I love November. For starters, the first of the big Early Action / Early Decision deadlines for most colleges is now in our rear view. Unfortunately for many, the previous few weeks and days leading up to November 1 were loaded with late (or sleepless nights) and stress for 12th grade applicants, the parents who love them, and the advisors (like those on my staff and me) who assist them. So, congrats to all of us for getting past this first milestone, and best of success to the students who worked hard to meet this first deadline.
That said, this massive whirlwind and frenetic pace seemed to be even more so this year than in years past. I fielded many, many, more than the usual last-minute cold calls and frantic emails from panicked 12th grade parents worried (for good reasons) about their children’s upcoming deadlines. Frankly we were beyond capacity to assist in many cases.
This year, as in years past, snafus beyond the scope of your control did indeed happen. Aside from two major storms in two weeks that affected students from Naples, FL through Western North Carolina, some students also experienced a test day technical issue with their ‘last chance’ ACT (expect more of these as tests migrate from paper to digital formats) Worse still, in one of the largest public high schools in the country, one of the college counselors simply quit after just a few weeks into the school year — leaving the remaining counselors and a single BRACE, or college counselor, to provide college planning advice for more than 1200 12th graders (not to mention the 3000+ students in 9th-11th grade). Finally, from years past we know that the Common App submission process is not always seamless. In fact, it seems as if every four years something technical goes awry at the Common App; the last time this happened was on Dec 31, 2021.
I say this to remind everyone that early and strategic preparation is the best way to survive and thrive in what has become an increasingly complex, competitive and yes, chaotic college admissions (and funding) system. With a surge in applications (a record 100,000 applications are expected this cycle at Northeastern University in Boston), I assure you that your application will not get more than a cursory read for first sort. You will need both a good admissions strategy (including where to apply and how best to demonstrate interest there) and a great and contextually special application (or at least one that reflects your absolute best effort) to stand out. And note that all ‘popular’ universities are expecting a similar surge. Therefore I want to share a few words of warning to all college-bound students and 12th graders still scrambling — and then offer four critical pieces of advice to 10th and 11th graders in particular.
First, for all college-bound students:
1. In a better ‘us finding it than them’, we are starting to utilize random AI check with our student essays. We know that AI is a part of our technical reality, a potential tool in our creative toolkit, and yes, a time-saver. But you can’t use it to write your college essays. We expect admissions offices to utilize AI checkers to streamline their first sort effort. There’s precedent for this (social media) and in a process where 80-90% of the applicants are similarly qualified, there’s a desperate need for an objective manner to streamline the evaluation process. What better way than to eliminate students whose work is artificially generated. Start writing your essays early – in the summer before 12th grade at the latest- so that you have sufficient time for reflection and revision.
2. Do NOT miss deadlines to request and submit application materials. A college application is rarely considered complete even after you hit ‘submit.’ There are more steps you need to take to ensure that all your application materials are received – including sending transcripts, recommendations, scholarship essays, test scores, portfolio items, etc. Materials deadlines and requirements vary from school to school – failing to comply with them can be deadly to your admissions prospects. Since most of these actions require support by a third party (your school, your teachers, ACT, College Board, etc.), they should be undertaken much earlier in the process than you may initially think. Again – it’s critical to plan ahead.
3. Be very mindful of when, how and whether you self-report, send or omit your test scores — and which are the latest test dates each school on your list will consider. Sending scores (or self-reporting them – often by accidentally including them on your Common App) to test flexible schools on your list when your scores are below the 50th percentile of matriculated students (and/or doing the reverse) can be a similarly fatal error. But it might not be! Make sure you’ve done the strategic analysis and know the policies at every school that you consider, including how they’re evaluating paper vs. digital test scores. Note that we are holding a webinar with Testing Experts on Dec 3rd to review the PSAT, the new concordance scales and discuss test strategies for 10th and 11th graders.
4. Sending Transcripts vs. Self-Reporting Your Grades can become a huge and unanticipated time suck. It sounds simple, and it’s not hard to do, but it’s actually become quite complex and very time consuming to figure out how to get your classes and grades to the Admissions offices of the schools on your list. Yes, there are now additional systems for some schools where you are required to report your grades as opposed to having your transcripts sent. Naturally the many systems are not compatible and frankly clunky to navigate. Regardless you’ll need accurate transcripts from your high school – which requires action on your part – each high school has its own request system (and fees). In fact, I know of a few students from the aforementioned (or not mentioned by name) large public high school who had trouble securing a transcript because they had trouble accessing their school counselor. Such unnecessary pressure can be avoided!
There’s more but I’m told that my posts can be too long, so I’ll wrap it up. My main takeaways thus far into the process is this: Application inflation is real and will continue at top (read: popular) universities, so take heed.
Your child spends 3+ years in high school studying, participating in extra-curriculars, preparing for the SAT/ACT, volunteering, researching and visiting colleges, and more, and all of that gets maybe a 12-20 minute read – after an AI check. So although I know that I have been preaching for years the importance of avoiding the eleventh hour, photo-finish when it comes to college admissions, scholarship and financial aid application preparation, I’m gonna jump on my soap box one more time. While exceptions do exist, rarely have I seen anyone provide their most polished, accurate and best work without sufficient time for review, thought, and revision. With so many variables beyond the scope of control and reason already inherent in the application process, adding the element of procrastination is absurd especially when you consider that the outcome of the effort put forth could have a six figure-plus impact on the next four years and could very well affect your next forty years.
For10th and 11th graders, I’m talking to you: the key to navigating this competitive and chaotic terrain is early preparation. Here are several compelling reasons to start now:
1. Understanding Academic Rigor
Colleges are looking for students who challenge themselves academically. By starting early, 10th and 11th graders can assess their current course loads and consider enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. These classes not only bolster a student’s GPA but also signal to admissions committees a willingness to engage in rigorous academic work.
2. Building a Strong Extracurricular Profile
Extracurricular activities are a significant component of the college application. They showcase a student’s interests, leadership skills, and commitment to their community. Starting early allows students to explore different clubs, sports, or volunteer opportunities and find where they can make meaningful contributions. It’s about depth over breadth—colleges appreciate sustained involvement in a few activities rather than a laundry list of superficial participation.
3. Developing Relationships with Teachers and Mentors
Letters of recommendation are an essential part of the application process. By beginning their college preparation early, students have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with their teachers and mentors, including school counselors. Engaging in classroom discussions, seeking help, or participating in extracurricular activities can leave a lasting impression, resulting in more personalized and compelling recommendations.
4. Preparing for Standardized Tests
Standardized tests like the SAT or ACT can be daunting, and preparation takes time. 10th and 11th graders should consider taking practice tests and developing a study plan early. This not only reduces stress but also allows for retesting if scores are not where they need to be.
5. Understanding Financial Aid Options
College is an investment, and understanding financial aid and scholarship opportunities early on can ease the burden later. Students should research available options, attend workshops, and discuss finances with their families to make informed decisions.
Bottom line – Don’t wait until senior year to start this process! The earlier students begin to lay the groundwork—whether it’s through rigorous coursework, meaningful extracurricular involvement, or strong relationships with mentors—the better positioned they will be to face the competitive college admissions process. 10th and 11th graders (and the parents who love them): take action now. Your future self will thank you!
