Your Path to College

YOUR PATH TO COLLEGE

YOUR PATH TO COLLEGE

Thinking about college can be overwhelming and stressful. But once you get organized and give yourself a list of smaller tasks, it’s not so bad. And it’s never too early to start. Use this guide to begin your journey to furthering your education.

JUNIOR YEAR | SPRING

1. CREATE YOUR LIST OF SCHOOLS

Needs: Consider each school’s majors and minors, scholarships and financial aid, faculty and campus facilities, and one-of-a-kind programs.

Wants: Do you want to study in a small town or large city? Does weather matter? Consider which schools offer your favorite student clubs and athletics. Watch online videos of student performances and campus events. Try to picture yourself there.

Think about what you won’t be able to live without versus what would just be nice to have. Get feedback from teachers, counselors, and family. Check online for lists, too. Others have been exactly where you are now.

2. ATTEND COLLEGE FAIRS

When are the schools on your list coming to your area? Ask them about everything, including their testing policy. Find out which tests are required or recommended. Don’t be shy in person or afterwards. Interacting with counselors is a great way to demonstrate interest.

3. CONNECT WITH YOUR COLLEGE COUNSELOR/GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

Now is a great time to schedule an appointment with your school’s college counselor / guidance counselor to talk through the early stages of your college search.

4. PLAN YOUR COURSES FOR SENIOR YEAR College coursework is rigorous. Try to make your last two years of high school mirror that if possible. The most challenging courses in your school—whether that’s IB, AP, or honors—will prepare you for the work ahead.

5. CREATE A RÉSUMÉ

Don’t underestimate your extracurricular activities, community service, and awards. Your résumé should showcase all that you’ve accomplished. It creates a clear picture for the schools you send it to.

6. REGISTER FOR SPRING SAT/ACT TESTS

Traditionally, this is the time to begin taking practice exams. However, over the course of the past few years many institutions have gone test-optional. While many institutions no longer require testing, some still do. Consider if taking the exams now are the right fit for you and your post-secondary goals.

JUNIOR YEAR | SUMMER

1. VISIT

Register for campus tours, admissions interviews, and information sessions. Colleges also offer summer programs, so check websites for upcoming events.

2. REFINE YOUR LIST

Narrow it down to the schools that offer your musthaves. For schools you didn’t get a chance to visit, see if they have a virtual tour or browse their social media to get a feel for them.

3. RESEARCH MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

College isn’t cheap. Identify the schools that offer scholarships that best complement your achievements and awards.

4. BRAINSTORM ESSAY TOPICS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Most schools require an essay. Some even let you submit artwork, videos, or research materials as a virtual portfolio. Whatever you choose, it’s a great way to present the real you.

5. CONSIDER WHICH TEACHERS OR COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE BEST-SUITED TO WRITE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS

Have a teacher who knows you and your approach to school best? Is there a member of your community who can speak to how you’ve contributed and shown positive characteristics? Many colleges/universities require recommendations and now is a good time to think about who to ask. Pro tip - they don’t have to be the teacher from whom you always get an ‘A’. Consider who can speak to how you’ve overcome challenges or shown perseverance.

6. REGISTER FOR FALL SAT/ACT TESTS

Historically, now is the time to register for testing if you want to include them in your applications. Again, take some time to consider what testing policies are associated with the schools on your list and if testing is right for you. If you’re going to include them, now is a good time to register for the fall testing dates.

7. ATTEND SUMMER ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Many schools offer pre-college programs for junior high and high school students. You’ll make new friends, add to your résumé, and explore different subjects.

SENIOR YEAR | FALL

1. MEET WITH YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR

This is a great way to discuss your college list and plans.

2. MEET WITH COLLEGES IF THEY VISIT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL

It’s one thing to look at a school’s website and social media; it’s another thing to ask questions face-to-face.

3. ATTEND OPEN-HOUSE PROGRAMS

See the schools on your list up close if you haven’t yet. Walk the campus, visit departments, and see if things click.

4. SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS WITH ADMISSIONS OFFICES

Even if it’s not required, an interview is an excellent chance to show your interest. Share the story that only you can tell. This means a lot to a school.

5. GET AN EARLY START ON APPLICATIONS

If you plan on applying early to a school, allow yourself enough time to assemble all your materials and submit them before the deadlines.

6. BE AWARE OF DEADLINES

Admissions and financial aid offices process thousands of applications each year. Complete yours on time. Keep a spreadsheet to stay organized.

7. START WORKING ON YOUR COLLEGE ESSAYS

Write it, revise it, and allow someone else to read it. Be clear, precise, and express what makes you stand out as an applicant.

8. UPDATE YOUR RÉSUMÉ

Include all your most recent activities and accomplishments.

9. ASK FOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Allow your teachers, counselors or community recommenders adequate time to write these as they may be asked to write letters for others. The beginning of your senior year is a great time to do this.

10. SEND YOUR SAT/ACT SCORES

If you have taken the test make sure to understand how the college/university wishes to receive them. Some schools will permit you to self-report scores, while others will require you to submit them officially from the testing agency. If you are unsure, connect with the college admissions office directly and they’ll be sure to help.

11. COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATIONS

Keep any confirmation emails for your records.

A FEW TIPS AS YOU CONDUCT YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH

• Keep an open mind and collect solid information.

• Don’t worry about a magic number of schools to look at or apply to. Everyone’s different.

• Remember this is an exciting time in your life, even though it doesn’t feel like it now.

• Your “best fit” school will offer the right combination of academic programs, student life, and research opportunities.

WHY ROCHESTER?

• Study what you love without wasting your time in classes that don’t interest you.

• Do real research as an undergraduate.

• Team up with world-renowned professors.

• Meet students from around the world.

• Seek a challenge, greater scope, and deeper involvement.

Remember to schedule your virtual interview with Rochester! It’s a great way to connect with a Rochester representative, share more about what makes you interesting and what you’re interested in, and can be a helpful component to your application file.

*Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration for admission and merit scholarships.

TEST-OPTIONAL POLICY

The University of Rochester maintains a test-optional application policy as part of our holistic review for undergraduate admissions. This review process incorporates a variety of factors, including many kinds of academic and nonacademic factors and realizes that standardized tests may not be an accurate reflection of a student’s abilities.

PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS

enrollment.rochester.edu/precollege Rochester students pursue only what they’re interested in. Rochester’s Pre-College Programs offers high school students that same freedom. Join students from around the globe to explore the University and broaden your educational experience, sharpen academic skills, and learn more about who—not just what—you want to be.

WHY ATTEND?

• Get a true sense of college life.

• Explore career possibilities.

• Increase appreciation of cultural diversity.

• Build lasting relationships.

• Learn in a rigorous and enjoyable environment.

Wallis Hall PO Box 270251 Rochester, NY 14627-0251

(585) 275-3221

Toll-free: (888) 822-2256

admit@admissions.rochester.edu

admissions.rochester.edu

@URAdmissions