With the midpoint of the year having passed, seniors should be done with college applications for the fall 2024 admissions cycle. Some schools, like New Jersey Institute of Technology and Montclair State University, have rolling applications and will review applications continuously throughout the year.
The FAFSA for the next school year was released on December 31, 2023. Seniors should complete and submit their FAFSA form as soon as possible to get access to state and federal financial aid. Once submitted, be sure to check the status of the form and view the Student Aid Report by visiting the FAFSA website. External scholarships are another good way of sourcing money for education. Higher Education Student Access Association (HESAA) and Bold.org offer an inclusive list of scholarships for seniors, although it is important to be aware of scam scholarships looking to sell personal information.
Juniors should prepare to take their SAT and/or ACTs as soon as possible. NHS tutors and private tutoring services are recommended to prepare for these upcoming tests. Self-studying is another viable option, but it requires dedication and self-accountability for the best results. On March 9, 2024, there will be an SAT at Indian Hills. The deadline for registration for this date is February 23 and the late registration date is February 27. The next ACT test date is April 13, 2024, which will be available at Pascack Valley with a registration deadline of March 8 and late registration date of March 24. Receiving a score in the spring provides students with the opportunity to take additional tests during the summer and early fall if needed.
Crafting a list of favorite colleges should be on juniors’ to-do lists. Some points to consider are whether the school is test-blind or test-optional, the rigor of the coursework, the cost of living in the area, whether the school offers merit-based scholarships, the ease of getting home, and research opportunities.
Additionally, juniors should begin thinking about which teachers they would like to write their recommendation letters. Students should consider teachers whom they have known for the longest, worked closely with on projects or in clubs, and whose classes they have excelled in. Coaches, auxiliary staff, and guidance counselors can also provide recommendation letters.
For juniors, it is particularly important to view colleges, and the various breaks coming up in the spring offer opportunities to schedule tours without missing school. Sophomores should prioritize college visits as well. Selective colleges often have few visiting days, so be sure to schedule far in advance.
Seniors, juniors, and sophomores should all think about applying for jobs (if old enough). Jobs make college applicants stand out by showing dedication, responsibility, and time management. Consider a job in an area of interest — math tutor, EMT, doctor’s office assistant, library assistant. Similar to applying for jobs, it’s not too late to get involved in extracurricular activities. Teachers and guidance counselors can help connect students with clubs and volunteer opportunities.
Freshmen and sophomores should consider the rigor of their schedule and discuss taking AP classes during the 2024-2025 school year with their parents, guidance counselors, and teachers. When picking classes for next year is a delicate balancing act between maintaining a high GPA and appropriate rigor.
As always, students should continue to study hard and be active in their classes. To avoid burnout, it’s equally important to socialize with friends and family, work on external goals, and focus on self-growth. The February break from school is a great time to relax and reflect on the time that’s passed.
