College Application Preparation Strategies

Alexa Dunn provides a comprehensive guide to college admissions, offering advice for each high school year. She emphasizes the importance of balancing academics and extracurriculars, starting with having fun in freshman year, refining interests in sophomore year, focusing on academics and tests in junior year, and managing applications in senior year. She also highlights the significance of building relationships with teachers for recommendations and understanding financial aspects of college applications.

What is the primary focus for students in their freshman year according to the video?

• Starting SAT preparation

• Exploring and enjoying various activities

• Achieving perfect grades

• Choosing a college major

During sophomore year, what should students consider doing with activities they don't enjoy?

• Switch to new activities every month

• Drop them and focus on activities they enjoy

• Continue them for college applications

• Avoid all extracurricular activities

What is a key academic focus for juniors?

• Focusing only on extracurriculars

• Taking as many AP classes as possible

• Maintaining a positive grade trend

• Avoiding challenging classes

Why is it important for juniors to build relationships with teachers?

• To avoid doing homework

• To get extra credit

• For potential college recommendations

• To become a teacher's assistant

What should students start working on during the summer before their senior year?

• Planning a gap year

• Applying for jobs

• Choosing a college roommate

• Their Common App essay

What financial discussion should students have with their parents before senior year?

• How much allowance they will receive

• The budget for college applications

• The cost of a new car

• The price of a summer vacation

What is a critical task for seniors during their application process?

• Procrastinating on applications

• Visiting every college campus

• Avoiding all standardized tests

• Demonstrating interest in schools

Why is it important not to procrastinate on college applications?

• To avoid missing deadlines

• To have more time for social activities

• To reduce application fees

• To impress friends

What should seniors ensure about their college list?

• It has more than 20 schools

• It is affordable and realistic

• It includes only Ivy League schools

• It is based on friends' choices

What is the role of demonstrated interest in college applications?

• It is not considered by colleges

• It replaces the need for good grades

• It shows genuine interest in a school

• It guarantees admission