Spring 2020 Update for Juniors
As disruptive as the Covid19 pandemic has been, the suspension of regular school and extra-curricular activities provides our Juniors with extra time to start thinking about college lists and applications. During the shelter in place order, we are not available for in-person visits, but we are using Zoom to meet virtually with clients. Book an appointment to get started on list building, essay planning and other aspects of your college application process.
Before we get started, we want to remind you that there are over 4,000 colleges in America. Approximately 80% of those colleges admit more than half of applicants. Fewer than 20 colleges and universities accept less than 10% of applicants. Getting accepted into a college should not be stressful. We work with you to create a balanced college list based on your social, emotional, physical, intellectual and financial needs. We believe that there are many schools that can prepare you for future success.
Standardized testing
***Breaking News*** Released on May 21, 2020: The Regents of the University of California have announced a plan to phase out the use of SAT or ACT tests for admission to the UC system. Quoting from the UC announcement (link):
The following outlines the Regents’ actions:
***Breaking News*** Released on April 17, 2020: The CSU system is suspending the standardized test requirement for students applying for Fall 2021. The CSUs are going even further than the UCs by stating that standardized tests will not be considered in admissions decisions at any campus for Fall 2021 (including impacted campuses like Cal Poly SLO). What, if any, supplemental criteria they will use instead has not been announced as of yet.
Both the CollegeBoard (SAT) and ACT have canceled their spring tests, including the June dates. They have announced plans to add dates in the fall once schools reopen. If you have not yet tested, don’t panic. This is a perfect opportunity to do free practice tests to decide which format you prefer. Try a PracticeACT and PracticeSAT. There are many more available online or in prep books. Try to do the tests under test conditions, setting time limits and following testing guidelines. There are lots of free test prep options available - Khan Academy is one - once you have chosen your preferred test. Check the College Board and ACT websites for testing updates and to register for the June tests.
There is a growing trend amongst colleges to go test optional, which means you will be able to apply to many colleges without submitting test scores. Some, like Boston University, are only test optional for the 2020/21 admissions cycle, but many, like the University of Oregon, are permanently test optional.
AP tests College Board has announced that this year’s AP exams will be 45-minute online free-response exams at home. They will be offered on two separate dates (to be confirmed). Check here for the latest information.
SAT subject tests are no longer required by any college (MIT was the last holdout and they have just changed their policy). In rare cases, they may still be considered by some highly selective colleges if submitted.
Résumé
Now is a good time to update your résumé or brag sheet - the record of your high school accomplishments, activities, and work experiences - in Naviance. Teachers and counselors often use this when writing letters of recommendation. It will also make completing college applications easier, because all the information will be in one place.
Teacher letters
Think about which junior year teachers you might ask for letters of recommendation. You should look for junior year teachers in core subjects you excel in and/or subjects applicable to your desired major. Only use a sophomore teacher if you have an ongoing relationship with the teacher. Consider asking your teachers before the end of the year since many get overwhelmed with requests in the fall and limit the number of students they will write letters for. We usually advise you to ask them face-to-face, but that may be difficult if schools do not go back this school year. If that is the case, you can wait until schools resume or send a polite email. Remember that teachers are doing you a favor and writing these letters is a time consuming process. Be appreciative.
Email
Consider creating a “clean” email address just for college admissions and get into the habit of checking it regularly. Do not use it for anything besides colleges, so that important college emails do not get lost amongst private emails, high school mail, and spam. Choose a simple, professional format like “firstname / lastname / graduationyear” ([email protected]).
College research
Use SuperMatch in Naviance or College Board’s Big Future website to look for colleges that you might be interested in. Once you have signed a contract with us, we will activate your College PlannerPro account and you can start building your list and exploring those colleges further.
