking about the college process and feeling unsure about how you should plan, you might want to reach out to the expert college counselors at Great College Advice.  We not only can help you prepare and take advantage of all your opportunities in high school, but we can help you select the right colleges to apply to and guide you through the entire application process.  If you’d like to learn more, please give us a call or contact us here.  We’d be happy to provide a complimentary consultation to learn more about you! 

The post What Classes Should You Take in 12th Grade?  first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

9th Grade: Building the Foundation 

Freshman year focuses on making a successful transition to high school while laying groundwork for college preparation. Key priorities include: 

• Academics: Adapt to high school’s increased academic rigor and establish strong study habits. While freshman grades typically carry less weight in college admissions, maintaining a strong GPA sets a positive trajectory. 

• Course Selection: Begin taking honors classes in strong subject areas to demonstrate academic potential. Work with counselors to plan a challenging yet manageable course load. 

• Extracurricular Exploration: Try various activities to discover genuine interests. This is the ideal time to sample different clubs, sports, and organizations without pressure to commit long-term. 

• Summer Planning: Use summer break productively through jobs, volunteer work, academic programs, or pursuit of personal interests. Focus on activities that combine learning with enjoyment. 

10th Grade: Gaining Momentum 

Sophomore year is about refining academic and extracurricular focus while beginning standardized test preparation. Priority areas include: 

• Academic Excellence: Maintain strong grades while increasing course rigor through AP, IB, or honors classes as appropriate. GPA from sophomore and junior years receives particular scrutiny from admissions officers. 

• Extracurricular Focus: Start narrowing down activities to those that genuinely interest you, seeking leadership opportunities where possible. Quality of involvement matters more than quantity. 

• Standardized Testing: Take the PSAT for practice. While scores don’t count officially, these provide valuable exposure to test formats and help identify areas for improvement. 

• College Exploration: Begin general college research – consider preferences regarding size, location, and academic programs. Attend local college fairs and visit nearby campuses to get a feel for different environments. 

11th Grade: The Critical Year 

Junior year is widely considered the most important for college admissions, with multiple critical components: 

• Academics: This is the last complete year of grades colleges will see on your application. Take the most challenging course load manageable while maintaining strong grades. 

• Test Preparation: Take SAT/ACT in your fall or spring semester. Consider summer retakes if needed. Many students do test prep during fall/winter to prepare. 

• College Research: Intensify college exploration through campus visits, virtual tours, and information sessions. Begin developing a balanced list of reach, target, and likely (safety) schools. 

• Teacher Relationships: Build strong relationships with teachers who might write recommendation letters. Request letters in spring semester before senior year rush. 

• Leadership Roles: Seek leadership positions in extracurricular activities. Demonstrate increasing responsibility and impact in chosen areas. 

• Summer Planning: Use summer strategically for meaningful experiences like internships, academic programs, or significant community service projects. 

12th Grade: Bringing It All Together 

Senior year focuses on completing and submitting applications while maintaining academic performance: 

• Early Planning: Begin application work summer before senior year. Create a detailed timeline of deadlines for early decision/action and regular decision applications. 

• Application Components: Complete all application materials in addition to your essays including:  

• • Common App or other application platforms;
  • Essays: Draft and refine personal statement and supplemental essays. Your essays should not be a summary of your accomplishments but rather a story that allows you to reflect on how you have grown as a person. Allow plenty of time for multiple revisions and feedback;
  • Letters of recommendation;
  • Activity lists and resume;
  • Portfolios or additional materials as required 

• Financial Aid: Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile early to maximize aid opportunities. Research and apply for scholarships. 

• Maintain Performance: Continue strong academic performance; colleges will see final transcripts (“senior slide” can jeopardize admission). 

• Decision Management: Track application status, meet deadlines, and carefully evaluate acceptance and financial aid offers before making final decisions. 

The college admissions process requires careful planning and sustained effort across all four years of high school. Success comes from building progressively: establishing strong academic foundations in 9th grade, focusing interests in 10th grade, maximizing opportunities in 11th grade, and executing applications effectively in 12th grade. While the process can seem daunting, breaking it down into grade-level priorities makes it more manageable and helps ensure students present their strongest possible applications to colleges. 

Need some assistance with the college admissions process? 

This high school college admissions timeline contains recommendations to stay on track and take control of the college planning process. However, if you feel as though you need some personal guidance so that you can blaze your trail toward college success, please contact us for a free consultation. The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. We provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun.

