Pre-College Planning: Six Steps Every Student Needs to Know

If you're here, it's because you're forward-thinking, proactive, and ready to conquer the next big milestone: college. Maybe you're already envisioning those campus adventures, late-night study sessions, and yes—the endless cups of coffee to get you through. But, before we dive into those memories waiting to be made, we've got some planning to do. College application season can be a bit like prepping for a marathon: it requires dedication, strategy, and a solid plan. Today, I'm going to break down six essential steps to ensure you're ahead of the game when it comes to applying for college.  

1. Grades: The Bedrock of Your Application  

You knew this was coming first, right? Grades are like the foundation of a skyscraper—they need to be solid if you're hoping to build something magnificent on top of them. From the first day of 9th grade to the last exam in 11th, keeping those grades up is paramount. Colleges look at your GPA to get a sense of your academic abilities, and spoiler alert: they don't like to see C's. Aim for consistent A's and B's to stay competitive. I know—you've got a lot on your plate. Between classes, extracurriculars, and maybe even that part-time job, managing your time can be a circus. Trust me, I've been there. But, here's the deal: late nights binge-watching Netflix and gaming can wait. Those algebra tests and English essays cannot. So, before you hit that 'Next Episode' button, ask yourself: is it worth sacrificing your GPA over? Instead, get a good night's sleep, ace that test, and then celebrate with an episode.  

2. Course Selection: Striking the Right Balance  

It's not just about getting good grades—it's about where you get them. Course selection is part strategy, part self-awareness. If you're eyeing highly competitive programs, load up on those AP and honors classes. The catch? Don't overload yourself to the point of a breakdown. A B in an AP class looks better than an A in a regular class. But a C? That's a no-go. Find your sweet spot. If you're passionate about history but not so much about calculus, maybe push yourself in the former and go for a standard level in the latter. Each student is unique, and you know yourself best. If you're balancing a heavy course load while juggling sports practices and a part-time job, don’t be afraid to take a step back and adjust. The key is showcasing that you're challenging yourself without compromising your well-being.  

3. Extracurricular Activities: Quality Over Quantity  

Let's debunk a myth: you don’t need to be superhumanly involved in a million activities to stand out. What you need is commitment and passion. When colleges review your application, they'll look at how long you've been in an activity and how committed you are. Did you volunteer at an animal shelter for two hours a week for four years? That's gold. Did you play basketball all four years of high school? Also gold. So, how do you decide which activities to dive into? Easy. What lights you up or builds valuable skills? What makes those early mornings and late-night practices worth it? Choose activities that you're genuinely interested in because they will keep you motivated. Quality over quantity is the mantra here. Volunteering a couple of times at the food bank screams “I had to do this to make my college applications look better.” Volunteering at the food bank one weekend a month for two years shows commitment. Whether it's paid work, a sport, volunteering, or even a unique hobby like photography, the passion you show and skills you develop is what matters.  

4. College Tours: The Ultimate Research Trip  

Ah, the college tours. Think of these as your ultimate research trips. You wouldn’t buy a car without test-driving it, right? Same goes for choosing a college. Whether it's a tour of an Ivy League campus or a local state university, each visit adds to your data bank. During the tours, pay attention to the size of the school, the environment, and the vibe. Can you see yourself walking through the quad, hanging out in the student union, or even navigating those lecture halls? The more tours you can fit in, the better. Don't wait until you've been accepted to start touring. Spread them out over the years. Make them part of family vacations. Even if a campus isn't on your priority list, every tour teaches you something about what you're looking for. How do you know what you like or don’t like about a college if you have nothing to compare it to? The more tours you go on, the more you’ll learn about yourself and the easier it will be to craft your final college list when the time comes. 

5. Testing: To SAT or ACT? That is the Question.  

Testing. Yep, we have to talk about it. SATs and ACTs might seem like a huge hurdle, but with post-COVID changes, many colleges are now test-optional. Still, if you're aiming for competitive schools, having a strong test score can give you that edge. So, when should you take these tests? Ideally, take them once in your sophomore year or early junior year. This way, come spring of junior year, which is a hectic time with applications, essays, and tours, you won’t be drowning in practice tests. Give yourself a time block of 3 months to prep seriously for these tests. Treat them like the beast they are. Studying bit by bit over an extended period will do wonders over cramming at the last minute. Take the test once, aim for the best score possible, and then move on. You've got essays and applications to focus on!  

6. Mastering Soft Skills: The Underrated Secret to Success  

Last but certainly not least, let's talk soft skills. This is often the most overlooked, but most critical part of pre-college preparation. The shift from high school to college isn't just academic—it's mental, emotional, and logistical. Post-COVID, many students have lost a handle on crucial skills like time management, note-taking, and the concept of deadlines. In college, you don’t get to retake tests or turn in assignments late. Learning these skills now will save you a ton of stress later. Time management isn’t just about getting things done on time—it's also about how you manage your energy. Are you a morning person? Do challenging tasks first thing. Are you more of a night owl? Save those heavy lifts for the evening. Figure out what study and work patterns optimize your energy and productivity. Embrace these soft skills. They’re not boring—they’re empowering. They turn you into a master of your own time and destiny, which is crucial as you transition into college life and adulthood.  

There you have it! The foundational steps to get you on track for college success. Pre-college planning might seem daunting, but breaking it down into these manageable steps can transform it into an empowering journey. Stay organized, stay passionate, and remember: enjoy the process. College is a significant chapter of your life, but it’s just one chapter. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into timelines and step-by-step guides, go ahead and grab my college planning timeline. It’s my most requested resource for a reason! Think of it as your roadmap to acing this pre-college phase. Print it, stick it on your fridge, and take the stress out of the equation. Let’s conquer college planning together, and here’s to a successful journey ahead! 

For even more helpful information, be sure to check out the detailed video I’ve created! 🎥 It dives deeper into the topic and includes additional insights that may help you. Click here to Watch!

Are you still feeling lost and want professional help creating a 4-year plan? Schedule a consultation and get the help you need.