The Year Before: How to Prepare for Applying to College By Sarah O'Neill Supreme Editing Coatesville

 Ah, it’s that time! Sandwiched between the carefree younger days and the college countdown, everyone dreads the year (before applying to college). But fear not! If you’re overwhelmed by SATs, GPAs, and acronyms that seem like secret codes, here’s a guide to help you prepare for college without losing your mind.

1. Embrace Your Inner Detective: The College Search Begins

Think of this time as you are on a detective mission. You’re Sherlock Holmes (plus the large magnifying glass), and your task is to amplify the perfect college fit. Start by haunting college websites — check out virtual tours, read about their traditions (like Tufts University’s campus llama visits), and stalk their social media pages like CSI.

Bonus tip: Create a “College Crush List.” It’s like a bucket list but with schools, you’re swooning over. Just remember: You’re looking for a healthy relationship, not a toxic one. No one wants to be ghosted by their dream school.

2. Turn Your Hobbies into Hustles (A.K.A. Resume Builders)

If you spend hours perfecting your macaron recipe or mastering TikTok dances, guess what? That’s potential college essay gold. Admissions officers love students who follow their passions (no matter how niche). Channel your interests into a project, club, or initiative that shows off your creativity and commitment.

Example: Love knitting? Start a club that donates scarves to shelters. Obsessed with your local coffee scene? Write a blog reviewing cafes around town. Your quirky hobbies are what make you stand out — embrace them!

3. Befriend Your Guidance Counselor (No, Really)

Your guidance counselor is your personal Yoda in this college galaxy. Make an appointment, bring snacks (bribery never hurts), and talk through your goals. They have insider knowledge about scholarships, deadlines, and what makes your school’s valedictorian cry during finals.

Pro tip: Send your counselor a thank-you note after big milestones (like submitting your first college app). It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.

4. Standardized Tests: Conquer Them with Panache

Let’s face it — the SAT and ACT are like bad rom-coms. They’re stressful, occasionally funny (who writes these math problems?), and sometimes leave you questioning your life choices. But fear not! Prep with flair:

  • Gamify your studying: Create a rewards system for hitting your score goals (hello, extra-large bubble tea).
  • Join a study group: Misery loves company, and collective groaning over tricky questions is strangely therapeutic.
  • Find your mantra: “I am more than my test score” is a solid choice.

5. Make Friends with Your Future Self (aka, Self-Care Matters)

This year can feel like a marathon, so don’t forget to pace yourself. Future You will thank Present You for taking breaks, sleeping well, and indulging in guilty pleasures (yes, binge-watching The Great British Bake Off counts as self-care).

Self-care tip: Keep a journal to document your junior year adventures. Not only will it help with college essays later, but it’ll also be a hilarious keepsake when you’re older and wondering why you were so stressed about quadratic equations.

6. Practice Your Pitch: The “Why Me” Essay

When it comes time to write your college essay, you’ll need to answer one big question: “Why should we pick you?” Think of it as your superhero origin story — what makes you you? Practice telling your story to friends, your cat, or even your reflection. (Bonus points if your cat stays awake.)

Pro tip: Avoid clichés like “I want to change the world.” Instead, dig deep — talk about the time you accidentally started a club or how your love for baking taught you resilience. Authenticity wins.

7. Take Time to Dream (and Maybe Even Chill)

Amid the whirlwind of prepping for college, don’t forget to dream big. Picture yourself on a campus quad, coffee in hand, debating philosophy under a tree. Let yourself get excited about the possibilities. And when it all feels like too much? Take a breather. Watch a sunset. Pet a dog. Life’s about balance, after all.

A Pithy List on What You Can Do to Prepare for College:

  1. Start Researching Colleges:
  • Visit college websites and take virtual tours.
  • Make a list of schools that interest you.
  • Look into each school’s programs, campus life, and unique traditions.

2. Meet with Your Guidance Counselor:

  • Schedule regular meetings to discuss your goals.
  • Learn about scholarship opportunities and important deadlines.

3. Prepare for Standardized Tests:

  • Decide whether to take the SAT, ACT, or both.
  • Create a study plan or join a prep course.
  • Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format.

4. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities:

Deepen your involvement in clubs, sports, or volunteer work.

  • Take on leadership roles where possible.
  • Start a new project or initiative that aligns with your passions.