The post The College Admissions Lifecycle: A Guide Through High School first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

9th grade is an exciting time as hopefully you have made a smooth transition to high school and found a comfortable balance between your academics, extracurriculars, and social life. As you gain more confidence and continue to explore classes and activities that excite you, here are areas to focus on that will help you down the road in the college admissions process entering your second semester of 9th grade.  

Finish 9th grade strong in terms of GPA 

9th grade is a big transition, and it may take at least a semester to adjust to the higher expectations of high school. Do not be overly concerned if your first semester freshman grades are a bit lower than expected. Most colleges weigh freshman year grades less than 10th and 11th grade GPA, and some colleges do not factor 9th grade GPA at all in their college admissions decisions. But, this doesn’t give you an excuse to relax as most selective colleges will at least peek at your freshman grades. In the spring semester, focus on improving your GPA by spending more time on those classes that proved more challenging in your first semester. If you’re struggling and falling behind, ask your teachers for additional help. If you need help figuring out how to study efficiently, check out this website called Study Hacks for tips and ideas from Cal Newport.  

In addition to your overall high school GPA, admission officers analyze your GPA trend by semester and year so look to improve, if possible, your spring semester 9th grade GPA relative to your first semester. As grades are generally regarded as the top factor in gaining admission to college, continue to make studying your primary focus in 9th grade.    

Aim for course rigor as you plan your 10th grade class schedule 

As you strive to improve your GPA in the second semester of 9th grade, begin to think about your 10th grade courses. As you begin to strategize your sophomore year course schedule, keep in mind that your 10th and 11th grade GPA and course rigor will be the most scrutinized by college admissions officers. Plan to take as many rigorous classes as possible, including AP and honors courses, while striving to maintain that balance of a high GPA. Work with your high school counselor to make sure you’re not taking on too much but that you’re also challenging yourself.  

Get involved in extracurricular activities 

9th grade is the ideal time to explore all the different extracurricular activities your high school has to offer as well as beginning to look at opportunities outside school. Your freshman and sophomore years of high school are the time to try new activities, whether it be sports-related, speech and debate, mock trial, math club, robotics, or theater. You may be surprised what new pursuits grab your attention. As you move along in high school, continue with those extracurricular interests that engage you and give you a sense of accomplishment. It’s not what you do: it’s how well you do it. Commitment and achievement are more important than the volume of activities. If possible, spend time identifying ways to enhance the club or organization and bring these ideas to life. Being a participant is great, but learning to lead and make a difference outside the classroom is an accomplishment that colleges truly value.     

Begin making summer plans  

Summer is filled with endless opportunities for high school students, such as:  

• Getting a job or internship;  

• volunteering or participating in a community service program;  

• attending an academic program on a college campus;  

• playing organized sports or going to a sports camp;  

• traveling abroad or participating in a travel or adventure program;  

• participating in performing arts (i.e., community theater) or attending an arts or music camp;  

If you’re planning to work and save money for college this summer – congratulations! Having a job demonstrates commitment, responsibility, and maturity — all things that college admissions officers like to see. In terms of rounding out your summer outside of work, brainstorm ways to amplify your extracurricular activities from the list above. Make plans for the summer that will be both fun and productive. The summer may offer you a chance to pursue interests that you aren’t able to engage in during the school year or double down on those extracurriculars that you are passionate about.   

Enjoy Yourself! 

Your freshman year of high school is not a time to stress about college admissions. Find time for fun both inside and outside the classroom. Hopefully your extracurriculars bring you joy, where you get the opportunity to explore new activities while having fun with friends along the way. Also, carve out time to read outside the classroom as you get the benefit of reading being a stress reliever while you learn along the way. Put your nose in a book, whether it be science or teen fiction, non-fiction, or even comic books. Let your family know if you feel that your life is becoming too stressful. Focus on personal growth, intellectual exploration, and developing your interests. 

Ready to start the college admissions process in 9th grade?   

This to-do list contains recommendations to get you started on the right foot of the college admissions process during your freshman year of high school.  Focus on getting good grades, enjoy your extracurricular involvements, and find the right balance across all your commitments.  

If you need additional guidance with your academic, extracurricular, and summer planning, please contact us for a compliimentary consultation. The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. We provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun. 

