What to Do (and When) for College Prep in High School
Let’s face it, the college admissions process often brings on an intense level of stress, as many families strive to make a mad dash to the end of senior year. Setting the perfect schedule, achieving the highest test scores, completing all application requirements, and attempting to create meaningful, lasting senior memories can create an overwhelming amount of pressure.
It doesn’t have to be that way! In fact, it shouldn’t.
Let’s change the plan!
Let’s position our mindset to break down the steps. Instead of trying to “cram” it all in right before senior year, how about starting small, so we can end big, without so much pressure when we finally reach graduation. To be successful at anything, you have to start with the fundamentals and work your way to expert level. You don’t get there overnight. You get there by doing the prep work one step at a time, with excellence.
This process should be a four-year “small-steps” session in preparation for the big push at the end. This will require some patience, planning, and effort on your part, but if you approach it gradually, it won’t feel quite as overwhelming in the end.
Let’s break it down!
For most families, the idea of college takes a backseat for the first few years of high school, with a focus on grades, activities, and service. Then, BANG! You reach the end of junior year, and it is suddenly real! Graduation is right around the corner, and you are NOT ready.
The ultimate goal looks too far away to reach. You find yourself overwhelmed with last-minute test prep, college visits, and applications. You may find your college resume looking thin, but cramming in additional groups and activities during senior year is stressful. You may rush to build your resume last minute, but this often appears desperate and inauthentic to college admission departments. Starting early and with intention gives you the time to present yourself as the best candidate.
Most importantly, do not forget to make prayer a priority in the process. Pray about it all! You are not alone! The Lord has been with you this far and will walk with you throughout your entire journey.
- Ask for His wisdom.
- Ask for His peace.
- Be confident in all He has made you to be.
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11
An Intentional Four-Year Approach to Preparing for College
FRESHMAN YEAR – Foundation Building
You have got to start somewhere! Nothing worth having is rushed. It is an intentional building process. Freshman year should focus on building a strong academic foundation, while exploring your interests to find out how those interests can translate into a future.
- Establish strong study habits. The grades you earn in 9th grade will impact your final GPA and class rank.
- Try new things – Now is the time to discover genuine interests (sports, church activities, mission trips, volunteer services, summer jobs, clubs, etc.).
- Focus on building relationships with teachers and mentors
- Dig in! Research potential career paths and college majors before the pressure is on to commit.
- Check out college websites and start following colleges that interest you. Plan a tour – as you travel, stop by colleges in the area to see their campus, dorms, and student centers. Keep a notebook of your visits and thoughts.
- Research summer enrichment programs and internships that offer shadowing opportunities.
- You will likely take the PSAT and PACT this year.
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Psalm 127:1
SOPHOMORE YEAR – Building on What You Have Started
Now you have a rhythm going! In your sophomore year, you build on the foundation you have created. Now is the time to narrow your college focus, complete essential tests, and begin thoughtfully letting go of activities that no longer serve you—while leaning deeper into the ones that do. Focus on what matters most, not just doing more.
- Start specializing in activities you genuinely love.
- Visit with college representatives on and off your school campus. Attend college fairs and visit more colleges.
- Become familiar with general college requirements and consider how your course selections align with your potential college major.
- Consider taking on leadership roles and increased responsibility. This looks good on college applications. Remember the importance of being well-rounded.
- Keep a detailed journal of your activities. You don’t want to lose track of all you have accomplished.
- Start Chatting – Talk with your parents about the type of college you would like to attend (small/large, rural/urban, Christian/secular).
- Consider a summer job or summer enrichment programs related to your interests.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
JUNIOR YEAR – Working on the Plan
It is time to pick up the pace! Junior year, everything speeds up a bit. This year, you will begin the college selection process, attend more college fairs, financial aid seminars, and general information sessions to learn as much as you can about the college application process.
- Make sure you know and are meeting the NCAA / NAIA requirements if you want to play Division I, II, or III sports in college.
- This year is crucial in demonstrating your ability to handle academic rigor while still maintaining your extracurricular excellence. Selective colleges are looking to see how you do under pressure. Continue putting in the hard work for each of your classes. Colleges will make admissions decisions based on your end-of-year Junior transcript. Show them your best!
- Take a test prep class or set aside time to study for the PSAT or ACT. Schedule your test dates. And consider retake dates if needed.
- Complete career interest assessments to help you narrow down those opportunities that connect directly with your interests.
- Set up your Common App for an easy application process later. This will be helpful when you begin applying to colleges.
- Continue to visit colleges, take tours, and ask questions! Spring break is an excellent time for college visits. Create a list of 3-5 colleges you have investigated and want to apply to in August.
- Attend a college essay writing workshop.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
SENIOR YEAR – Almost to the End Goal
Throughout every life event, success depends on the work you have put in to prepare way before that final push. In your senior year, the goal is to use all that you have worked so hard to achieve and execute the end-game plan with excellence. If you have put in the work, this part won’t be so hard. If you have procrastinated, the stress may be overwhelming. With proper preparation, you can use your senior year to celebrate all you have done, rather than a panic rush to make yourself appear more prepared than you really are.
- Continue to pray. Ask for God’s wisdom and His will in your college journey. Talk and pray with your family, advisor, and friends. Ensure that your choices align with God’s plan for your future.
- Ask teachers and employers to write letters of recommendation. Give them at least two weeks to write them, and respond with a note of appreciation after they have been turned in.
- College applications open August 1st. Start completing them. Have all applications completed before October 1st.
- Search scholarship sites for scholarships that apply to you and stay on top of the deadlines.
- Fill out a FAFSA application in October. Watch out for FASFA scams. Double-check to make sure you are using a reliable source. Select the colleges that you want to send your student aid report to. The colleges will then send your financial aid report with your letter of acceptance.
- Make sure to send your transcripts and other necessary documents to colleges by Christmas. Stay on top of all your deadlines – keep a schedule.
- You should start hearing back from colleges in April. It’s decision time!
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 24:27
Wrapping It All Up
Starting the process with intentionality and moving through the four years of high school with a steady plan creates an outcome of less stress and more personal growth.
When you are prepared, relaxed, and focused, high school will be more enjoyable. Your college essays will reflect your preparedness and provide an image of you that colleges will find much more appealing.
Be confident in who you are, what you can do, and Who you belong to! Remember that you are not in this alone. The Lord, your family, your teachers, and administration are all ready and willing to give you a hand. You just have to seek their wisdom and assistance. The “real” final goal isn’t college. It is the fulfilled life that the Lord has set ahead of you, and college is one of the vessels He is using to get you there.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
