August Checklist for Rising Seniors

By CHRIS TEARE


In March, The Choice introduced a series called Counselor’s Calendar, to keep students on track during the college admissions process.

This installment focuses on the class of 2013, who will soon begin their senior year. (Rising juniors, your August checklist will be published on Tuesday.) We’ve asked Chris Teare, the director of college counseling at Antilles School in St. Thomas, V.I., as well as an instructor of the course “Finding a College That Fits” in August at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, N.Y., for this month’s admissions advice for the class of 2013. — Tanya Abrams

If you’re a rising senior who plans to apply to college, you might be a little nervous right now. Then again, you might be avoiding the issue completely — and appalled that someone like me would intrude upon your summer. If you’re anxious, you’re normal, because you have a big year coming up. Your nerves indicate that you care. That’s good. College is worth caring about. On the other hand, if you’re ignoring the calendar, you’re passively saving a lot to do with less and less time to do it.

Here is some advice to keep you on track:

Do the Summer Reading

Over 30 years, the students I’ve seen get the best results out of the college process are the ones who take care of business one day, one class, one assignment at a time. They’re not flashy; they’re steady. When I coached lacrosse, I said, “Pick up the next groundball.” Little things add up. Stop texting, log off Facebook, turn off your cellphone — and read. Not the SparkNotes. The book.

Pick the Right Courses

Selective colleges often start their review with your transcript, and strength of program is the first criterion of selection. Make sure your final transcript will include four years of the “five basic food groups”: English, math, history, science and foreign language. If you substitute from elsewhere on the curricular menu, select a course of equal or greater rigor in an area that better suits your abilities and interests. Make sure senior year is at least as challenging as junior year.

Keep Testing Under Control

By now, I hope you know whether you like the SAT or ACT better. Focus on the exam that works for you; if you prepare well enough, you’ll be likely to receive your highest score on the first or second attempt. Take your SAT II Subject Tests, if you must, whenever you’ll know as much as you can. Then forget bubble tests. Your scores are what they are. Stressing won’t raise them. Say the Serenity Prayer. Go test-optional. Focus your energy on classes, activities, and applications.

Keep Extra-Curricular Activities in Perspective

Remember that the hyphenate is extra-curricular. Even if you are being recruited for a talent in athletics or the arts, you must find a good deal of time to hone that skill set. You are no good to anyone if you run yourself into the ground by trying to do too much. Breathe. Eat. Sleep. Chill now and then.

Start Your Applications

If you haven’t already done so, create accounts. Use the Common App. Invest increments of time early on: When you have a little time, fill out the simple stuff. When you have a little more, add your activities and work experiences. When you can carve out still more, start drafting your activity paragraph and essay. Start on the supplements. Good writing usually takes time. Accept advice. Show what you have to your counselor or best teacher.

Create a List of College Fits

Shop for value: Figure out the program, size, type, location, personality, and likely final cost of the colleges that best suit you. Then list colleges that you might get into, some that you should get into, and two that you will get into.

Make more decisions up front. Be realistic. Make sure you can cover the cost. I like lists of six colleges. I understand nine. Beyond that, you’re denying reality, deferring decisions, and making the spring harder, via too many rejections or too many offers. Save yourself time, angst, and your parents’ money.

When it comes to life decisions, choosing a college is the first one in which most young people play a significant role. But it’s not the last one. Life has more in store. Pace yourself. Stay calm and sail on.

Do you have any college admissions advice for rising seniors? Would you like to share your thoughts about the upcoming school year? Please feel free to share in the comments box below.

This post was prepared in consultation with the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools, a membership organization.  http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/06/counselors-calendar-august-seniors/