Many students ask us this question, and the answer is simple – “If you are a high school student, as soon as you can!” The college application process requires a lot of prep work, as there are many areas that will need your attention. First, of course, is the academic piece. If you want to apply to the top colleges in and out of state, it is important to emphasize academic achievement. It is key to design your four year high school plan to include advance placement (AP) courses and courses in several areas of interest. You should use your high school career to discover and develop your future professional goals.

In addition to academics, colleges want to see well-rounded applicants that demonstrate passion, commitment and growth in non-academic areas. Arts, sports, and student-lead organizations are some of the options available to all students in most high schools. Finally, colleges are interested in students involved in their community. Participating in community projects is not only important in terms of building a strong resume, but it will also give students meaningful experiences to write about in their college application essays. In summary, the earlier you start your college application process, the more opportunities you will have to build a strong student portfolio. If you are a high school senior and have not started yet, it is not too late. Many good colleges have late application deadlines. If you need some extra help, let our experts at College Sprint give you a hand.