 When most families envision the college journey, they picture the classic scene: moving into dorms on a fall day alongside hundreds or thousands of other freshmen. While this traditional path works well for many students, colleges now offer several alternative start dates that might better suit your child's needs and goals.
 When choosing courses for the following year of high school, do you pick classes because they will look good on your college application? Do you worry that you aren’t taking enough or any honors or AP classes? The truth is, that successful college preparation looks different for every student, whether your goal is a small private college, a flagship university, or an elite college. The key to all future academic opportunities is a well-rounded education, so students should seek to gain skills, knowledge, and information. Students also need to find ways to develop a global perspective by learning more about the world beyond their classroom. Be knowledge-thirsty as opposed to grade-hungry!
 A deferral represents a "not yet" rather than a rejection, moving your application to the regular decision pool for further consideration. This allows colleges to gather more information while allowing applicants to strengthen their cases for admission.
Colleges often defer applicants to evaluate senior-year academic performance, particularly in challenging courses. They may want to see additional standardized test scores or new accomplishments before deciding. Sometimes, deferrals stem from institutional needs such as geographic diversity, and balancing enrollment targets, rather than individual application shortcomings.  In college admissions, showing genuine interest can significantly impact your chances of acceptance at certain schools. While colleges track common forms of demonstrated interest—such as campus visits and opening emails—going beyond the basics can make a big difference. These strategies not only demonstrate an authentic interest but also help you engage deeply with the university, ensuring it’s the right fit for you.
 Researching colleges can include visiting college campuses, attending information sessions, and meeting college representatives. However, before scheduling a visit, students should begin their research on the college’s website.
 Transitioning to college can be a significant change, especially for students who require academic accommodations for ADHD and/or other learning differences. Though some students are hesitant about applying for accommodations in college, it’s better to have them in place and not use them than to wish you had applied for them.
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Presented byTrio College Counseling Collaborative benefitting students from the additional expertise of Ann Bartron Morris in the San Francisco Bay Area and Kathryn Crosby, based in Southern California. Our complementary skill sets and experience provide the most full-bodied advice to our clients. Consultation and collective efforts produce optimal results for your student. Categories
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