The post College Admission Tips for 9th Grade first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

10th grade is an exciting time as you have hopefully found a nice rhythm between your academics, extracurriculars, and social life. As you gain more confidence and continue to explore classes and activities that excite you, here are areas to focus on in the college admissions process entering your second semester of 10th grade.  

Finish 10th grade strong in terms of GPA 

Grades are generally regarded as the top factor in gaining admission to college so continue to make studying your primary focus in 10th grade. Your GPA trend is also analyzed by college admission officers so look to improve, if possible, your sophomore year grades relative to your freshman GPA.  

Aim for course rigor as you draft your 11th grade schedule 

Hopefully you have been thoughtful in your course selection to this point, maintaining a strong GPA while taking challenging classes and putting in your best effort. As you begin to strategize your junior year course schedule, keep in mind that your 11th grade GPA and course rigor will be the most scrutinized by college admissions officers. Plan to take as many rigorous classes as possible, including AP and honors courses, while striving to maintain that balance of a high GPA. Work with your high school counselor to make sure you’re not taking on too much but that you’re also challenging yourself. You may want to also discuss dual enrollment options, whereby you take community college classes to earn both college and high school credits. 

Continue to refine your extracurriculars (ECs) and explore leadership roles 

Pursue those extracurricular interests that engage you and that give you a sense of accomplishment. It’s not what you do: it’s how well you do it. Commitment and achievement are more important than the volume of activities. Start bringing more focus to the activities about which you care most. These activities could be as part of the school such as academic clubs and sports or could be a passion outside of school. But, either way, focus on the interests that you truly care about and deepen your commitments to those areas. If possible, spend time identifying ways to enhance the club or organization and bring these ideas to life. Being a participant is great, but learning to lead and make a difference outside the classroom is an accomplishment that colleges truly value. Make connections with the current leaders of your organizations as you may have the opportunity in 11th grade to step into their leadership role(s).    

Develop a standardized testing plan 

Depending on your high school, you may have already taken a PSAT practice test in the fall of 10th grade and/or will be taking the PSAT 10 this spring. Either way, do not stress about these tests as they don’t count for anything. They are just your introduction to the world of standardized college tests. Using your score on this early test as a guide, begin to lay out a plan for your junior year of ACT or SAT testing. You may want to consider researching test preparation tutors or classes. Although most colleges remain test-optional post-COVID, some selective schools are beginning to require test scores again. So, plan on sitting at least once for the SAT or ACT in your junior year.   

Brainstorm what factors may be important to you in selecting a college 

While you shouldn’t necessarily start making a college list at this point, now is a good time to think about what you want from a school in general. Big or small? Urban or rural? Generous with scholarships? Lots of Greek life or none at all? There are a lot of things that you need to consider, so start thinking about them now. 

Visit colleges near you over 10th grade spring break

If you are sticking around for spring break or possibly have a few days off for February break, plan a visit to a few nearby colleges. Check out a big school vs. a small school or a public university vs. a liberal arts college. Sign up in advance through the respective admissions offices for a tour. Or, if you’re not comfortable on a formal tour, just spend some time wandering around to get a feel for the college. When you’re on campus, think about whether you can envision yourself at a school like this. By starting local and thinking more thoughtfully about what is important to you, you will be able to become more strategic when it comes to building your college list in 11th grade.   

Attend a college fair 

Also, use the second semester of your sophomore year to attend a college fair near you. Visiting college booths and talking to admissions representatives is a great way to learn more about potential colleges of interest. Introduce yourself, talk to the admissions representative, and ask questions. Visit their website and sign up for their email distribution list. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has numerous college fairs scheduled across the country beginning in late January. In the Denver area, the Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling (RMACAC) is holding its spring college fair in early March. 

Begin thinking about your summer plans  

Summer is filled with endless opportunities for high school students, such as:  

• Getting a job or internship;  

• volunteering or participating in a community service program;  

• taking college classes or attending an academic program on a college campus;  

• playing organized sports or going to a sports camp;  

• traveling abroad or participating in a travel or adventure program;  

• participating in performing arts (i.e., community theater) or attending an arts or music camp;  

If you’re planning to work and save money for college this summer – congratulations! Having a job demonstrates commitment, responsibility, and maturity — all things that college admissions officers like to see. In terms of rounding out your summer outside of work, it’s important to consider the same questions you’d ask when choosing activities for the school year: What do I enjoy doing?  What am I passionate about? How can I achieve something and/or demonstrate leadership? Additionally, keep in mind that summer may offer you a chance to pursue interests that you aren’t able to engage in during the school year.   

