New Article in Chicago Parent Magazine: A 4-Year Timeline for College Planning

The timeline for college planning is a multi-layered process. According to most experts, it’s best to start early. Every student will have different goals for college. Those goals will determine some of the actions your child will need to take as they prepare. 

And now for the big question: when should your high school student start preparing?

According to Dr. Joe Krupnick, founder and owner of The Krupnick Approach, a college consulting and test prep service, the answer is right away. “For the best results, the first year of high school should be the beginning of the timeline for college planning,” he says.

Freshman year: exploring interests and creating a foundation

While college may seem a long way off, this is the time to start creating a foundation of grades and interests, says Krupnick. “Students should start thinking about their general ambitions and expectations when they start high school. They can benefit from picking some areas of interest and thinking about how they want to develop them.” 

During their first year of high school, students should explore a variety of activities. This is a year for self-discovery where the question of “What do you want to do?” can remain open-ended.

“Freshman year is a time to explore interests both inside and outside school. The pressure is low, and the focus should be on enjoying activities without the weight of final decisions. Freshman year offers the freedom to change directions and discover passions,” says Krupnick.

Establishing a foundation of good grades is essential, says Krupnick. If your student is struggling in a subject or two, consider getting a tutor.

Sophomore year: gaining momentum

Moving into sophomore year, the college preparation journey gains momentum. Students should start considering potential colleges, majors and, more importantly, a nucleus of interests, says Krupnick.

“What we call ‘the nucleus’ is the central theme or area of interest that can define your high school journey. Whether it’s debate, sports, or something unconventional like entomology, students should choose one or two passions to weave through various activities,” Krupnick explains. “These pursuits and interests can become a differentiating feature when you apply to college.”

Students will want to start thinking about their college choices, says Krupnick, but at this point, it should be about everything you want in a college. “Decide your non-negotiables and prioritize your needs and wants. Think about your ‘fantasy’ school and start from there. Then you can begin adding admissions filters and start narrowing it down.”

Following sophomore year, Krupnick suggests that students should find something exciting and adventurous for the summer. Summer programs, courses, community service and independent research projects are great ways to explore interests and boost your college prospects. 

Of course, the PSAT and PACT are part of sophomore year, too, says Krupnick. 

“The best time to start ACT/SAT prep is the summer after sophomore year.  It would be one thing if these tests reflected what students learn in high school, but they are fundamentally different. Sophomore summer is an ideal time to get started on test prep without worrying about balancing it with heavy academic coursework and extracurricular activities. The Krupnick Approach team offers prep courses for both tests.”

Junior year: deepening the nucleus and navigating tests

By the time junior year arrives, the college application process becomes more focused. Students should deepen their involvement in their chosen passions, aka “nucleus,” and take on leadership roles. 

“Strive to become the president or treasurer of an organization you’re involved with, or find some other type of leadership position outside of school in your community,” says Krupnick. “Make sure it’s something you believe in. The best way to get into your dream colleges is to pursue areas you’re intrinsically motivated in.” ”

College tests like the ACT and SAT loom large for juniors. Krupnick suggests that, ideally, a student should complete test preparation and ACT/SAT testing no later than the summer after junior year.

Junior year is also about building a balanced list of potential colleges, says Krupnick. You’ll also want to schedule some college visits. “Don’t wait until summer,” says Krupnick. “When school is in session you can attend classes and talk to students.”

The team at The Krupnick Approach can connect you with student representatives and former admissions officers at schools across the country. “No one is going to be able to give you the full flavor of a school like a current student or someone who’s served on the admissions committee at one of your schools,” says Krupnick.

What about letters of recommendation? Get these before the end of junior year, allowing teachers time to provide impactful insights. 

“As you head into the summer of your junior year, you will have a story to tell in your college essays. It’s time to start thinking about how you will position yourself in your essays,” says Krupnick. The Krupnick Approach team can help with this as well.

Senior year: crafting the narrative and meeting deadlines

Senior year is go time! Krupnick suggests that seniors develop a focused list of potential colleges, with 15 to 20 schools on their list.  

Ideally, the essay-writing process kicked off in the summer before senior year, but now is the time to craft a narrative that will make you stand out from other applicants. Start with the personal statement and then move on to supplemental essays, says Krupnick. 

“The goal of the essay is to showcase uniqueness without over-crafting the narrative,” says Krupnick. “You want the essay to feel authentic and reveal who the student really is.” 

As a senior, it’s important to keep your grades up while also monitoring scholarships and financial aid. Check with all your potential schools to make sure you understand all of the dates and deadlines.

“Senior year is all about staying organized and meeting deadlines for essays, letters of recommendation, activities lists and potential interviews,” says Krupnick. “We can help you with all of those components.”

If you put in the hard work, you’ll be able to take pride in crossing the finish line. And, as Krupnick notes, “93% of our students are accepted into at least one of their top three colleges.  So, after all is said and done, you’re turning the tables on the colleges.  You get to be the one making the choices now.”

For more information about test prep, college prep, and other services offered by The Krupnick Approach, visit www.krupnickapproach.com, call or text 773-405-4775 or email admin@thekrupnickapproach.com.