Lower 6 Students/11th Graders: 10 Things You Should Be Doing Now
As we begin the new year, it’s time for fresh starts, for new resolutions, and for you to start planning for your academic life after secondary school.
We know it can be overwhelming to know where to start, so we’ve compiled a list of 10 things you should be doing or thinking about now.
Start creating your university list. Now is a great time to begin thinking about developing (or refining) a university list. As you look for the perfect match, ask yourself questions like: What characteristics do I want in a university? How do I evaluate my admission chances at a school? Do I have the qualifications for admission to this school? Is this school financially feasible?
Research and visit the universities on your list. The pandemic has made visiting campuses much more accessible for international students. Almost every university in the USA, Canada, and the UK now offer virtual information sessions and campus tours. Many also offer opportunities to speak one-on-one to college admissions counselors and current students. Make sure you follow your top picks on social media.
Explore your aptitudes and interests. What excites you? What can’t you get enough of? Explore your natural abilities, identify areas of interest, and find career paths that align with both through assessments like YouScience.
Ask for recommendations. Many university applications require letters of recommendation, so identify the teachers who know you well and (ideally) teach a core class. Give your recommenders plenty of time to write and submit their letters.
Start working on your résumé. Document all your achievements, honours, activities, and volunteer and work experience (including the hours spent per week and weeks spent per year). Not only will it make filling out your applications easier, but it can also help your teachers write more personalized recommendations.
Stay involved. Keep building your credentials and consider taking on leadership positions in the activities you love. Universities are less impressed with long lists of activities than they are with involvement showing increased responsibility.
Plan your final year at secondary school. For students attending local secondary schools, keep working hard in preparation for your CAPE exams. For students attending private high schools, as tempting as it might be, your final year isn’t the time to ease up on class rigor. Make sure you’re on track to graduate, then choose a schedule of classes that challenges but also interests you. If there are any specific courses you need for a particular university or major, add it to your schedule.
Continue studying for (and taking) the SAT or ACT. COVID-19 has made many colleges and universities go test optional, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep prepping for a great test score. High scores submitted to test-optional schools could give you the edge against otherwise similar candidates, and some merit awards require you to include test results.
Start thinking about university essays and personal statements. No, you don’t have to start writing just yet (June and July after Lower 6 or Grade 11 is the best time to get them done), but now is a great time to start writing down the things that make you, you. Unique hobbies or interests, one-of-a-kind experiences that shaped you, or even just an everyday experience that taught you something about who you are and what’s important to you. All of these could form the basis for a great essay.
Consider getting the help of a professional. Identifying the right universities, planning your final year, and managing university essays and deadlines can often be overwhelming. But an experienced educational counselor, like Salloum University Advising, can be an invaluable partner in guiding you through the entire college admission process.
Contact us today for a free consultation.