Build a resume or “brag sheet”  

You’ll find lots of examples online or ask your high counselor and/or family for tips on building a resume. Drafting a resume will be helpful as you brainstorm your summer plans – as you can more quickly apply to job/internship opportunities as well as academic or arts programs. Taking the time to put together a resume will also help you see your achievements halfway through your sophomore year and point out areas which could use more attention. Again, remember that the goal is excellence and achievement (i.e., quality), not simply checking off boxes on a form {i.e., quantity).   

Enjoy Yourself – 10th Grade is not a time to stress about college admissions 

Find time for fun both inside and outside the classroom. Hopefully your extracurriculars bring you joy, where you get the opportunity to pad your activities list while having fun with friends along the way. Hopefully reading is an outside the classroom activity you enjoy because you get the benefit of reading being a stress reliever while learning along the way. Let your family know if you feel that your life is becoming too stressful. The college admission process can feel overwhelming but please try to enjoy your high school experience. Focus on personal growth, intellectual exploration, and developing your interests. 

Eager to start the college admissions process in 10th grade?   

This to-do list contains recommendations to stay on track and take control of the college planning process during your sophomore year of high school. However, if you feel as though you need some personal guidance so that you can blaze your trail toward college success, please contact us for a free consultation. The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. We provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun. 

The post College Admissions: Where to Focus in the 10th Grade first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

It is also when you should carve out time in your already busy schedule to ramp up your college admission journey. At Great College Advice, our goal is to empower students to manage this in a way that works best for you. Although there is no cookie-cutter approach, here are some suggestions to accelerate the college admissions process in the second semester of your junior year of high school.  

Schedule a meeting with your high school counselor 

Many high schools will introduce college planning programs to students in the second semester of your junior year. Please attend these meetings where you can gain valuable initial insight to the college admissions process. Your high school counselor will hopefully be a great resource for questions along the way, whether it be pointing you to potential college majors, standardized test advice, local college fair details, local scholarship information, and help with high school course selection. For many colleges, a letter of recommendation from your counselor is required so schedule a 1-on-1 meeting so your counselor can learn more about you. Your high school counselor can be a great resource if you are proactive so use them! 

Plan to sit for the SAT/ACT this semester  

Spring of your junior year is the time to finalize your standardized testing plan. Although most colleges remain test optional following COVID, we recommend studying and sitting for the SAT or ACT at least once. Some of the most selective colleges have begun to once again require standardized test score submissions. Also, even though many colleges truly are test optional, your admission odds may increase with a test result above a certain threshold. In terms of which test to take, you may want to take a practice exam for each. Many test prep companies will provide free resources as well. At a minimum, we strongly recommend that you sit for your initial exam in the spring of your junior year. Your senior year of high school is going to be super busy, so don’t leave the testing until the last minute.   

Continue refining your college list 

If you were too busy studying during the first semester of junior year to begin researching colleges and majors, the second semester of your junior year is an ideal time to explore what colleges have to offer. The Fiske Guide to Colleges provides a fantastic overview of hundreds of colleges. Compile a list of schools to explore further and visit their websites to learn more. Most colleges now offer virtual tours which is a great way to learn more about majors, dorm life, athletics, dining, and the social scene. For those colleges that appeal to you, sign up to their email distribution lists. As you explore, ask yourself questions along the way. Will you be happy at a rural school, or do you want to be in the city? Do large lectures seem like the way to go, or would you rather have a school with small classes? Based on your academic interests, does this college have the major(s) that you may pursue? Can you see yourself at this school? Make a list of the attributes important to you and what colleges pique your interest. Keep in mind that you should have likely, target, and reach schools on your list—don’t just apply to one Ivy League! 

Research possible college majors 

Now is the time to explore what you want your college major to be. Identify your interests and look up online what careers and majors are associated with them. Some websites offer free tests that assess things you like and dislike and offer possible major choices, which could help you if you’re not sure where to start. You can also talk to your counselor about choices and to see if they offer a career test as well. 

