2 November 2025 archive
Do You Have College Aspirations? 0
The college-bound Class of 2027 is now in their junior year. Is that you? In some ways, it is the most important year for you. It is your last reprieve before the hectic college admission schedule of senior year begins… not in September, but in June 2026. Just ask the seniors what this means and they’ll tell you! But you can avoid most of the stress and frenzy by getting organized this fall semester. You should have already set up an account at www.Commonapp.org even if you think you are only going to apply to a state university. Even if you are a freshman. Call us with any questions anytime. (978) 820-1295
As a junior, you can probably see the end of your high school career is near. One of the most important factors that colleges take into account is your course selection and grades. Colleges also place more emphasis on your junior and senior grades than those from previous years. (Excuse me! That is NOT true, it depends on the college.)
Junior year is also the second-best time (sophomore is better) for most of you to be participating in meaningful extracurricular activities. However, only get involved in the activities that truly interest you. Try to make a significant contribution to something that you enjoy doing outside of the classroom. It does not have to be school-related either. When colleges look at your activities they want to see the quality of participation, not quantity. This year may also be a good time to drop some of the activities that you really don’t care for and focus on those that you enjoy.
If you’ve never had a meaningful conversation with any of your teachers, now is the time to do so. Don’t force it, but building a natural teacher-mentor relationship with your teachers is a good thing. Next year you will need to ask at least two or your junior year teachers for recommendations. Ideally, he or she will be able to not only write about your intellectual curiosity, improvement over the year, and overall classroom participation. but something specific you have done in that class. At the MOST competitive colleges, with thousands of applicants with identical academic profiles, the recommendations can be the deciding factor. After you click the link above and read my essay there, ask me for the special “icing on the cake” letter that you can send along to the teacher, with your all-important thank you letter! 
Finally, you should also take this time to start collecting and organizing information from colleges. If you have started this process with us, you now have a good list of colleges based on the results of four insightful self-assessments (Personality ~ Nine Natural Intelligences ~ Learning Style ~ Skills) and your personal preferences. Plan to visit colleges during your winter and spring breaks later this year. For now, you can visit colleges on the web using the AAA method to become familiar with what they have to offer and if they have the qualifications to help you reach your goals. In your personal binders you have my essay on “How to Get the Most Out of Your College Visits” . But here is another one. Let me when and where you will be visiting, if possible. For particular colleges I may have some specific tips for you. (978) 820-1295.