Four Pillars of the College Application Process

Pillar One: Academics

The Four Pillars of the College Application

It is a common misconception that the college application process starts in the senior year. In reality, it can kick off as early as 7th grade. This early start allows students in academically rigorous programs like AIG to take Math I/Algebra I in seventh grade to begin their high school academic journey. The moment a student starts taking high school coursework, they're proactively setting the stage for their future college application, giving them a sense of control and preparedness. 

By now, you've grasped 'Academics' is the first pillar of the college application process. The classes you choose strategically can make a world of difference when you're applying to colleges. If your goal is to apply to the top colleges and universities in the country, you'll need to match the academic foundation of your peers. Yes, you'll need to stand out (Pillar 4), but strong academics and substantial rigor are the benchmarks for these elite schools. 

Some competitive majors at less competitive schools require academic minimums. If you want to apply to Engineering, you may need Calculus AB/BC and an AP Physics class or three. Fortunately and unfortunately, we live in an area where our schools have significant AP offerings, so when you leave opportunities to challenge yourself on the table, you are sending admission committees a message. 

Sophomore year should not be your most rigorous. If you want to attend a highly selective school, all four years should be challenging.

In recent application cycles, colleges have placed an emphasis on how closely your academic choices match with the endeavors you pursue outside of school (Pillar 2). The ninth and tenth grades are a great time to explore your interests with electives. This is an exciting opportunity to delve into subjects you're curious about while still challenging yourself academically. If you haven't taken an Honors class, choose your favorite subject and try it. If you love a subject, it is easier to do well in it. Even if you struggled in ninth or tenth grade, you can still impact your trajectory. Colleges want to see how you will perform at their institution so that you can have a strong junior and senior year.

When it comes to your class options, think long-term. I like my students to consider all four years of high school, even though it might seem distant. By planning, you can ensure you're on the right track for your college applications. This strategic approach will make you feel more in control of your future and more prepared for the college application.