College Information and Tours
Unfortunately, the majority of college campuses are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, so you will need to get creative in your research. Almost all colleges have links to virtual tours on their websites, but you can also use other sources:
● www.Youniversitytv.com
● www.campustours.com
● www.youvisit.com
● www.campusreel.org
● YouTube also has many university channels, (like these for the University of Oregon or the University of Denver), as well as videos, vlogs, etc. uploaded by students. Just search for the name of the college.
Demonstrated Interest
Some private colleges, and a few out-of-state public colleges, factor ‘Demonstrated Interest’ into their rubric for admission. If you have not demonstrated interest, they may be hesitant to admit you because they don’t have confidence that you will actually accept their offer of admission. These colleges track their students throughout the college application process. Given that you cannot visit campuses at this time, reach out personally to your local admission representative. They are more than happy to discuss their college with you. (Search for “regional representative” on the college website or ask Tamara or Ann if you cannot find the correct person.) Visit the college website and register with your new college-only email address. Get into the habit of checking this email address frequently. When you receive an email from a college, please open it as they track to see if and when you open their emails. Try to attend college rep visits in the fall, either at your school or various fairs and regional events.
College Essays
Begin thinking about your college essays. Visit the UC, Common App, Coalition App, and individual college websites to find application essay prompts and length requirements, or use your College Planner Pro account if we have already given you one. Many colleges, including the Cal State system, do not require essays. Make an appointment with us to learn what colleges are looking for and how to go about brainstorming and drafting these essays.
We look forward to seeing you (virtually) very soon,
Tamara and Ann
As disruptive as the Covid19 pandemic has been, the suspension of regular school and extra-curricular activities provides our Juniors with extra time to start thinking about college lists and applications. During the shelter in place order, we are not available for in-person visits, but we are using Zoom to meet virtually with clients. Book an appointment to get started on list building, essay planning and other aspects of your college application process.
Before we get started, we want to remind you that there are over 4,000 colleges in America. Approximately 80% of those colleges admit more than half of applicants. Fewer than 20 colleges and universities accept less than 10% of applicants. Getting accepted into a college should not be stressful. We work with you to create a balanced college list based on your social, emotional, physical, intellectual and financial needs. We believe that there are many schools that can prepare you for future success.
Standardized testing
***Breaking News*** Released on May 21, 2020: The Regents of the University of California have announced a plan to phase out the use of SAT or ACT tests for admission to the UC system. Quoting from the UC announcement (link):
The following outlines the Regents’ actions:
- Test-optional for fall 2021 and fall 2022: Campuses will have the option to use ACT/SAT test scores in selection consideration if applicants choose to submit them, and will develop appropriate policies and procedures to implement the Board’s decision.
- Test-blind for fall 2023 and fall 2024: Campuses will not consider test scores for California public and independent high school applicants in admissions selection, a practice known as “test-blind” admissions. Test scores could still be considered for other purposes such as course placement, certain scholarships and eligibility for the statewide admissions guarantee.
- New standardized test: Starting in summer 2020 and ending by January 2021, UC will undertake a process to identify or create a new test that aligns with the content UC expects students to have mastered to demonstrate college readiness for California freshmen.
- Elimination of the ACT/SAT test requirement: By 2025, any use of the ACT/SAT would be eliminated for California students and a new UC-endorsed test to measure UC-readiness would be required. However, if by 2025 the new test is either unfeasible or not ready, consideration of the ACT/SAT for freshman admissions would still be eliminated for California students.
- Elimination of writing test: The University will eliminate altogether the SAT Essay/ACT Writing Test as a requirement for UC undergraduate admissions, and these scores will not be used at all effective for fall 2021 admissions.
***Breaking News*** Released on April 17, 2020: The CSU system is suspending the standardized test requirement for students applying for Fall 2021. The CSUs are going even further than the UCs by stating that standardized tests will not be considered in admissions decisions at any campus for Fall 2021 (including impacted campuses like Cal Poly SLO). What, if any, supplemental criteria they will use instead has not been announced as of yet.
