How to Prepare for College Apps Before Senior Year

Preparing for college can feel overwhelming, but starting early makes all the difference. By the time senior year rolls around, you’ll thank yourself for the effort you put in. Here's a guide to help you stay on track and strengthen your college applications.

1. Pick the Right Classes

Your academic record is one of the most critical aspects of your college application. Use your time in high school to challenge yourself and show colleges your commitment to learning.

• Challenge Yourself: If your school offers advanced courses like AP, IB, or honors classes, take them! Colleges love to see students who push themselves and take full advantage of the opportunities available.  

• Get Ahead with College Credit: Some classes, like AP or IB, might earn you college credit if you do well on the exams. It’s like a two-for-one deal: impress colleges now and save time later.  

• Think About Your Future Major: Have a sense of what you might want to study? Tailor your schedule to reflect that.  

  • Interested in medicine? Take Higher Level Biology  

  • Leaning toward business? Take economics or statistics if you can.  

• Show Improvement: Colleges value upward trends. If you had a rocky start in high school, showing steady improvement can demonstrate resilience and determination.

2. Build an Activity List (and Keep it Updated!)

Your extracurricular activities tell a story about who you are and what you care about beyond academics.

• Write it All Down: Keep track of every activity you’re involved in, even the ones that seem small. Include details like how many hours you spend on them each week and how long you’ve been doing them.

• Show Commitment: Colleges prefer depth over breadth. It’s better to be deeply involved in a few activities than to spread yourself too thin. Longevity and consistent participation show dedication.

• Highlight Leadership: Seek leadership roles in clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organizations. 

• Make an Impact: Think about how your involvement has made a difference. Did you start a new project? Help a team succeed? Volunteer in a meaningful way? These are the stories colleges love to hear.

• Tie It to Your Interests: If you’re passionate about a certain major or career, find activities that connect to it. Want to study engineering? Join the robotics team or build something cool on your own. Interested in journalism? Write for the school newspaper or start a blog.

3. Go for Awards and Honors

Recognition for your hard work can really make your application stand out.  

• Shoot for School Awards: Things like Honor Roll, National Honor Society, or AP Scholar are great additions to your application.  

• Find Competitions: Look for contests and competitions that match your interests. For example:

  •  Love to write? Check out local or national writing contests like The New York Times or the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.  

  •  Into science or tech? Try STEM fairs, coding challenges, or robotics competitions.  

  •  Play a sport? Try to get that MVP award.  

• Think Outside the Box: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Create your own! Start a community project, build a portfolio, or organize an event. These kinds of self-driven initiatives can really impress admissions officers. 

4. Prepare for Standardized Testing

Standardized testing might seem daunting, but it’s manageable with preparation.

• Get to Know the Tests: Whether it’s the SAT, ACT, or both, spend time understanding the format and scoring. Each test has its quirks, and knowing them can give you an edge.  

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Take as many practice tests as you can. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses—and get used to the timing.  

• Plan Your Testing Timeline: Figure out when you’ll take the tests and leave room for retakes if needed. Most students aim to finish by the fall of senior year.  

• Keep Test-Optional Schools in Mind: Many colleges are going test-optional, meaning you don’t have to submit scores. If tests aren’t your strong suit, focus your energy elsewhere.

5. Seek Guidance

You don’t have to navigate the college process alone—plenty of people are here to help.  

• Talk to Your Counselor: Your school counselor is a great resource. They can:

  •  Help you plan your classes and extracurriculars.  

  •  Share insights about colleges where students from your school have been accepted.  

  •  Write you an awesome recommendation letter (if they know you well).  

• Find Mentors: Is there someone you look up to who’s already at your dream school—or works in the field you’re interested in? Reach out to them for advice. Most people are happy to share their experiences!  

• Ask Around: Don’t just rely on what you read online. Talk to current college students or recent grads to get the inside scoop on schools and programs. You might discover a hidden gem you hadn’t considered.  

• Work with us: At CollegeBound, we can help spot the gaps in your resume, walk you through college app preparation, and manage the workload and deadlines. 

Preparing for college is a journey, and the earlier you start, the more prepared and less overwhelmed you’ll feel when senior year arrives. Take challenging classes, stay active in meaningful extracurriculars, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. 

Reach out to set up a free consultation call and we’ll answer any other questions you may have!

Good luck! 🎓