5. Build Your Resume:

  • Document your achievements, extracurriculars, and work experience.
  • Keep track of awards, volunteer hours, and leadership positions.

6. Explore Potential Majors and Careers:

  • Take career assessments to discover your interests.
  • Shadow professionals or intern in fields you’re curious about.

7. Focus on Academics:

Aim for strong grades in challenging courses.

Seek help from teachers if you struggle with any subjects.

Participate in academic competitions or research projects.

8. Start Thinking About Your College Essay:

Jot down ideas for potential essay topics.

  • Reflect on experiences that have shaped who you are.

9. Research Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Familiarize yourself with the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Look for scholarships you may qualify for.

10. Visit Colleges (If Possible):

Attend campus tours and information sessions.

Talk to current students to get a feel for campus culture.

11. Practice Time Management:

Learn to balance schoolwork, extracurriculars, and downtime.

Use a planner to keep track of deadlines and commitments.

12. Take Care of Your Mental Health:

Practice self-care and stress management techniques.

Make time for hobbies and relaxation.

13. Connect with Teachers for Recommendations:

Build strong relationships with teachers who know you well.

Ask for letters of recommendation early.

14. Stay Informed:

Keep track of important dates and deadlines for tests and applications.

Stay updated on any changes to college admissions processes.

15. Stay True to Yourself:

Remember that college is about finding the right fit for you.

Embrace your unique interests and experiences — they make you stand out.

A Final Note

Embrace this time! It is a time of discovery. You’re figuring out who you are, what you love, and where you want to go. So, embrace the chaos, laugh at the absurdity, and remember: College is just one chapter of your story — and it’s going to be a great one.

By Sarah O’Neill Chester County Supreme Editing



Location: Coatesville, PA 19320, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

COMMON APP ESSAY: FINDING YOUR VOICE AND AUTHENTICITY Sarah ONeill

Image
  (with Sample and Analysis)  By Sarah ONeill Coatesville, Supreme Editing  Finding Your Voice College essays are about being authentic.  College admissions officers care about WHO the students are.  The essays should reveal their personalities, passions, dreams, weird talents, favorite foods, coolest playlists, inexplicable loved ones, and undeniable quirks.  As essay specialists, we are constantly reminding applicants that their essays need to be authentically YOU as possible. What you choose to write about and how you choose to write it is as individual to you as your fingerprints.   You need to hold on to the authenticity and honesty that you uncovered in your essays.  Your personality must shine through!  The Personal Essay is not about your accomplishments or a restatement of your recommendations and application.  The prompt you choose isn’t as important because the topic is YOU.   Rules for Presenting Authenticity...
Read more

How to Write the Dartmouth College Admissions Essays

Image
  By Sarah O'Neill, Supreme Editing, Coatesville, PA Dartmouth Excerpt: According to Dartmouth admissions ( via the website ): We read every single application carefully, looking for strong-minded, multi-talented people eager to live and learn together with mutual respect for each other’s differences. Listen to: Admissions Beat Podcast “Your essays should help us understand those intangibles that can't easily be reflected in a resume. Show us the qualities that make you you. Your sense of humor, your passion, your intellectual curiosity, your self-awareness, or social awareness, or some mix of these. Your writing lets us get to know you and we read every word. Help us envision what you'll bring to Dartmouth.” Your essays should help us understand those intangibles that can't easily be reflected in a resume. Show us the qualities that make you you . Your sense of humor, your passion, your intellectual curiosity, your self-awareness, or social awareness, or some mix of th...
Read more

How to Write a Letter Requesting a Recommendation for College By Sarah O'Neill Teacher Coatesville

Image
  By Sarah O’Neill Chester Co. Supreme Editing Applying to college can feel like an uphill journey, with multiple challenges to overcome before reaching the summit — an acceptance to your dream school. As a former English teacher, I was on the other side of this process, frequently receiving student requests for recommendation letters. While some were easy to write, others posed a dilemma: What if the student struggled in my class? What if they lacked daily enthusiasm or effort? These questions weighed heavily on me because, while I wasn’t legally obligated to write a letter, I knew my response could influence a student’s future opportunities. To avoid putting your teacher in a difficult position, set yourself up for success well in advance. Your goal should be to make it nearly impossible for a teacher to decline your request — rather, you want them to be eager to write you a strong letter. Who Should Write Your Recommendation Letters? Typically, students request recommendations f...
Read more