ic S/general/checkmark circled Thanks for subscribing! Be on the lookout for our next newsletter.
ic S/general/checkmark circled
Saved to My Favorites. View My Favorites
Articles / Applying to College / Dec. Feature: What You Should Be Doing This Month for Your Admissions Plan

Dec. Feature: What You Should Be Doing This Month for Your Admissions Plan

Elena Loveland
Written by Elena Loveland | Dec. 1, 2018
Dec. Feature: What You Should Be Doing This Month for Your Admissions Plan
iStock

As the holiday season approaches, chances are that high school seniors are close to completing their admissions tasks. Many colleges have December deadlines for regular decision, and sometimes colleges have January or even February deadlines. In any case, compared to earlier months in the fall semester, December is a somewhat quieter month in the college admission process for seniors.

However, you'll still want to stay on top of the college admission checklist and remain on track toward your college aspirations.


College Confidential asked Jill Madenberg, independent educational consultant in Lake Success, N.Y., and co-author of Love the Journey to College and Lisa Sohmer, founder of Sohmer College Counseling in Palm Springs, Ca., for their best tips for students for this month. Following is their best advice:

High School Freshmen

- Schedule a meeting with your school counselor. It's great to start building that relationship now and share your admissions goals if you have created them. You can talk about your classes, clubs and any challenges you are facing, and also discuss which future classes you should take to set you up for your college goals.

- If you have not yet joined a club, sport or extracurricular activity, it's not too late. It's a great way to contribute to school, make friends and have fun.

High School Sophomores

- Map out a plan for test preparation in the coming months (if you are academically and emotionally ready).

- Schedule a summer diagnostic SAT/ACT to determine which test is better for you.

- If your grades aren't where you want them to be in your existing classes, now is the time to consider finding a tutor or other assistant to help you bring your scores up before the school year ends (assuming you take full-year classes).

- If your high school does block scheduling and your classes are ending soon, ensure that your spring courses are on track with your future plans.

High School Juniors

- If you plan to take the Feb. ACT (the test is not given in CA or NY), register as soon as possible. Seats can be difficult to secure in neighboring states.

- Map out a testing plan, if you have not already done so.

- Evaluate your PSAT scores when they come in and see if this drives your test prep plan.

- Prepare for college visits, which you may want to do this spring. Don't put these off until senior year, since you'll be busy with applications then. Check the admissions websites of the colleges on your list to schedule open house visits or tours.

Seniors

- File any additional college applications before deadline dates. Don't wait until the last minute.

- Keep an eye on your admissions portals to ensure that colleges aren't missing any recommendation letters, test scores or other items.

- If you haven't yet completed your financial aid applications, now is the time to do that.

- If you don't get good news from the colleges where you applied early, start working on your applications for your "Plan B" schools.

December is the time to finish up any college applications for seniors. “Making sure that everything is finished, making sure applications are complete, making sure that the FAFSA has been filed, and CSS profile for those who need it have been filed," says Sohmer.

But even if your applications are not due until January or February, Sohmer advises that students still try to complete their college applications in December.

“I have always recommended that even if their deadlines are later, students should get their applications done before the winter break, because that way they give themselves a chance to relax and regroup and come back to school in January ready to be a student getting ready for exams, and for most kids, finishing the first semester," explains Sohmer.

Written by

Elena Loveland

Elena Loveland

Elena Loveland has been a writer and editor covering higher education and college admissions for 18 years and is the author of Creative Colleges: Finding the Best Programs for Aspiring Artists, Designers, Dancers, Musicians, Writers, and More. Creative Colleges has earned recognition in the College Bound Teen, the Washington Post, the San Francisco Gate and U.S. News and World Report's Annual College Guide. Loveland has spoken at the Independent Educational Consultants Association and the University of the Arts, as well as several high schools about college admission for creative students. She has worked for the National Association for College Admission Counseling as editor of the Journal of College Admission and for NAFSA: Association of International Educators as editor-in-chief of International Educator magazine. As an independent journalist, Loveland.s work has appeared in numerous publications such as American Careers, Dance Teacher, Hispanic Outlook on Higher Education, International Educator, Pointe, Teen Vogue, University Business and the U.S. News & World Report's Annual College Guide, among several others. She has a master's degree in English and has been an adjunct instructor at three higher education institutions. Loveland provides private college admissions consulting to families upon request. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

More on Applying to College

See all
typing at computer- karolina-grabowska-6958506-resized

Authentic Voice in College Essays

That’s why you want to use your authentic voice when writing any college essay.

So what’s the problem? A student has shared an ess…

college-interview

College Interview Prep Tips: Brainstorm, Research, Analyze, Generalize

I recently visited Washington University in Saint Louis and was lucky enough to set up an interview. By speaking with peers of mi…

campus gates

Academic Index Scores: Why They Matter and How They're Calculated

Note: Click here for 10 Summer Programs You Can Still Apply For or keep reading to learn more about academic index scores.

8 Podcasts for Students Going Through the Admissions Process

7 Podcasts for Students Going Through the Admissions Process

Podcasts can offer a wealth of information to busy students, particularly when it comes to the college admissions process. We…

pexels-yan-krukau-8197544

Avoid College Application Regrets: Tips For Getting It Right the First Time

Decision Day occurs each year on May 1st and is the deadline for students to inform the college of their choice of their intent t…

Get a student loan that goes beyond tuition.

Ascent offers cosigned and non-cosigned student loans with exclusive benefits that set students up for success.

Explore Now!
Find Your Scholarship

Want to find money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back? Access insights and advice on how to search and apply for scholarships!

Search for Scholarship