Track 3: Session 5: You want in? Demonstrate Interest!
Communicate with your college admissions counselors and attend open houses (demonstrated interest is valued at many institutions)
Please browse through our sessions below. Search through schools and programs you are interested in watching. Also, contact us on the SpringPath App to request schools or programs you want to have on the show.
Communicate with your college admissions counselors and attend open houses (demonstrated interest is valued at many institutions)
Learn about the various ways to pay for college (scholarships, grants, various types of loans) & understand that most students do not pay sticker price (which often stops a student from applying to a particular institution)
Complete the FAFSA (for upcoming application cycle, should be available in December 2023) and the CSS profile (another financial aid document that some colleges require)
Start the application process (Common App typically opens on August 1st) Request official transcript from your school counseling office. Finish your college essay & check if each college/university you?re applying to requires supplemental essays.
Continue to monitor and update your SpringPath profile for colleges interested in you.
Research & learn about application deadlines (early decision, early action, regular decision, rolling) and methods (i.e. Common Application vs. college-specific application)
Research multiple websites and scholarship resources to find funds. Apply for local scholarships through your high school, the community and online.
Ask teachers to write your letters of recommendation (end of school year)
You will likely need to supply them with your resume.Start brainstorming college essay/personal statement ideas (over the summer)
Make necessary updates to your SpingPath profile and assess your matches to see where you should plan to visit & engage. Generate a preliminary college list. Attend college fairs, college visits at your high school and plan/schedule campus tours.
Begin building your resume which you will add to each year.
If you already have an idea of what your post-secondary path looks like, craft your class schedule, extracurriculars, community service & activities toward the end goal.If you aren?t sure yet, explore classes, clubs and activities that interest you.Use the SpringPath app to start exploring colleges/universities/trade schools that match your interests.
What do you like to do? What is your favorite class or extracurricular? In what subject area(s) do you excel? Use tools like interest inventories, personality quizzes and other resources.
High School Counselors have multiple responsibilities and limited time. Learn best practices to prepare and maximize your time with counselors.
