To have a positive college admissions experience, it is essential to prepare ahead. Coronavirus has interrupted standardized testing opportunities, and many institutions have shifted college visits from campus to online.

Here are a few tips to assist you with your college application.

Freshman year:

Students have to be extra attentive about teachers’ expectations and work smarter and harder to fulfill those expectations.

Become involved:

The high school years offer the perfect time to develop social connections and engage in extracurricular activities.

Read avidly:

Check out relevant magazines, books, newspapers, and blogs and YouTube videos.

Find mentors:

Take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of teachers, counselors, friends, and coaches.

Enjoy downtime:

Downtime is essential for staying fresh and focused. Make time to turn off electronic devices and think about the present.

Relieve stress:

To sustain your success in high school and college, find healthy ways to manage stress.

Sophomore year:

Sophomore year is the time to discover your interests and strengths and develop them.

Challenge yourself:

Make an effort to get good grades and be ready for new challenges. Never be afraid to ask for help.

Speak up:

Learning at the college level is about exchanging ideas with peers and professors and being open minded.

Get lots of sleep:

To stay healthy, the brain needs 8-10 hours of sleep.

Create an activities list:

Keep track of jobs, accomplishments, hobbies, and extracurricular activities.

Take advantage of summer break:

Summer is the best time to build  your resume by volunteering, playing sports, taking classes, etc.

Junior year:

The test scores, activities, and grades from your junior year will be looked at closely by perspective colleges.

Engage in extracurricular activities:

Take advantage of extracurricular activities inside and outside the school.

Crear a target college list:

After getting your test results, arrange a meeting with the school  counselor, and create a list of target colleges. During the summer, you can visit college campuses or send your queries through email.

Get recommendation letters:

Ask at least two teachers for recommendations.

Write an impressive essay:

Write an impressive essay and do not forget to include your strengths and experiences.

Senior year:

Good grades in your senior year are essential for gaining  admission to a good colege.

Take admissions exams:

Check the application deadlines and testing policies of each college.

Know deadlines:

Colleges have different application deadlines. Know them.

Apply:

Craft a well-thought essay, review your transcripts, and complete applications.

Follow up:

Check to make sure that colleges have received your test scores and recommendation letters.

Check financial aid rules:

College is expensive, but most colleges offer financial aid if you satisfy specific requirements.

Time for a decision:

Before committing, it is smart to visit or revisit colleges that have accepted you.