{"id":525,"date":"2019-08-02T09:39:46","date_gmt":"2019-08-02T14:39:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/?p=525"},"modified":"2021-10-20T08:57:48","modified_gmt":"2021-10-20T13:57:48","slug":"some-things-to-finish-before-senior-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/some-things-to-finish-before-senior-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Some things you should finish before senior year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/142\/2019\/08\/junior-year-spring-summer-title-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"some things you should finish by the end of summer before senior year\" class=\"wp-image-526\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/142\/2019\/08\/junior-year-spring-summer-title-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/142\/2019\/08\/junior-year-spring-summer-title-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/142\/2019\/08\/junior-year-spring-summer-title-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/142\/2019\/08\/junior-year-spring-summer-title-500x262.jpg 500w, https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/142\/2019\/08\/junior-year-spring-summer-title.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This blog post is part of a series that will help you as you apply to colleges. <strong>Today, I\u2019m sharing some things you should finish before senior year to stay on track as you narrow down your school list and prepare to apply to colleges.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p>Are you late to the party and want to know what\u2019s going on? <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/helpful-advice-applying-to-college\/\">Start here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This post is relevant to you if it is the summer before your junior year or if you are currently in your junior year of high school. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/142\/2019\/08\/juniors-spring-and-summer-to-do-list.jpg\" alt=\"junior year spring and summer to do list\" class=\"wp-image-527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/142\/2019\/08\/juniors-spring-and-summer-to-do-list.jpg 800w, https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/142\/2019\/08\/juniors-spring-and-summer-to-do-list-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/142\/2019\/08\/juniors-spring-and-summer-to-do-list-768x192.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/142\/2019\/08\/juniors-spring-and-summer-to-do-list-500x125.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>1. Develop a list of colleges and universities you plan on applying to<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-giphy\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/gph.is\/1MEj2lj\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/media.giphy.com\/media\/YLHwkqayc1j7a\/giphy.gif\" alt=\"List Scroll GIF - Find &amp; Share on GIPHY\" width=\"302\" height=\"181\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>By now you should have done some preliminary research into a handful of schools and have an idea about how you think you\u2019ll vibe with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next step is to develop a list of schools you\u2019ll apply to and under which deadline. There are many types of deadlines, be sure to check the deadlines for *<strong>each*<\/strong> the colleges you intend to apply to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Your school counselor is an invaluable resource to help you understand each deadline AND all aspects of the college application process. Be proactive and reach out to them for guidance as you work through this process.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Some of the most popular college admissions deadlines are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Early Action: You submit your application early in the fall of your senior year, and if you are accepted you have until the spring of your senior year to commit to the school.<\/li><li>Early Decision: Like Early Action, you submit your application in the fall of your senior year. However, if you are accepted, it\u2019s binding and you must withdraw all other applications and attend that school. So, you must be 100% sure that an Early Decision school is where you want to go. You also need to be sure you can swing the full tuition. Early Decision schools typically have you commit to attending<em> before<\/em> they send you financial aid packages. Needless to say, a small number of students choose this option.<\/li><li>Regular Decision: This is the later deadline that takes place after Early Action and Early Decision. The decision is not binding if you are accepted. <\/li><li>Rolling Admission: Colleges that accept rolling admissions will take applications any time up until a certain date. Colleges usually accept applications for as long as there is space for students. Even though it is not binding, you\u2019ll want to apply sooner rather than later because space is limited. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>On your list of schools, it\u2019s important that you don\u2019t have too many or too few. You\u2019ll also want to have some safety schools, reaches and community colleges in mind. <strong>Your list should have about 8-10 schools you plan on applying to.<\/strong> Any more than that is going to be overwhelming. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-giphy\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/gph.is\/2DrlbYT\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/media.giphy.com\/media\/AiEr9b7sX5VKIoIvQL\/giphy.gif\" alt=\"Sick Infinity War GIF - Find &amp; Share on GIPHY\" width=\"400\" height=\"168\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>**Make sure you have the contact info of admissions counselors to each\nof the schools you plan on applying to. That way you can get in touch if you\nhave any questions.