By Molly Walsh - Is there a right time to start college counseling? Absolutely!
Many families wait until senior year to begin the college application process, but this can lead to rushed essays, limited college visits, and missed opportunities to strengthen grades and extracurriculars. Last-minute scrambling for teacher recommendations and hastily compiled school lists can add unnecessary stress. Instead, working with a college consultant early allows for a well-planned, thoughtful approach. But when should you start?
Beginning as early as freshman year can be beneficial for highly ambitious students with a dream school. During this time, a private consultant focuses on building relationships with the student, planning coursework, and tracking extracurricular activities. However, for most students, sophomore year is the ideal time to start.
Starting in the sophomore year provides key advantages:
Guidance on extracurriculars: A consultant can help students engage in meaningful activities that align with college admissions expectations.
Academic planning: Early course selection advice ensures students take the right classes to meet college requirements.
Teacher recommendations: Building relationships with teachers early on helps secure strong letters of recommendation.
College Exploration & Planning: Sophomore year is a great time to start researching colleges, visiting campuses, and learning what different schools look for in applicants.
Financial planning: Hiring a private consultant can be costly, but starting in sophomore year allows families to spread out payments over time, making it more manageable.
In recent years, many colleges and universities made standardized tests optional due to the pandemic, but a growing number are reinstating SAT and ACT requirements for admissions. Schools argue that these tests provide a standardized measure of academic ability, helping to differentiate students from varying high school backgrounds. Some institutions believe reinstating test scores can improve merit-based scholarship decisions and ensure a more rigorous admissions process. As more colleges bring back these testing requirements, students should be prepared to develop a strong testing strategy to remain competitive in the admissions process. With SAT and ACT scores becoming important again, a consultant can create a tailored testing plan, which is ideal to start during sophomore year of high school.
By beginning college counseling early, students gain a strategic advantage, reducing stress and increasing their chances of acceptance into college. Planning ahead leads to a smoother and more successful application process. Plus, with a well-structured plan in place, students can confidently navigate the college application journey and maximize their chances of securing a spot at their dream school.
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