<p><br/></p><p>Early on in your senior year, get application materials from the candidate schools on your list that don't participate in the Common Application. Yes, there are still some that don't.</p><p>Early Decision applications will be due early in November, so it's important to get a quick start on these. November sneaks up very quickly on high school seniors. Schedule a meeting with your college advisor so that you can tell him or her of your college admission plan. If you haven't got a plan, you must certainly develop one as soon as possible. Take advantage of your advisor's services and, of course, the tremendous amount of college admissions wisdom contained on <a href="http://www.collegeconfidential.com/" target="_blank">College Confidential</a>.</p><p>The early Fall is also an excellent time to visit the colleges on your candidate list, even as a junior. All the students will be back at these schools and you'll be able to get a true feel for what it's like to be there. Don't forget to talk to students and get their honest opinions about life on campus. You'll be spending the better part of four years of your life at one of these schools. Keep your eyes and ears open for little clues that say good or not-so-good things about the school.</p><p>We've covered details of the application process in previous <em>Admit This!</em> editions. The keys, though, are timeliness, completeness, neatness, and a strong essay (if one's required). Follow up with those teachers who will be writing letters of recommendation on your behalf. Make sure everyone knows what's expected of them and what the deadlines are. Once again, "planning" is key here. That's why you can start assembling your admissions strategy all during your junior year.</p><p>Early Decision candidates will receive their acceptance (or deferral or, unfortunately, even their <em>denial</em>) letters by Christmas. Regular Decision outcomes will start to arrive from February through April, with the majority appearing in March through April. Along with acceptances come financial aid awards. Keep your parents intimately involved with these. Have them work closely with the schools' financial aid offices so that the very best package can be generated.</p><p>The final thing to do is decide which acceptance you treasure most and send in your enrollment information. Keep working your senior year, however. Don't turn off the switches just because you're in. Colleges want to see the pattern of excellence you've already established continue.</p><p>As a sophomore, then, you don't have to buy a telescope or binoculars, but you must look into the future for what you should be doing as a junior and a senior. Oh, and one more thing. If you haven't thought of it yet, get ready for the experience of your young life: college!</p><p rel="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">**********</p><p style="text-align: left;">Be sure to check out all my college-related articles and book reviews at <a href="http://www.collegeconfidential.com/" target="_blank">College Confidential</a>.</p>
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