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>2. Start touring campuses on your list before senior year<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-photo is-provider-giphy\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/gph.is\/1EmX5Ub\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/media.giphy.com\/media\/LRzK37z3km2v6\/giphy.gif\" alt=\"Day Group GIF - Find &amp; Share on GIPHY\" width=\"391\" height=\"220\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><figcaption>A campus tour in progress.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeing is believing, and there\u2019s no better way to believe that you\u2019re a good fit for a school than to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uml.edu\/admissions\/visit\/tours\/\">see it for yourself<\/a>. It\u2019s a great way to cross some schools off your list, narrow down the order for your top choices and to get a solid idea of what you\u2019re looking for in a school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>**When touring campuses, take the time to explore after the group tour is over. Colleges show you what they want you to see on tours. Walking around campus by yourself is a great way to get a more personal feel for the school.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>3. Work to improve the subject areas you struggle in<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-photo is-provider-giphy\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/gph.is\/1PHynry\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/media.giphy.com\/media\/8dYmJ6Buo3lYY\/giphy.gif\" alt=\"Book Read GIF - Find &amp; Share on GIPHY\" width=\"282\" height=\"207\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You should take the SAT\/ACT sometime in the spring of your\njunior year. Review how you did on the PSAT\/Pre-ACT and work to improve the\nareas you struggled in. Most of the time, this means you should review the materials\nyou\u2019re already learning in your classes. Don\u2019t be afraid to talk to your\nteachers to see if they have study hours after school to review areas you want\nto improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>**This applies to improving your writing skills. Don\u2019t worry if writing isn\u2019t one of your strengths\u2014you don\u2019t need to write the next great American novel.&nbsp; A solid understanding of the basics of writing will go a long way. It will help as you work through these standardized tests, and it will also come in handy as you write your college essays. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>4. Register for and take the SAT\/ACT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking the SAT\/ACT three times is the optimal number of times to take it. Statistics show that up to a 200-point improvement on the SAT and a 3-point improvement on the ACT is possible. However, statistics also show that scores tend to go down or plateau if students take the test a fourth time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;You should take it for the first time in the spring of your junior year, and then take it a second time in the fall of your senior year if you want to improve your score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>**Talk to your college counselor to see if you qualify for an SAT\/ACT fee waiver. They will be able to help you determine if you meet the criteria for a waiver.&nbsp; <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>**Some schools now accept Test Optional applications.<\/strong> It\u2019s a totally legit way to apply, too. BUT all schools have different criteria for Test Optional\u2014be sure to check each school\u2019s policy individually. That said, it is still a good idea to take the test because then you at <em>least have the option<\/em> to choose if you want to apply with or without it. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bright side of taking these tests more than once is that schools will accept your highest score regardless of when you took the test. For example, say you take the SAT\/ACT for the first time in the spring, and score well in reading but do poorly in math. Then, you take the SAT\/ACT in the fall of your senior year, and do better in math and your reading score goes down. Many colleges superscore, which means they will accept your highest score on each section\u2014so they\u2019ll take your high score in reading from the fall and combine it with your high score in math from the spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that\u2019s it! This list may seem daunting at first, but take it one step at a time and work through some of the items on the list a few times a week. You don\u2019t need to do everything all at once. Next, we\u2019ll talk about <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/seniors-reminders-as-you-apply-to-colleges\/\">what should do in your senior year<\/a> to stay on top of the admissions process. <\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This blog post is part of a series that will help you as you apply to colleges. Today, I\u2019m sharing some things you should finish before senior year to stay on track as you narrow down your school list and &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/some-things-to-finish-before-senior-year\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":754,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[52,53],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/525"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/754"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=525"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/525\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1165,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/525\/revisions\/1165"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=525"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=525"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=525"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}