With so many decisions to make about choosing a college, it's really easy to get stuck and find yourself at the end of the school year without much done. But with the long holiday break coming up, students like you are in the perfect situation to get moving now on your college search now, so you aren't left scrambling when applications are due. Here's how . . .
Take Some Time To Outline Your Personal Goals
Before you get caught up in tours and research, it's important to check in with yourself and understand what you want for your future. What do you want to study? What kind of career do you want to pursue? What kind of environment are you looking for?
Answering these questions will help you zero in on the colleges that are the best fit for you, and make the application process a lot less overwhelming. Plus, when you have a clear idea of your goals, it'll be easier to sell yourself to admissions officers. So don't wait – holiday break is the perfect time to reflect and write, especially since you will have fewer distractions and obligations.
Tour Colleges in Your Area
The best way to give your college search the momentum it needs is by touring colleges. Touring is the absolute fastest way to find out what you want and don't want from your college experience. Plus, it will get you excited for what's to come in your future.
Not sure where to start? Make it simple. Choose 1-3 colleges close to home that vary by size and type (private vs. public) to tour over the holidays, even if you're not sure you'll apply. Many school offer tours right up until Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve; just check the online calendar or call the admissions office to make your appointments.
Spend Time Building Your College List
Finding the right schools that match your specific college needs takes time. You need to be sure each school offers the right selection of majors, and fits all your other criteria such as the right curriculum, size, distance from home, social scene and more. Luckily, holiday break offers plenty of time to be productive and explore schools to their fullest.
There are so many great websites out there to help you match, sort and filter schools based on every item on your list. Try out some of our favorite college research sites:
Put Together A Full Admissions Checklist And Timeline
What do you need to get accomplished in the next semester with your college search and admissions process? What about next summer? Or in the next year? Making a checklist of your specific steps in the college search and admissions process, along with a timeline of completion, will help you take control of your college search and feel good about your progress.
Need some help with your timeline? No problem! There are online resources everywhere. One of our favorites is from Khan Academy that you can find here. And don't forget: Be sure to stick to your timeline and update it as needed!
Ask Your Parents to Help You
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the college search process, one things you can do is ask your parents for help. In addition to offering emotional support, your parents can also help you with the practical aspects of the college search, such as research colleges, talking through majors and criteria, helping you understand college finances, and more.
Asking for your parents' help with your college search is a sign of maturity and responsibility. It shows that you're serious about finding the right college for you and are willing to put in the hard work to make it happen.
Still Feeling Stuck?
With more than 4,000 schools to choose from, and dozens of deadlines and hoops to jump through, it's no wonder students get overwhelmed and stuck in their college search. If you're looking for help, RingTrue has you covered. Check out our website today and book a free consultation to see if we're the right fit to help you find your best college!
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