Back to School Strategies for High School Students

Your journey toward college begins the moment you enter high school. Each year is an opportunity to build the foundation for your future. Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier university or exploring options that align with your interests and goals, the choices you make now will shape your path ahead.

College isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about expanding your horizons, discovering new passions, and preparing for life beyond the classroom. From developing essential skills to forming lasting connections, the college experience can transform your life in meaningful ways.

As you progress through high school, it’s crucial to stay proactive and intentional about your academic and extracurricular pursuits. The steps you take now—whether it’s refining your study habits, engaging in community service, or exploring potential career paths—will not only enhance your college applications but also set you up for long-term success.

Overview & Checklist

Rising Seniors

Refining your narrative for college applications involves several key steps to ensure you present yourself effectively:

Demonstrate Intellectual Vitality: Reflect on how you’re showcasing your intellectual curiosity and engagement. Consider seeking out additional opportunities such as research projects, advanced coursework, or independent studies that deepen your knowledge in your chosen field(s). This proactive approach not only enriches your learning experience but also strengthens your college application.

Social and Community Impact: Articulate in your application essays how your education will empower you to contribute positively to both the college community and society at large. Highlight any initiatives, volunteer work, or leadership roles where you’ve made a difference in your Activity List and Resume. Demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and community service enhances your application by showcasing your values and aspirations beyond academics.

Academic and Career Focus: Begin by clarifying your intended major(s) and minor(s) and researching which schools offer programs that align with your interests. Some institutions allow for double majors or the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree alongside a Bachelor’s. If you need help researching a school, please check in with your counselor for a tutorial. This exploration will help you shape your academic path and career goals.

College List Management: Stay organized with your college applications by regularly checking your email for updates from universities, including information on specialized programs, visit opportunities, and scholarships. Prioritize Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and ED2 applications by noting their deadlines and completing them before the summer ends to avoid a rush during winter break.

Testing Strategy: If you haven’t attained your SAT/ACT score, plan your testing schedule by checking the latest test dates on College Board and ACT websites. Determine whether schools require official score reports or allow self-reporting, and send scores accordingly. Be proactive in managing your testing logistics to meet application deadlines.

Demonstrate Interest: Demonstrate interest remotely using webinars, virtual tools, and social media. Register for official virtual tours & information sessions and, if you are able, online tours. Make sure your application portals are up to date and accessible.

High School Documentation: Secure strong letters of recommendation by communicating clearly with your teachers and counselor about your achievements and goals. Complete brag sheets and surveys from your teachers, counselors, and school thoroughly. More information is always better. Please also share with them your resume and activity list. Update your school counselor on any additional coursework, internships or academic achievements, ensuring that they are highlighted effectively in your application.

Application Preparation: Prepare meticulously for each application by drafting your resume and ensuring all required materials are submitted promptly. Craft compelling personal statements and supplemental essays tailored to each school’s requirements. Schedule interviews where necessary and update your social media presence to reflect a positive and professional image. Work on arts supplements if appropriate, and once your applications have been submitted, be sure to track their status online to ensure that your schools have received every part of your application.

Personal Productivity and Growth: Develop effective organizational habits using tools like spreadsheets for tracking college applications, calendars for managing deadlines, and note-taking apps for goal setting. Prioritize mental well-being by balancing your workload with adequate breaks and relaxation.

By following these steps with diligence and enthusiasm, you’ll not only streamline your college application process but also present a compelling narrative that highlights your academic achievements, personal growth, and readiness to contribute to the college community and beyond.

Rising Juniors 

Refining your narrative for college readiness involves several critical steps to ensure you present yourself effectively:

Letters of Recommendation: Consider who you will ask for letters of recommendation. Junior year teachers are often best positioned to provide insightful and current assessments of your abilities. Identify potential recommenders early to give them ample time to craft compelling letters.

Academic Focus: Continue excelling in your classes. If you’re facing challenges, discuss options with your college counselor for support, such as tutoring. It’s beneficial to identify and actively participate in school clubs that interest you, aiming to take on leadership roles by next year. Continue refining your course selection, aiming for challenging classes that align with your academic interests and strengths. This demonstrates your readiness for college-level coursework.

