13 College Strategies for Sophomores and Juniors

College Fairs are a quick and low cost way (often free) to check out many schools (on the same day) and meet admissions representatives without traveling far from home.   Learn how to 13 College Strategies for Sophomores and Juniors with effective organization, note taking and planning.

If you are in the area of a college that interests you, check it out. It’s best to visit when school is in session, but you can get a feel for a college almost any time. If you are planning a vacation, or visiting relatives, think about nearby colleges that may interest you.

A college education can be an extraordinary investment that opens doors and eyes to interesting and lucrative career opportunities probably not otherwise possible. It can also be one of the largest investments you’ll make in your lifetime.   Fortunately, there are many opportunities for financial assistance – merit aid, scholarships, loans, grants, work-study — to make college more affordable and help you pay the bill.  Before you cross a college off of your wish list due to “sticker shock”, understand that the real cost of college is the “net price” (list price minus the amount of financial aid) which may make the situation look a lot less dire.  Speak with you guidance counselor or scholarship coordinator.

# 10 Research College Majors & Careers

You’re not alone if you are a high school student without clear direction about your future. Most young people can benefit from self-assessment tools to help define goals and explore college environments, academic majors and potential careers.   InLikeMe provides useful advice along with helpful self-assessment tools.

Navigating the road to college can be a daunting experience. There’s no need to go at it alone. Building Your College Admissions Team  will help you benefit from the support and advice of people you know and trust such as your Guidance Counselor, Friends & Family, Teachers, Coaches, Employers, Club Advisors, Volunteer Activity Leaders and Local Alumni. Your counselor is a key team member. If you haven’t done so already, it’s a good time to meet with your counselor to map out a game plan and make sure you are on the right track.

Your College Admission Resume is a special resume that highlights your accomplishments during high school. It can be a tremendous asset when you fill out applications, meet with interviewers, ask for recommendations and apply for scholarships. InLikeMe’s Composing your College Admission Resume will tell you how to organize your activities, awards, honors, community service, leadership positions, jobs & internships and present them in a compelling resume.

Some students report a brain freeze when they sit down to write college essays.   You can ease the stress and enhance your raw material (activities, leadership positions, summer job, internship, college course, community service) with some up front planning. Colleges look for articulate, well-written, thoughtful essays providing insight into your personality, values, and goals.

Lynn Lubell

Lynn Radlauer Lubell, Publisher of InLikeMe.com and Founder of Admission By Design, an Educational Consultancy based in Boca Raton, Florida.