January is one of the most important months in the college planning process. It is a natural time to take a breath and reset, evaluate where you are and create a clear strategy for the months ahead.
Whether you are a junior gearing up and getting into the nitty gritty of it all, or a senior facing decision points, there are opportunities at this stage in the year to set yourself up for success in both admission outcomes and affordability.
Here are some focus points to help you get the year started on the right track.
1. Financial Aid and FAFSA deadlines
Deadlines are critical for these applications to maximize your financial aid. Also, some schools require the forms for merit scholarships even though they are not need-based.
- Families should be completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile (if required) if they have not already- early submission ensures you do not miss priority windows for university grants
- Check for other college-specific deadlines such as unique scholarship opportunities separate from merit scholarships
2. Review Academic Progress and Mid-Year Grades
Reflect on your academic progress and be sure to have a plan for the second half of the school year.
- Mid-year grades matter- colleges use them to confirm academic consistency, make decisions for students who were deferred in the early action process, and evaluate the academic rigor for juniors
- Check in with teachers if you have any concerns about finishing the year strong to get extra support
3. Evaluate and Focus on Extracurricular Activities and Their Impact
Think ahead about what else you would like to get involved with before college for your own growth and interest and to help with your college applications.
- Reflect and consider what you want to focus on for spring and summer
- Do you want to take on a leadership role? Start an impactful project? Set up an experience for summer that will be meaningful for you and your college application?
4. Make a Standardized Testing Plan (Juniors)
Spring is a common testing window. Start making your plan now for spring.
- Decide on testing or test optional
- If you take tests, which will you take? SAT, ACT, or both?
- What will be your test prep? Also, how many attempts will you make?
5. Plan for Spring College Visits Now
College open houses fill up for February and April breaks.
- Sign up for open houses early and make your hotel reservations early if needed
- Create a spreadsheet or list of items to compare for each college such as costs, student environment, geography, academics, unique features, etc.
6. Refresh Your College List
Your college list will likely evolve, and that is a good thing. It is a good time to re-evaluate based on these items:
- Your academic interests
- Your academic performance
- Information from your research on the college
- Likelihood of a merit scholarship (important affordability factor)
- Geographical location
- A “best fit” both financially and for the student’s overall experience and comfortability
7. Create Your Student and Family Timeline for the Next Six Months
Having an organized plan and roadmap of upcoming deadlines and “to dos” will help the whole family stay on track and reduce stress.
Some Items for Your January to June Timeline:
- Testing dates and prep plan
- Financial aid application deadlines
- Campus visits
- Application items for seniors
- Setting up activities for spring and summer
- College List review of your top criteria and schools
- Family meeting times- set time aside during these busy years to create a calm space for discussing your college plans
- Anything else that needs to be done!
January is a great time to set up expectations and success for the coming year. Thinking about your strategy now and following your own plan and committing to steps will go a long way to being successful in finding the right college fit for the student and the family’s financial situation.
Start your plan NOW knowing you will have a momentous year ahead, approaching the exciting “move-in” day when you see your efforts pay off!
-DC