Attend your local winter/spring college fair 

Also, use the second semester of your junior year to attend a college fair near you. Visiting college booths and talking to admissions representatives is a great way to learn more about potential colleges of interest. Introduce yourself, talk to the admissions representative, and ask questions. Visit their website and sign up for their email distribution list. Your high school guidance office will likely be sending out information about these fairs. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has numerous college fairs scheduled across the country beginning in late January. In the Denver area, the Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling (RMACAC) is holding its spring college fair in early March. 

Plan a college tour spring break trip or visit schools near you  

With your initial college list complete, strategize your spring break trip to hit as many schools as possible and within reason. Do not overload your schedule so shoot for one visit per day. Sign up in advance through the respective admissions offices for a campus tour. Check the colleges’ calendars or contact the admissions office to make sure that the college spring break doesn’t overlap with yours as it is important to experience a school with students on campus.  

If you are staying local over spring break, plan a visit to a few nearby colleges. They don’t have to be ones at the top of your list. Rather, aim for diversity; check out a big school vs. a small school or a public university vs. a liberal arts college. When you’re on campus, think about whether you can envision yourself at a school like this. By starting local and thinking more thoughtfully about what is important to you, you will be able to become more strategic when it comes to future college trips.   

Figure out which teachers to ask for letters of recommendation   

You will ask teachers for letters of recommendation near the end of your junior year. Keep this in mind as you enter the spring semester of your junior year. Hopefully there will be classes that you find truly interesting, and you come to class every day eager to learn. By coming in prepared, with a positive attitude, willing to collaborate with peers, and actively participating in discussions, your teacher will appreciate your intellectual curiosity. As an invaluable and respected member of the classroom, your teacher will eagerly write a letter of recommendation on your behalf entering your senior year.   

Begin thinking about your summer plans 

Summer is filled with endless opportunities for high school students, such as: 

• Getting a job or internship; 

• volunteering or participating in a community service program; 

• taking college classes or attending an academic program on a college campus; 

• playing organized sports or going to a sports camp; 

• traveling abroad or participating in a travel or adventure program; 

• participating in performing arts (i.e., community theater) or attending an arts or music camp; 

If you’re planning to work and save money for college this summer – congratulations! Having a job demonstrates commitment, responsibility, and maturity — all things that college admissions officers like to see. In terms of rounding out your summer outside of work, it’s important to consider the same questions you’d ask when choosing activities for the school year: What do I enjoy doing?  What am I passionate about? How can I achieve something and/or demonstrate leadership? Additionally, keep in mind that summer may offer you a chance to pursue interests that you aren’t able to engage in during the school year.   

Need help kickstarting your junior year college admissions journey?   

This to-do list contains recommendations to stay on track and take control of the college planning process during your junior year. However, if you feel as though you need some personal guidance so that you can blaze your trail toward college success, please contact us for a complimentary initial consultation. The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. We provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun. Here’s to a great second half of your junior year! 

The post College Admission Planning for High School Juniors – Second Semester first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Winter break is not the best time for college tours

We do not recommend scheduling campus tours over your winter holiday break. When students head back home for a month, many campus offices also close up. Dorms are locked up tightly while students are away.  The library may be on limited hours if it is open at all. Faculty leave town and go on their own vacations.

Most colleges may be completely closed from December 23rd to January 2nd. If you venture to a college right before Christmas, a few admission counselors may still be in their offices, but they will more than likely be knee-deep in reading college applications. So, unless all you want to do is see a bunch of locked and empty buildings, the winter holiday is not a great time for college tours.

What about summer for a college tour?

For many families, summer is the ideal time for a college tour. High school students are no longer wrapped up in the demands of the academic year and campus visits can often be coordinated as part of a family vacation. While summer is not a perfect time to visit a college campus, it is better than winter break of even Thanksgiving. Some colleges and universities do have summer sessions, and most will have some sort of activities going on–even if they are not set up for their regular student bodies. Offices are generally open, as are most facilities. During the summer, you may not see the campus operating as it does during the academic year, but at least the admissions office is set up to show you the best of what the campus has to offer. While you’ll find it harder to have conversations with current students, at least you’ll get a general sense of the campus vibe.

Thanksgiving is not the best time for college tours

During the week of Thanksgiving, colleges are often open, but the students have already ventured home to be with their families. College admissions officers, too, are very often out of the office entirely–finally getting a few days to spend with their families following a demanding fall travel season. Colleges rarely even offer tours and information sessions during Thanksgiving week. You may be able to meet with someone in the admissions office, but it will be difficult to get a feel for the college culture with no students around. On many campuses, all dining facilities and campus amenities will be completely shut down as staff are given a few days off for the holidays.

