November 2022
November is a great time to complete some key action steps
in the college process, listed below for grades 9-12.
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Updates!
In late September, Terry and Kristen attended the annual NACAC conference in Houston, Texas. Many admissions counselors, school counselors, and independent counselors were in attendance. The CACG counselors enjoyed networking with colleagues and receiving important updates regarding the college admissions process.
Parents - as you begin to make fall campus visits with your students, there are some keys to a successful trip. Click HERE to read about some do's and don'ts.
If you are not already, follow us on Instagram @cacg_admissions. Check out our website, where you can see blog posts, meet the team, and read testimonials.
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Seniors
Congratulations to all the students who submitted applications for the November 1st and 15th deadlines! For those navigating the early admission process click HERE for some tips and some ways this process is similar to the ticketing process for popular concerts. The fall remains a busy time so remember to stay organized, work hard, and take deep breaths! And, remember to carefully monitor your application portals as this is how you will know if your applications are complete and ready for review.
At CACG, we are happy to conduct mock interviews and help you prepare for any invites you receive. Remember your parents, counselors, and teachers are here to help you as you start to receive increased communication from colleges and universities.
If you have not already, you must send official test scores to colleges. Click HERE to learn about how to send ACT and SAT scores to colleges and universities. Additionally, some universities, including many public universities in Florida, are requesting that students complete a Student Self-reported Academic Record (SSAR). This means that you record your academic courses and grades onto a form and submit the form to the colleges requesting it. Click HERE to learn more about SSAR and HERE for how to submit yours.
Continue to work hard in your classes and finish your applications strong! Make sure to review your Common Application and all essays before submitting them.
Parents - this process has undoubtedly been challenging for you as well. Click HERE for nine tips to help you navigate the final phases of this journey.
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Juniors
As the school year ramps up, remember to take advantage of offerings at your school and in your community. Attend college fairs at your school, in your local area, or online. Click HERE to learn the best ways to approach college fairs and avoid information overload. Continue to build out and develop your list of colleges and start to plan campus visits. Remember there are many virtual admissions programs as well! Additionally, sign up for admissions mailing lists to stay up to date on information from schools you are interested in.
Continue to develop your standardized testing plans. Take the PSAT and PreACT offered at your school. Click HERE for a resource that provides free online prep for the PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). If you have not done so, take a practice ACT and SAT, or a combination diagnostic test. Additionally, if you want some guidance on what might be the best test for you click HERE. Start to think about registering for the real ACT or SAT. Both Kaplan and Khan offer some free online test prep plans that can help you prepare. That said, remember a solid list of colleges and universities are now test optional! Click HERE to see a list of these colleges and consider if they might be a good option for you.
While you still have some time, start to think about what you might want to do this summer. You will want to plan a meaningful summer and there are many exciting options! Please contact a CACG counselor for more information as the team maintains a database of summer program offerings.
Keep working hard - you got this!
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Sophomores
Continue to work hard in your classes and get to know your teachers. Look for ways to get involved in the life of your school. This includes sports, arts, community service, volunteer projects, clubs, and organizations. Start to think about deepening your involvement and building a trajectory toward leadership positions. This year is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
With holiday breaks quickly approaching, consider if you have time to see a few college campuses. If there is a college fair at your school, in your local area, or online, be sure to attend and collect materials. Click HERE to learn the best ways to approach college fairs and avoid information overload.
If you have not already, start to think about and create your standardized testing plan. Take the PSAT and PreACT offered at your school. Additionally, mock tests, commonly available with test preparation groups, are a great way to determine and understand your preferred standardized test. Click HERE for a guide to help you think about what test might be best for you. Additionally, click HERE for a resource that provides free online prep for the PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT).
While you still have some time, start to think about what you might want to do this summer. You will want to plan a meaningful summer and there are many exciting options! Please contact a CACG counselor for more information as the team maintains a database of summer program offerings.
Continue reading as much as possible and work hard in your classes and extracurriculars! Remember you have a large support network behind you.
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Freshman
As your first year of high school unfolds, remember to take care of school, be on time for your classes, and to complete all of your homework. If you have not already, meet the school counselor at your high school and start to build a relationship with your counselor by meeting regularly.
Continue to look for opportunities to explore your interests and get involved with sports, arts, community service, clubs, and other organizations or extracurriculars. Begin to keep track of your high school involvement and accomplishments, including extracurricular activities, summer experiences, and academic honors. This is a great opportunity to create your resume, which you can update and add to throughout your high school career.
Ask for help when you need it, stay organized, and finish the first half of the school year strong!
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