Welcome to Fall, y’all!

Even though cooler temperatures are not quite ready to comfort us with thought of bonfires, hot cups of chili, and college football Saturdays, make no mistake that Fall semester is here!

What does that mean for high school seniors? Well, aside from the obvious kickoff to your senior year of high school, it means homecoming, pep rallies, senior memories, and college applications!

Wait….what?!?

Fall semester for high school seniors is already busy enough, but it is also important to set aside time to give serious thought to your plans after high school if you haven’t already, and take action to set that path in motion. Many colleges are eagerly awaiting your arrival next year, and you don’t want to let them down! Begin by considering the following tips to help find the perfect academic fit for you!

1. Don’t just consider colleges that you want to attend. Go ahead and make a list eliminating those that you don’t want to attend, as well. In addition to specific colleges, rule out any factors that are not appealing to you. Do you not want to attend a large college? Do you not want to travel far from home? Do you not want a technical college or liberal arts college? By making a quick list of what you don’t want from your college experience, it will help bring into focus the things you do want and find important.
2. Once you have an idea of the type of college you want, hone your search in on those that fit your criteria. Make sure you have backup plans also. Consider the first choice college you have always dreamed of attending, but also pick one that is affordable for you. Throw in a college that has admission requirements you already meet academically where you have a high likelihood of being accepted. By covering the bases, you have a higher chance of being accepted into a school early and being fully prepared to enroll after high school. Remember, you can always apply for more — and change your mind — but have your backup plans in place!
3. Be objective! While you may have always dreamed of attending your parents alma mater and supporting their football team with the passion of a mad man, take an honest look at your academic goals. Choose school that are right for you academically, financially, and socially.
4. Go say hello! Everything you do in life and every person you meet is an opportunity to market yourself! Contact your desired school and schedule campus visits! Recruiters and ambassadors love to show off their campus, and you can gain valuable insight into the school, its programs, and campus life by talking to other students. Seeing is believing, and campus tours prove it!
5. Be smart about money! Consider what your budget for college is by discussing with your parents. Family income, savings, scholarships, and grants all factor in to what you can afford. Don’t waste time applying to colleges that you know you can’t afford or that will likely place a tremendous burden on your family. Many colleges are affordable and offer excellent educational programs at a fraction of the cost. Be sure to factor in housing, food, traveling to and from home on holidays, and incidental expenses while living away from home.
6. Everyone loves to feel accepted! College is no different. When choosing potential colleges, pay close attention to their acceptance rate. Colleges with extremely low acceptance rates make it more unlikely for you to gain acceptance — even if you have the highest grades in your school or even in your state! Target schools with acceptance rates higher than 20% for the best chances. The higher that number, the greater your chances. Many great colleges admit more than they reject, so keep searching school that fit your criteria.

It can seem overwhelming, we know. With a little top-of-mind awareness about your future, you can do a little bit at a time and keep your future on track.

At Nexstep, we are always here to help with these questions and more. As expert consultants in higher education, we help people every day with their college search. You are no different, and we are eager to help get you started down your path. Once you decide to take the first step, let us be your Nexstep!

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to discuss what is right for you!