Schedule your college tours during February, Spring, or Fall Break

Unsurprisingly, the best time to visit a college campus is during the school year. This is when you will see the college or university in actual operation. As my wife likes to say, this is the time when you can spot ‘students in the wild!’ Streets, sidewalks and walking paths will be bustling with students going to and from class, dining halls will be packed, and the campus will be alive. This will allow you to gain a better sense of whether you can see yourself attending this college.

Try to pick a time, such as February, spring or fall break, but be careful not to overlap with the college’s own spring or fall break if possible (once again, the college just won’t look or feel the same when the students are not around). Make sure you do your research and look at the school’s campus tour calendar where you can sign up in advance.

Need help building that college list?

Let the experts at Great College Advice help you create a well balanced college list as part of your college visit plans. Book your complimentary session now and start your college admissions journey today! 

The post When is the Best Time for College Tours? first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

What is Early Decision 2 (ED2)? 

ED2 application deadlines are usually January 1st or January 15th. You make the same promise to attend this university as you did in the ED1 round. When you apply ED2, you will receive a response from the college around mid-February. And if you are accepted in ED2, you must withdraw all other applications to other schools. Many selective colleges have adopted the ED2 round because it helps them manage enrollment better by increasing their yield rate.  

The yield rate is the percentage of students who receive an offer of admission who actually enroll in that college. Colleges want high yield rates. The elite universities generally yield above 50% of accepted students, with Harvard, MIT, Princeton and Yale’s yield rate typically above 70%. Selective liberal arts colleges may have yield rates in the 20-25% range. By raising the percentage of students accepted in ED1 and ED2 together, a college’s yield rate is bound to go higher as the promise students make under binding ED programs means that the yield rate is 100% for these ED1 and ED2 students. 

Should I apply Early Decision 2? 

The answer is “yes” if you have a clear second choice school that you are genuinely excited about the prospect of attending. In general, ED2 gives you a statistically better shot at admission than if you go into the regular decision (RD) pool. Although colleges disclose overall ED acceptance rates, almost all do not break out the specific ED1 and ED 2 acceptance rates. However, ED2 acceptance rates will be lower vs. ED1 for various reasons, including ED1 athletic recruiting applications. But, ED2 acceptance rates are higher than RD acceptance rates. Also, if you have applied Early Action (EA) to your clear second favorite choice and they happen to also offer the ED2 round, reach out to the admissions office and request that your application be moved into the ED2 pile. 

Mistakes to avoid in the ED2 round: 

• Did you overshoot in ED1 by applying to your dream college even though your grades, course rigor, etc. were well below that school’s typical accepted student profile? Don’t make this same mistake in ED2 as you are unlikely to be accepted. 

• Are you not excited about your ED2 choice but have been told that you need to apply ED2 anyway because it increases your admissions odds? Don’t do this. You need to be excited about your ED2 school as this is a binding commitment. If there is no clear #2 choice, then continue with your EA and RD application gameplan.

ED2 and Financial Aid 

Just as in the ED1 round, if you apply ED2 and need merit-based aid, it is possible that the financial offer will be lower than you had anticipated. Colleges swear that the offer just as much merit aid in the early rounds as they do in the regular rounds. But this is hard to prove one way or another. Colleges just aren’t that transparent about how they award financial aid. 

However, if a financial aid award just isn’t enough (and assuming you did the research in advance using Net Price Calculators and the various federal and institutional financial aid calculators), tell the financial aid office of your ED2 college that you either need more money or you will have to be released from your ED2 agreement. Take the time to identify colleges in the RD round that are likely to offer financial aid packages that will come in at or under budget.   

Do you need help with the college admissions process?   

Just beginning the college admissions process but don’t know where to start? Please reach out to us for a complimentary consultation and learn how Great College Advice can make the process more successful and less stressful. We look forward to getting acquainted. 

