Application Preparation: High school counselor shares college application insights and tips

With some high school seniors waiting with baited breath for college admissions decisions this month, the process of choosing the right college is not just for seniors, says Jessica Sobczak, a counselor at Muskego High School.  She shared several tips that give students an advantage when making the pivotal decision of post high school education options.

START EARLY

 “I would say the best general advice I can give is that although students actually send out college applications their senior year (typically in early fall), the college search should start much earlier for students,” she said. “It is really never too early to start talking with your parents about college and to start exploring options.”

According to Sobczak, many students begin researching colleges in their freshman or sophomore years. Key to success is self-recognition.

“Part of the college search process includes students knowing themselves and what kind of college campus will be a good fit, along with which college campus will provide them with a solid education and valuable experiences to prepare them for the ever-changing world of work,” Sobczak said.

UTILIZE TOOLS

She also said it’s wise to check out online photos or virtual tours of college campuses before committing financially to an actual visit.

“Undergraduate admissions offices web sites are also a great way to view what specific admissions criteria that school uses to admit or deny students' applications,” she said. “Knowing this information early on helps students create a 4-year high school plan that includes the rigorous and relevant courses, extracurricular activity involvement, and any community or leadership participation that a college requires and considers when admitting students.”

Preparing for those requirements is also something that takes careful consideration, Sobczak said generally speaking, “colleges want to admit well-rounded students who are prepared and will be successful in the college environment.”

VISIT PROSPECTS

Checking out a potential college or university in person is an important step in making a decision. Sobczak said it makes a difference because “students will have the opportunity to visualize and experience what their academic classes, dorm room, academic advising, etc., will be like.”

Some colleges will even allow a prospective student to sit it on a class in the subject area of his or her intended major, she noted.  When the student writes a personal essay for admission, details from the visit can emphasize why the student would be a good fit at the institution.

KEEP RECORDS

The personal essay is also a great opportunity to present details that weren’t noted elsewhere in the application, Sobczak said. For instance, if personal circumstances caused a student to have less than anticipated academic performance for a particular period, an explanation would be beneficial. Students should also record their extracurricular activities, especially involving leadership and community involvement, beginning in freshman year.

“Muskego-Norway Schools have students keep track of this information in a program called WISCareers so the information is stored in a personal electronic account starting in middle school and later converting to high school, with access available beyond graduation,” Sobczak said.

MHS  counselors also give a presentation called ‘Planning for College,’ each fall for juniors and their parents. It covers the college search and application process and is repeated for seniors, along with reminders of applications processes and deadlines.