If you are in your senior year at high school and are considering applying to universities in many parts of the world, the races to win the coveted spots in the various university admissions sweepstakes have all but started. The finish lines are able to be seen ahead and like all great athletic events, the competition is fierce with some institutions offering winners medals to less than 5% of the applicant pool.
In countries such as the UK, the race opens in early May. Competitors have until the middle of October to cross the finish line if applying to certain programs or later in January if applying to other courses. For those competing for a spot in a North American university, it is not too different. The early runners take off at the beginning of August, crossing the finish line early in November and the regular runners, have until early January to complete their race.
These are general timelines, however, and will vary according to the region. This is especially the case when it comes to the even more complex admissions races such as Regular and Rolling Admissions, Early Decisions and Early Action that can be found when applying to North American institutions.
Unlike athletic events, where the winners are those who cross the finish line first, in the university admission sweepstakes it is not about being first to submit your application. Instead, it will be the applicants who not only cross the finish line on time but who also match for what the university is looking for in a candidate who will enter the winners’ circle.
Preparations
Training and preparations for those vying for an admissions ticket to their favourite university are wide and varied.
Some students will have been preparing for years, honing their skills, enhancing areas of weakness and challenging themselves to reach their potential. They will have dedicated themselves to their studies, sought support when needed and challenged themselves by embracing opportunities when they arose. These students, with their eyes on the prize, will have worked towards connecting with, supporting and leading others in their local and wider communities and developed strong relationships with those around them. They will have engaged in and strengthened their writing skills as well as explored their academic interests at a depth beyond their classroom learnings. It will be these learners who will have explored the universities to which they wish to apply, gained a deep understanding of the courses and programs on offer and consistently connected with university admissions officers throughout their high school journey.
At a different end of the spectrum, however, there will be many applicants who will saunter up to the starting line, just before the gates open, hoping that their natural talents, and smarts will be enough to award them a spot the winning podium. Unfortunately, however, many of these latecomers will find that their level of preparedness will hamper their likelihood of securing a place at the institution of their choice, even before they begin.
No matter where a student finds themself in their high school journey, however, when it comes to the race for a coveted spot at any university of choice there is no time but the present to begin preparations.
Grade 9 Students
Congratulations on starting your race preparations early! You have plenty of time to implement change if you wish to make adjustments to your overall profile. Careful and focused planning can make a significant difference so that you will be able to confidently apply to universities with the selectivity of your choice. Note: Creating a LONG LIST of possible universities by the end of the year is a high priority.
Grade 10 Students
You have been a little tardy in starting your preparations but all is not lost and you still have time to make considerable enhancements to your overall profile. Careful planning, clear focus, and a high degree of motivation in the years to come will ensure that you can confidently apply to universities with the selectivity of your choice. Note: Creating a SHORTLIST of possible universities by the end of the year is a high priority.
Grade 11 Students
If you are looking to make enhancements to your overall profile at this stage in your high school journey, you will need to make some serious decisions very quickly about what the year ahead will look like. With dedication, a high degree of motivation and maybe even some solid support from experts in or out of school, you will be able to make changes and be in a place to apply confidently to the universities with the selectivity of your choice… But you need to start now! Note: Creating an APPLYING LIST of possible universities by the end of the year is a high priority.
Grade 12 Students
Hang on tight, it’s application season and you will most likely have only about the first few months of Grade 12 to complete and submit your applications. To be frank though, you have little to no time to enhance your profile. You will have to focus upon showcasing your high school journey in the best way possible. To be successful, self-assess carefully and make realistic choices regarding the universities to which you will apply based on their level of selectivity and your level of preparedness. Note: Finalising your APPLYING LIST of possible universities as soon as possible and submitting your applications in the first half of the year is your highest priority.