The post Early Decision 2 (ED2) College Admissions Advice  first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Email a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) if your college application is deferred 

Some schools may have specifically asked you not to contact them. If that is the case then there is likely not a specific reason why you were deferred. There may be little you can do to increase your chances for acceptance during the regular decision round. Some colleges do not want you to send letters; rather they want you to update information in their admissions portal for them. These updates may include checking a box that you still want your application to be reviewed in the Regular Decision round, as well as space for more information. However, for many colleges, you should send a Letter of Continued Interest to the regional admissions representative in charge of your application. Here is what you should include in your letter: 

Send updated grades if it will help your case 

Most colleges will require you to submit an official semester grade report. If you did have a low grade on your first quarter grade report and your grade has improved, then certainly let your colleges know. If you are still struggling in the class ask the teacher to write you a letter of recommendation. The letter should illustrate the steps you have taken to improve your grade (i.e. tutoring, seeking help with questions outside of class, etc.). 

Submit additional materials that are relevant 

Some colleges may ask you not to submit additional materials. Some colleges will encourage additional letters of recommendation, as well as updates on awards and activities and further information on the student’s interest in the school. It is fine to ask teachers, counselors, employers, etc. to send additional letters of recommendation to the college.  

If you have received an award or recognition since you submitted your application, tell them about it. This is not the time to be modest! Perhaps you have been cast as the lead in the musical, appointed to a community board, or you did a bunch of volunteering over the holidays. Please share whatever information you can give to colleges that is new since you submitted your application.   

Inquire as to why you were deferred 

Whether in the letter or through a call to the admissions representation, reach out and politely ask if any detail can be provided as to why you were deferred. This admissions officer will have the most accurate account of why you were deferred. The admissions rep may have a question about a specific grade, or your application may have been incomplete.  

Demonstrate your continued interest in attending this college 

Colleges also want to admit students who will definitely enroll in their institution. So, it is important to continue to show interest in the school, even though you are disappointed. You will clearly show interest by taking the initiative to find out why you were deferred and by submitting additional materials before the college asks you to.  

You can also ask to do a phone interview, visit the school (only if you live close enough for it not be a great expense) and send an email or two (don’t send too many) to the admissions officer in charge of your application. Resist the temptation to engage in gimmicky, silly things like sending cookies to the admissions office.  

By the end of January, you should check in again with the college and make sure they have all the information they need to make a final decision on your application.  Again, this is best done through the admissions officer who is directly in charge of your file. 

Does being deferred mean I have a better chance of being admitted later?  

Not necessarily. While most colleges try to defer applicants who they think have a good shot at admission in the regular round, reality is that some colleges are using the deferred status as a security blanket. They don’t want to reject qualified applicants until the last possible moment. This also means that, unfortunately, you could be put on the waiting list.  

Should I apply to additional schools if my application is deferred?  

If you did not have a balanced college list before receiving your deferral, then you should definitely apply to additional schools. If you were deferred from this school, it is possible that you may not be admitted to schools with a similar profile–especially if your grades and submitted test scores are well below the average admissions profile. Review your list to ensure that you have an adequate number of “target” and “likely” schools. 

Remember that this decision is not permanent. A deferral just means you will have to wait a bit longer. You will eventually receive a final decision on your application. We are hoping you receive the answer you desire!

Ready to begin the college admissions journey?

The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college.  If you’d like more information about our services, contact us for a free consultation. Or just pick up the phone and call us at 720.279.7577.  We’d be happy to chat with you. 

The post What to Do If Your College Application is Deferred first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

But if you want to get into the nitty gritty to understand more about risks and rewards of applying to college and asking for financial aid, read on! 

Does applying for financial aid hurt my admissions chances? 

This is a bit of a complicated question. The actual act of applying for financial aid should have absolutely no bearing on whether a student gains admission to just about any college. Admissions officers don’t simply look at the fact that you are applying for financial aid, assume that you will need lots of it, and then deny you admission.  

Rather admissions officers review your application based on your merits. If you’re a good candidate, they put you in the “accept” pile. So, you should feel free to check that box and send in your forms! Just applying for aid will not hurt you. If the college professes to be “need blind,” then you’re likely to sail through the rest of the process at this point and be awarded the financial aid you deserve.   

The situation is slightly different if you are applying to colleges that are not “need blind” (i.e. schools that consider your ability to pay in the admissions decision). At these “need aware” schools, your financial need could impact your ability to gain admission, especially if your grades and other credentials do not stand out. Think about it: if a school has only so much aid to hand out, to whom would they be most likely to give it?  Students with the best grades, test scores, and extracurricular achievements are likely to get the most money.   

