Calling All Seniors! Are You REALLY Ready to Apply to College?

You’ve officially finished your junior year, and this fall it’s your turn to be the senior everyone looks up to on your high school’s campus. After 3+ years of hard work, this time is incredibly exciting. However, before you start filling out applications and dreaming about move-in day, it's worth asking yourself an important question:

Are you truly ready to apply to college?

The college admissions process can feel overwhelming, but getting organized now will make your senior year much smoother. Use our checklist to make sure you're prepared for a successful application season.

1. Research colleges that are a good fit for your goals

Before you can apply, you need a clear picture of where you want to go and why. Start by figuring out what matters most to you in your future college experience:

• School size

• Location

• Academic programs and majors

• Campus culture

• Ranking and reputation

• Internship and research opportunities

• Cost and financial aid options

Once you've created a preliminary list of schools that interest you based on your preferences, take a closer look at their admissions requirements and the competitiveness of your intended major. Understanding where you stand now will help you build a realistic and strategic college list.

Need help? Schedule a CAS session with one of our experienced college admissions counselors who can identify schools that align with your goals and evaluate your competitiveness as an applicant.

2. Narrow down your college list to ~10-15 schools

After conducting your research, it's time to build a balanced college list with:

• 2-4 Longshot Schools: Highly selective colleges (<10% acceptance rate) where admission will be challenging

• 3-4 Reach Schools: Schools where your academic profile falls slightly below the average admitted student and/or schools with acceptance rates below 30%

• 3-5 Match Schools: Colleges where your academic profile matches or exceeds that of previously admitted students.

• 2 Safety Schools: Schools where you're likely to be admitted based on your profile (GPA, rank, test scores, etc.).

A well-rounded list increases your chances of acceptance and ensures you have a range of options that fit your preferences and maximize financial aid opportunities. For help categorizing your schools, click here to schedule a CAS session with one of our professional college admissions counselors. 

3. Secure a competitive SAT/ACT score

Aside from rank and GPA, strong standardized test scores demonstrate college readiness. As a general rule, aim for a score that falls above the middle 50% range of admitted students at your target schools. For highly selective colleges, including Ivy League institutions, competitive applicants often score 1550+ on the SAT and 35+ on the ACT. 

You can find admissions statistics on college websites or through trusted college search platforms like US News. Enroll in one of our test prep courses or schedule 1:1 tutoring if you need help achieving a stronger SAT or ACT score before this fall.

4. Develop a resume that supports your academic and extracurricular interests

Colleges are looking for students who pursue their passions outside of school, are actively involved in their community, and who earn accolades or recognition based on their skills, talents, and impact. The Common Application allows applicants to list up to 10 activities and 5 honors or awards, but many colleges will also allow you to submit a resume that showcases all of your relevant accomplishments. Join our college admissions programs this summer for personalized advice on how to build and format a resume that highlights your unique profile.

5. Create your college application game plan

Once you've finalized your college list, secured your goal SAT/ACT score, and polished your resume, it's time to create a game plan! 

Make a spreadsheet or calendar that includes:

• Application deadlines, including whether a school offers Early Action or Early Decision

• Scholarship deadlines

• Required essays and supplemental questions

• Recommendation letter requests

• Transcript and test score requirements

Getting organized will help you manage and track the materials you need as well as strategize where to apply early to increase your chances of admission. If you need help or structured guidance through this process, work with our incredible counseling team every step of the way!

It is not uncommon for students and families to feel overwhelmed by the college application process. Don’t fret, B2A is here to help! We offer numerous avenues for helping students apply to college. 

Click here to learn more about our Gateway Program and receive all-inclusive assistance with 5-10 college applications! Want a more flexible option, schedule a 1:1 College Admissions Services session!