While planning high school courses and summer plans to best position yourself for college admissions can start as early as 8th grade, the actual application process begins in earnest toward the end of sophomore year. This is a good time to contemplate what you might like in a school, particularly in terms of size and location. Though visiting a school while in session is ideal, the summer between sophomore and junior year is a low stakes time to get a feel for how far away you want to be, and whether you prefer a rural, urban, or suburban campus.

During junior year, you will need to study for and take either the SAT or ACT, if you are planning to submit test scores. Throughout the year, you will put together and continually refine your list of colleges based on your test scores, campus visits, and evolving personal preferences. In the spring, you will need to ask for teacher recommendations and meet with your high school counselor to discuss plans.

The best time to contact Write Ahead College is anytime. We can work with you at any point during the process, but in earnest, much of our work together will start either at the end of sophomore year or the beginning of junior year.

In addition to your guidance counselor, you will need to ask two academic teachers. Only ask a nonacademic teacher if you are applying to a special program, for example: an art teacher if you are applying to an art school .

We suggest you apply to a minimum of 3 safety, 3 target, and 3 reach schools. As the application process becomes more and more competitive and complicated, it might be wise to add a school or two to each category. Therefore, the number of schools applied to should range between 9-15. The one caveat is that an applicant should not apply to any school that they would absolutely never consider attending.

Though brainstorming ideas on your own and with people who know you well can start anytime, the best time to begin the writing process is over the summer between junior and senior year.

If you are comfortable taking more rigorous courses, even if that means having a lower grade than a standard or regular class, then challenging yourself with the higher level class is recommended. Schools want to see that you have challenged yourself within your academic environment. That said, do not take courses that will create undue stress.