Still, the prospect of not getting into a school should not stop you from applying for financial aid. If a certain college is not going to accept you because you need financial assistance, then you don’t want to attend that college anyway. You want to go to a school that you can get in and that your family can afford. 

If my family makes too much money, will applying for financial aid hurt my college admissions chances? 

What if your family makes a high level of income and therefore is unlikely to qualify for financial aid? Would your admission odds decline by applying for financial aid? 

No. If the student is a compelling candidate, it is actually more likely that he or she will be accepted. The evidence provided in the financial aid forms will demonstrate your ability to pay, and a well-qualified applicant who can pay full price is a highly desirable one for most colleges.   

There are two more reasons why a high net-worth family might complete the financial aid forms: 

• First, completing the financial aid forms could be a requirement for a student to receive merit-based scholarships. Without the forms, you might leave money on the table and not receive a scholarship that you might otherwise deserve.   

• Second, completing the financial aid forms might make your family eligible for the Federal student loan program, thereby enabling you to borrow some money (albeit a relatively small amount). Some families like their kids to take out such loans as a way to ensure that the student has “skin in the game” and appreciates the value of a college education.   

The bottom line: colleges are expensive to run, and they need students who can pay in full. If you can fund your education and you can show this, this ability to pay could tip the admissions scales in your favor. If you are in this favorable position, it won’t matter whether you fill out the financial aid forms. 

Mind the funding gap:  A potential pitfall in the financial aid process 

One of the most misunderstood aspects of financial aid is that just because you qualify for need-based financial aid doesn’t mean you will receive everything you deserve from the colleges. Without getting into the details of where financial aid comes from, just remember that colleges’ financial aid budgets are not infinite. As businesses, they must protect the bottom line. They cannot give away more aid than what is available. While some schools have enough money to meet the full financial need of all accepted students, other schools do not have this luxury. These colleges try to stretch their budgets by spreading the aid around more thinly. The trouble with this is that the college’s budget limitations can have a very negative impact on your own family budget. What does this mean? 

An example can clarify:

Let’s say that according to the FAFSA, you have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $20,000–meaning that your family should pay no more than $20,000 for college. Let’s also say that the cost of attendance is $60,000, including tuition, fees, room, board, insurance, travel, books, and a bit of spending money. 

So you would expect, since you have demonstrated financial need, that you would be given enough financial aid from a college to reduce your bill to no more than $20,000. This is the expectation. But the college is not obligated to meet that SAI. The college can give you a different offer. For example, it might say, “you’re accepted, but you will need to pay $40,000 to attend.” They are giving you $20,000 dollars in aid, and you should be able to pay (according to the FAFSA formula) $20,000. But the total cost, remember, is $60,000. 

This leaves you with a “gap” of $20,000.  How will you fill this gap? Most likely it will come from taking out loans. But loans are just your money, with the difference being that you will pay it back at a later date (and more of it, with the interest payments).  

But be careful! Too many loans can be a bad thing. Owing a ton of money upon college graduation can actually reduce or restrict your future opportunities, because paying off those loans must come before you do anything else, such as rent an apartment, buy a car, or take your significant other out for a nice dinner for your anniversary.  

So, really, will applying for financial aid hurt my college admissions chances? 

Our answer: if you qualify for aid, apply.  You need money to pay for college, so apply. If you are denied admission, then that means they didn’t find you a strong enough candidate for that school. But if you are accepted and are offered an aid package with a significant “gap” that will need to be filled through loans, turn your attention to more generous offers from other colleges. 

And if you’re not sure whether you qualify, apply anyway.  At the very least, you’ll make yourself eligible for federal student loans, which (in small amounts) could help ease the financial burden.  

And if you’re a high-income family, apply anyway. You might make yourself eligible for merit-based scholarships, and you may also get access to those federal loans should you want to avail yourself of those.  

The bottom line is that no matter who you are, there are compelling reasons to check “YES” for financial aid and apply. Colleges won’t hold the fact that you applied for aid against you in the admissions process. 

And in the long run, the outcome of this process–when based on an honest assessment of your ability to pay for college–could help you much more than it could harm you. 

Need Help with the College Admissions Process?   

If you’re ready to start the college admissions journey, please contact us for a complimentary consultation. At Great College Advice, we provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun.    

The post Does Applying for Financial Aid Lower Your College Acceptance Odds? first appeared on College Admission Counseling.