Dear students,
There is no shortage of advice about how to prepare for college. Build a college list. Visit campuses. Research majors. Start your application. However, the advice that matters most depends on where you are on your own personal college journey.
The UC application is open and many of you are working toward that next big step right now. Others won’t start an application for another year or two. You don’t need to tackle every piece of college preparation at once. Start with what will help you most right now.
Here’s one thing I think you can do at each stage of your journey.
Got 20 minutes? Take your next college step.
Sophomores: Write down three subjects or activities you enjoy. Find one college major connected to each.
Juniors: Visit the website of one college you know and one you don’t. Take a virtual tour and compare what each campus offers.
Seniors: Choose one PIQ and create four bullet points you want to include in your response.
Transfers: Check your intended major requirements and compare them with your current courses. Write down one requirement you still need to complete.
Sophomores: start asking questions
College may still feel far away. Learn more about your interests now. Which subjects grab your attention? What activities do you look forward to? The things that excite you both in and outside the classroom can help shape what you want from your college experience.
College fairs are a great place to keep exploring. Talk with representatives from different universities and ask about the things that matter to you. You may walk away with answers or even better questions to ask next time.
Juniors: explore your options
Take those interests and look at colleges more closely. Consider academics, location, cost, campus life and opportunities. Compare what different universities offer and notice which ones align with your goals.
Use what you learn to build a college list that gives you options. Look into schools you already know about and find new ones you discover along the way. Your list will probably change as you learn more — that’s part of the process.
Seniors: make an application plan
Seniors, it’s go time. Break the application into manageable pieces rather than tackling everything at once. Give yourself time to work through your personal information, academic history, activities and awards, and Personal Insight Questions, or PIQs.
Work backward from the deadline and set small goals along the way. Don’t forget to review everything before you submit!
Transfer students: keep on top of your academic plan
You’re working on your UC application, too; but don’t lose sight of transfer requirements along the way. Review the requirements for your intended major and double-check that your current coursework keeps you on track.
Pay attention to deadlines and any additional steps you need to complete before you transfer. Your application matters right now, but so does the academic plan that gets you to your next campus.
Let us help with what comes next
We are here to support you wherever you are in your college journey. Hear from our admissions experts and receive resources tailored to where you are and what comes next.
You bring the questions. We’ll bring answers and advice.
Good luck and Go Ags!