According to First-Year Application Trends through March 15 published by CommonApp.org, college applications in all regions surged, except the Northeast. Leading the way, South Carolina experienced a 61% increase. Other notables include: Texas (40%), Alabama (33%), Georgia (24%), Florida (21%), Washington (18%), New York (17%), Pennsylvania (17%), Oregon (13%), Virginia (14%), California (9%), and North Carolina (9%).
What this means for the Class of 2023 is that they must be more strategic in their college applications process than their predecessors. The good news is that we know more; we can pivot accordingly; we can dig deeper to target good-fit colleges where students can thrive AND have a reasonable chance of acceptance.
FIVE Steps
ONE: Conduct a College Application Readiness Audit
Understanding the scope of the process and where you are in it is a critical first step. Assessing what is done and what needs to be done will help students position themselves to complete as much of the college application process as possible BEFORE the start of senior year. Click HERE to complete a free College Application Readiness Audit.
TWO: Make a Strategic Plan
In order to minimize stress and uncertainly, make a plan that addresses ALL steps of the applications process. Critical steps include, but are not limited to: mitigating controllable factors, making a list of good-fit colleges, exploring careers and interests, writing a personal statement, writing supplemental essays, creating a resume, completing applications, sending test scores, requesting transcripts, monitoring applications status, etc.
THREE: Set Goals
Get your calendar out and plan when you are going to do what. Doing so will help prevent procrastination, help you feel accomplished as you check items off, help ensure that you don’t become overwhelmed, and ensure that all applications are completed in a timely and quality manner.
FOUR: Implement the Plan
Once you have a plan and have set your goals, get it done! If you get off course, breathe and reset.
FIVE: Submit Applications and Enjoy Senior Year
REMEMBER:
- College is a significant investment; it is worthy of thorough planning
- Completing as much of the college applications heavy lifting as possible prior to senior year is smart
For more information on how the surge in college applications impacts you, how the Class of 2023 can prepare for a successful and stress-free college admissions process, or how that Class of 2024 can get a jumpstart on the college admissions process, drop me a line at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com
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