Hi, Reader!

Last week, I organized and spoke at a neighborhood event on college planning. I brought in two colleagues to speak, too — one who covered paying for college and another who discussed test prep — and I put together a quick checklist to hand out about what students can do each year of high school to prep for college applications. (You can snag a copy here.)​

If you're anything like me, having a checklist is the bee's knees. (Speaking of, here's a picture of a sweet bumblebee that was napping on my lemon tree this morning. I love its little back legs dangling off the leaf.)

But I digress. Let's get back to checklists.

In my house, we're all about them. I've got one for my short-term and long-term plans (work and otherwise). My husband has one for his retirement, and my son has one for prepping for golf tournaments.

Those checklists are all about keeping organized, having a plan, and making it so there's no last-minute panic.

And I bet you have your fair share of lists, too. Maybe even a college planning one? If you do, I'd like to suggest a few items to add.

Let’s dive in!

9th Graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
• ​Values Exercise (video): Spend some time thinking about your core values with this simple exercise. Your answers may help drive how you spend this upcoming summer.

10th Graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
• Consider visiting a spring college fair in your area. NACAC travels across the country and visits cities, but it also hosts virtual fairs. Learn How to Make the Most of a College Fair Experience.
• ​Identify a summer program: Browse through options for day programs, residential programs, and online options that match an interest you might like to pursue.
• Read this: What are “Hooks” and “Institutional Priorities”?​

11th Graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
• Consider visiting a spring college fair in your area. NACAC travels across the country and visits cities, but it also hosts virtual fairs. Learn How to Make the Most of a College Fair Experience.
• ​QuestBridge College Prep Scholars: See if you qualify to apply for this top-notch college admission support program.
• ​Complete prework for your teacher recommendations: Take a look at this form and imagine how your teacher(s) might fill it out. What are your strengths/areas for improvement? What words will come to their minds when they think of you? You’ll request teacher recs this spring, so this is a good time to start thinking about this important piece of the college application process. Read my blog for more tips on getting great letters of recommendation.
• ​5 Ways to Spend Your High School Summer: Think about your summer in the context of how to have meaningful and engaged experiences.
• Start planning your spring and summer break college visits now. Most colleges have populated the admission session and tour dates for the remainder of the school year. Plan ahead and get registered.
• ​Scholarships: It’s never too early to start looking for scholarships. I’ve shared my favorite sites with you here.
• Start drafting a resume. Not only does it make asking for letters of recommendation easier, but it also simplifies completing applications. (Plus, if you're applying to UT-Austin, among other schools who emphasize showing fit to major, you'll want to submit a resume.) For a limited time, snag my resume writing course and companion e-guide for just $67 and make writing an effective resume a breeze!

12th Graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
• ​Senioritis: This is not the time to slack off. Colleges will see your final transcript this summer, and while it's uncommon, they do have the right to rescind (i.e., take back) their offer of admission if your spring grades drop significantly (gulp).
• Admitted student events: If possible, attend in-person and virtual events for admitted students to get your questions answered and help inform your decision-making process.
• ​Scholarships: Search for possible fits based on your academic interests, gender, religion, extracurriculars, and more.

And here's a special note for the Class of 2027: As you make your way through the second semester, it might feel tempting to put off any college planning until the summer. I get it. But you might reconsider. That's going to leave you with a lot to do then. If there's one common piece of advice I get from my students about what they'd tell juniors, it's to not procrastinate.

So grab your digital planner or your paper calendar, or open a new note in your Notes app, and start planning. And if you get stuck, hold tight: I'm going to be offering a limited number of one-hour strategy sessions to help you feel organized and confident as you head into summer.

I'm rooting for you all the way!

Happy Writing!

Julia

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