This email is jam packed with information! Please take the time to read through it. We've reached the time of year when the college admissions comes more into focus for juniors. The grades you earn, classes you register for, tests you take, and activities you participate in this spring will all influence your college search. As such, this is a great time to begin creating strategic plans for standardized testing (SAT & ACT), summer jobs/activities, academic goals and grades, and senior course schedules. 

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Let's Meet!

Please schedule a meeting with me (scroll down & select "Prepaid College Advising," the last item in College Admissions Consulting) in the next month or so to discuss your semester 2 checklist. Parents are welcome to join for some or all of this meeting. If possible, schedule the meeting before you register/request your senior year classes but after you know what your options will be so we can discuss those in detail. 

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Send an Updated Transcript

You have likely either just completed or are about to complete your first semester. Once you receive your semester 1 grades, please send me an updated copy of your unofficial transcript.  

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Semester 2 Checklist

You'll find the following semester 2 checklist in your personalized college admissions tracker in the "Next Steps..." tab. Please check it out and start working through these items. Be sure to check things off as you go!

• Meet with Jenell to discuss and strategize the following tasks

• Send an updated transcript to jenell@thriveconsultandcoach.com  

• Set semester 2 academic goals and strategies

• Determine class schedule for senior year

• Determine which 2 teachers you'll ask to write your letters of recommendation

• Build relationships with your teacher recommenders

• Strategize a standardized testing plan 

• Register for the SAT or ACT

• Prep for the SAT or ACT

• Take the SAT or ACT 

• Plan your summer, which should include at least one or more of the following: a job or internship, extracurricular activities, college/field-related programs, volunteer/service opportunities

• Determine a plan for college visits this spring or summer   

• Research colleges on your list. Attend online sessions, do virtual tours, and learn as much as you can about the schools and their programs online

 

Senior Year Schedule Planning

We will discuss this when we meet, but here are a few things to keep in mind as you determine your classes for senior year:

• Most colleges require or prefer 4 full years of English, Math, and Science

• Most colleges require or prefer 3-4 years of  Social Studies and World Language

• Balance: colleges like to see rigor in your coursework, particularly senior year. However, it's important that you maintain your grades as well. Find the right balance of course rigor by selecting a combination of AP/IB, dual enrollment, honors, and standard level classes that will allow you to demonstrate rigor while maintaining strong grades.

• There is typically a bit more flexibility in the senior schedule than in previous years. Use this as an opportunity to highlight your strengths and interests. Love STEM? Double up on math or science courses. Interested in psychology? Perhaps you can take AP Psych or Statistics, each of which would be relevant to studying psych in the future.   

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Standardized Testing  

Should I Take the SAT or ACT?

Standardized test (SAT and ACT) scores can have a significant impact on college admissions - both in terms of application evaluation for acceptance to schools and in terms of your consideration for merit scholarships. Your college list includes a column that indicates whether each school is test blind (they do not consider your scores for admissions), test optional (the choice to submit scores is optional, schools will consider scores if they are submitted), or test required (all applicants must submit scores to be considered for admission). Note that while many schools on your list are likely test optional, data from the past few years is showing that submitting a score can be advantageous for many schools. This is partially because schools may assume that if you didn't submit a score, it means your score was lower than their average score range. Note also that many schools use test scores to help determine merit aid. For these reasons, it's a good idea to prepare for and take either the SAT or ACT so you have a score to submit if/as needed. Once you have your score(s), we will determine if/where to submit them. See my Thrive Guide Comparing the ACT vs. SAT for information about these two exams. 

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Timing

My recommendation is that you take a test this spring (spring of your junior year). This gives you time to get through more of the school year and absorb more math from your math class in preparation for the test. It also allows for time to study and take a second test this summer or next fall if you choose. 

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Preparations

There are numerous test prep courses available. Test prep courses makes sense for some students but are not necessary for everyone. Consistent practice using free online resources can be a very effective strategy for preparing as well. Below are some free test prep resources. Please check them out and begin to do some practice.  

• Download & utilize the College Board Bluebook App (note: if you've taken the PSAT or an AP exam, you may already have this app). This is the app you'll use to take the SAT. Within it, you'll find test previews and full-length practice exams. Please familiarize yourself with this app, the testing format, and the resources available in the app if you plan to take the SAT.

• One Prep is an adaptive SAT prep resource with question banks and practice tests. 

• Khan Academy provides official SAT prep resources  

• ACT.org provides free ACT practice tests and study resources

• Princeton Review, Kaplan, Magoosh, and other companies also provide free online test prep resources for both the SAT and ACT 

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Registering

Note that testing locations and spots fill up quickly so plan to reserve your space early! If your school offers a school day test option, sign up! If not, explore your options. It's possible you may have to travel outside of Seattle to take the ACT or SAT. Explore testing dates and locations early and register as soon as space becomes available to ensure you have a slot. Use the following links to find dates and registration information:

• SAT Dates & Details

• ACT Dates & Details

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Letters of Recommendation

• Identify two teachers whom you will ask to write your letters of recommendation. Generally, you should select one English, Social Studies, or Language teacher and one math or science teacher. 

• Spend time this semester connecting with those teachers and helping them get to know you and your work. This may include visiting during office hours, meeting with them for help on assignments or projects, participating actively in class, and demonstrating your best work. 

• Follow whatever steps your school requires to formally request letters of recommendation from your school counselor and teachers. Often, this includes providing them with some information about yourself. Many schools, counselors, and teachers will have their own forms or format for this. If they don't,  

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Finally, please let your friends know that I have a few spaces left for class of 2027 college admissions consulting services! Successfully running a small business means relying heavily on word-of-mouth marketing. Anything you do to spread the word helps me in my continued support of students. If anyone you know may be looking for admissions consulting, please send them my way!  

 

As always, reach out with questions.

 

Together, let's thrive!

 

Jenell Kheriaty
Founder, Consultant, Coach
Thrive Consulting and Coaching LLC
https://www.thriveconsultandcoach.com/
206.372.2135