Standardized Testing: Discuss your standardized testing plans with your college counselor. Prepare for tests like the PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exams as needed. Share your test results with your counselor promptly to keep them updated on your progress.

College Exploration: Attend college fairs, virtual seminars, and school-hosted admissions officer visits to gather information about different institutions. Start building your college list and consider scheduling campus tours early, as spots tend to fill quickly.

Summer Internship/Program Applications: Start planning for future summer programs, internships, courses, or travel. These experiences can enrich your application by demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to personal growth. Research and identify summer opportunities, and note that many programs have application deadlines as early as the fall. Some applications may require a resume or cover letter—prepare these documents using online templates.

X Factor Research, Projects, and Competitions: Explore innovative projects, research, internships, mentorship opportunities, or competitions that align with your interests and goals. These initiatives can showcase your passion and potential impact in various fields.

Resume Development: If you haven’t already, begin drafting your resume using a template. Work with your counselor to ensure your resume highlights your strengths and accomplishments effectively.

Summer Plans: Start planning for future summer programs, internships, courses, or travel. These experiences can enrich your application by demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to personal growth.

By focusing on these areas, you’ll enhance your college application narrative with a well-rounded portrayal of your academic prowess, extracurricular engagement, and future aspirations. Stay organized, proactive, and enthusiastic about your journey towards higher education!

Rising Sophomores 

Preparing for college involves several key actions to ensure you’re on track and presenting yourself effectively:

College Preparation: Schedule a meeting with your college counselor to review your progress in the college application process and discuss next steps. Clarify your testing plans, including SAT, ACT, APs, or IBs. Taking the SAT early in sophomore year can help gauge your readiness and inform your preparation strategy.

Academic Focus: Continue excelling in your classes. If you’re facing challenges, discuss options with your college counselor for support, such as tutoring. It’s beneficial to identify and actively participate in school clubs that interest you, aiming to take on leadership roles by next year. Continue refining your course selection, aiming for challenging classes that align with your academic interests and strengths. This demonstrates your readiness for college-level coursework.

Summer Plans: Start planning for future summer programs, internships, courses, or travel. These experiences can enrich your application by demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to personal growth. Research and identify summer opportunities, and note that many programs have application deadlines as early as the fall. Some applications may require a resume or cover letter—prepare these documents using online templates.

X Factor Research, Projects, and Competitions: Explore innovative projects, research, internships, mentorship opportunities, or competitions that align with your interests and goals. These initiatives can showcase your passion and potential impact in various fields.

By proactively engaging in these areas, you’ll strengthen your college application narrative with a well-rounded portrayal of your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth. Stay organized and focused on your goals as you prepare for the next steps in your educational journey.

Rising Freshmen

Preparing effectively for high school and college involves thoughtful planning and proactive steps. Here are key actions to consider:

Preparing for High School:

1. Extracurricular Activities: Begin by exploring a variety of extracurricular activities offered at your school. Start with a larger number and gradually narrow down your choices throughout the school year to focus on those that best align with your interests and goals.
2. Course Planning: Take time to review your school’s course catalog and create a tentative roadmap of courses to take over your four years of high school. Discuss this roadmap with your college counselor to ensure it aligns with your academic strengths and future aspirations.
3. Summer Internship/Program Applications: Start planning for future summer programs, internships, courses, or travel. These experiences can enrich your application by demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to personal growth. Research and identify summer opportunities, and note that many programs have application deadlines as early as the fall. Some applications may require a resume or cover letter—prepare these documents using online templates.

College Preparation:

1. Create a Dedicated Email: Establish a separate email account specifically for college preparation purposes. Use this email to subscribe to college mailing lists, College Board services, internship notifications, and other relevant communications. Keeping these communications separate helps you stay organized and focused.

By taking these proactive steps, you’ll lay a solid foundation for success in high school and beyond. Engage actively in extracurriculars, plan your academic path thoughtfully, explore career interests through summer opportunities, and stay organized with a dedicated email for college preparation. These actions will empower you to navigate your educational journey with clarity and purpose.