Both the CollegeBoard (SAT) and ACT have canceled their spring tests, including the June dates. They have announced plans to add dates in the fall once schools reopen. If you have not yet tested, don’t panic. This is a perfect opportunity to do free practice tests to decide which format you prefer. Try a PracticeACT and PracticeSAT. There are many more available online or in prep books. Try to do the tests under test conditions, setting time limits and following testing guidelines. There are lots of free test prep options available - Khan Academy is one - once you have chosen your preferred test. Check the College Board and ACT websites for testing updates and to register for the June tests.
There is a growing trend amongst colleges to go test optional, which means you will be able to apply to many colleges without submitting test scores. Some, like Boston University, are only test optional for the 2020/21 admissions cycle, but many, like the University of Oregon, are permanently test optional.
AP tests College Board has announced that this year’s AP exams will be 45-minute online free-response exams at home. They will be offered on two separate dates (to be confirmed). Check here for the latest information.
SAT subject tests are no longer required by any college (MIT was the last holdout and they have just changed their policy). In rare cases, they may still be considered by some highly selective colleges if submitted.
Résumé
Now is a good time to update your résumé or brag sheet - the record of your high school accomplishments, activities, and work experiences - in Naviance. Teachers and counselors often use this when writing letters of recommendation. It will also make completing college applications easier, because all the information will be in one place.
Teacher letters
Think about which junior year teachers you might ask for letters of recommendation. You should look for junior year teachers in core subjects you excel in and/or subjects applicable to your desired major. Only use a sophomore teacher if you have an ongoing relationship with the teacher. Consider asking your teachers before the end of the year since many get overwhelmed with requests in the fall and limit the number of students they will write letters for. We usually advise you to ask them face-to-face, but that may be difficult if schools do not go back this school year. If that is the case, you can wait until schools resume or send a polite email. Remember that teachers are doing you a favor and writing these letters is a time consuming process. Be appreciative.
Consider creating a “clean” email address just for college admissions and get into the habit of checking it regularly. Do not use it for anything besides colleges, so that important college emails do not get lost amongst private emails, high school mail, and spam. Choose a simple, professional format like “firstname / lastname / graduationyear” ([email protected]).
College research
Use SuperMatch in Naviance or College Board’s Big Future website to look for colleges that you might be interested in. Once you have signed a contract with us, we will activate your College PlannerPro account and you can start building your list and exploring those colleges further.
College Information and Tours
Unfortunately, the majority of college campuses are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, so you will need to get creative in your research. Almost all colleges have links to virtual tours on their websites, but you can also use other sources:
● www.Youniversitytv.com
● www.campustours.com
● www.youvisit.com
● www.campusreel.org
● YouTube also has many university channels, (like these for the University of Oregon or the University of Denver), as well as videos, vlogs, etc. uploaded by students. Just search for the name of the college.
Demonstrated Interest
Some private colleges, and a few out-of-state public colleges, factor ‘Demonstrated Interest’ into their rubric for admission. If you have not demonstrated interest, they may be hesitant to admit you because they don’t have confidence that you will actually accept their offer of admission. These colleges track their students throughout the college application process. Given that you cannot visit campuses at this time, reach out personally to your local admission representative. They are more than happy to discuss their college with you. (Search for “regional representative” on the college website or ask Tamara or Ann if you cannot find the correct person.) Visit the college website and register with your new college-only email address. Get into the habit of checking this email address frequently. When you receive an email from a college, please open it as they track to see if and when you open their emails. Try to attend college rep visits in the fall, either at your school or various fairs and regional events.
College Essays
Begin thinking about your college essays. Visit the UC, Common App, Coalition App, and individual college websites to find application essay prompts and length requirements, or use your College Planner Pro account if we have already given you one. Many colleges, including the Cal State system, do not require essays. Make an appointment with us to learn what colleges are looking for and how to go about brainstorming and drafting these essays.
We look forward to seeing you (virtually) very soon,
Tamara and Ann