Hi, Reader!

This looks like a long email this week, but it’s really just jam-packed with useful resources that will help you navigate the college admissions journey. You can read it now or tuck it away for later … but I think it’s worth saving! I know your time is precious, so let's dive in. (But make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom! There are a few great offers and resources I don't want you to miss.)

9th Graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
• ​Build an awesome summer reading list: Start with picks from this recommended list for excellent teen reads. And consider asking your teachers what their favorite reads were in high school.
• ​100 Brave/Interesting Questions + NYT Writing Prompts for Students: If you haven’t already, start keeping a journal and use some of these questions as inspiration.

10th Graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 10th through 12th grade.
• ​Build an awesome summer reading list that includes some biographies and memoirs: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson is a must-read and can be found at your local library.
• ​NYT Writing Prompts for Students: Commit to keeping a journal this summer, and use some of these questions as inspiration.

11th Graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process for 11th and 12th grade.
• ​Ask teacher(s) for letters of recommendation you’ll need in the fall: Many teachers cap the number of letters they’ll write, so it’s good to make the ask early. They may write your letter this summer while your work and contributions to the classroom are fresh in their mind.
• Get registered for the SAT and/or ACT test for early summer. Free test prep: If you’re planning to test in summer and into the fall, take advantage of these resources:
  • ​Official SAT Practice Tests (College Board)​
  • ​Khan Academy (SAT Free Official SAT Practice Tests | College Board​)​
  • ​ACT Academy​
  • ​How to Improve Your ACT Score by 2 Points in 20 Minutes​
• If you’re eligible, ask your counselor for an SAT or ACT Fee Waiver
• ​5 Resources and Tips for Getting Scholarships and Financial Aid: These are a great set of tips and resources as you begin your scholarship search. Use this template to keep track of opportunities that might be a good fit.
• ​Values Exercise (video): Spend some time thinking about your core values by working through this simple exercise. Your answers may help drive how you spend your summer ahead.
• ​How to research colleges without visiting a campus: Learning more about colleges is an exciting and time-intensive process. Make sure to expand your search beyond your local public universities — and use your values as a guide.
• Do a deep dive on college websites. Check out majors, look at what courses you’d take on a four year plan, check out admissions, and check out scholarships. Take notes, as many of these schools will ask you to write school specific supplemental essays and these will come in handy.
• ​Colleges That Change Lives: As you build your college list, consider this set of 44 schools that focuses on providing a personalized, student-centered experience. Listen to this podcast, and check out upcoming events.
• ​Explore colleges with 800+ lists: Use this fun online, searchable database from CollegeXpress, which covers everything from academic environments to school spirit.
• ​Think about financial fit: Experiment with the Net Price Calculator to get a rough estimate of what you might likely have to pay for college.
• Athletes who are positioned for recruitment to Division 1 or 2 college teams need to create an NCAA Eligibility account. Ask your counselor to upload your transcript at the end of junior year.

12th Graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process for 12th grade.
• ​Continue applying for scholarships. Check in with your counselor to see whether there are any local scholarships you might have missed.
• ​Appealing financial aid: Read up on what to do if your financial aid offer doesn’t line up with your budget. And make sure to listen to this podcast before writing an appeal letter.
• Attend admitted student days. There are usually virtual events as well if you cannot make it to campus. These events help you narrow down your choices.
• ​Making your final college choice: It’s decision time. You need to enroll and submit a deposit by May 1 (or a few days after, depending on the school). Once you make your final choice, be sure to withdraw your other applications/decline offers to make space for others.
• If waitlisted, prepare a Letter of Continued Interest if you intend to remain on the list.

Need Free (or Low-Cost) Essay Support?

One more thing to share before I go. One of the many things I love about my work with College Essay Guy is participating in our Matchlighters Program, where we pair motivated juniors from low-income households with experienced counselors for FREE college counseling and essay support.

If you are (or know of) a student who is from a low-income household who may qualify and benefit from college essay and counseling help, we’d love to hear from you. Apply here. And you can learn more about the program here.

If you don't qualify for Matchlighters, definitely check out the College Essay Guy's live (and on-demand) Summer College Essay and Application Program for Students. It's at an amazing price point, and you can get an extra 10% off with code JULIA10. I'm going through his program now as part of coach training, and it is top notch!

Writing alongside you,

Julia

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