What To Do NOW! 11th Grade College Process Kickoff

Happy New Year, parents! By now, you might be tired of hearing it, but let me be the first to wish you a happy, focused, and productive 2025 when it comes to your teen’s college admissions journey. I’m Shereem Herndon-Brown, Chief Education Officer and founder of Strategic Admissions Advice, and I’m here to ensure that parents of the Class of 2026 know exactly what they need to do now to set their teenren up for success.

January may feel far from college applications, but trust me—being proactive now will make all the difference later. Every year, I encounter families who come to us in August, September, or even October, wishing they’d started sooner. This doesn’t have to be you. Let’s kick things off right with a solid plan.

Step 1: Create a Timeline

One of the most important things you can do is set a timeline for this process. Dedicate a day each week or bi-weekly to discuss the college process with your teen. Use this time to look ahead and plan what you want to accomplish in the next 30, 60, or 90 days, as well as six months down the road.

For example:

January-March: Begin researching colleges and standardized testing dates.

April-May: Schedule campus visits and explore summer enrichment opportunities.

June-July: Start drafting your student’s resume and considering essay topics.

Active and consistent communication is key. When your family is on the same page, it’s easier to stay organized and avoid unnecessary stress later.

Step 2: Stay Connected with Your School Counselor

Your school counselor plays a pivotal role in the college admissions process. By now, they should be introducing you to the steps your school requires, and group meetings or one-on-one sessions may already be on the calendar. Be sure to:

• Listen to their advice.
• Understand the procedures and protocols specific to your school.
• Ask questions if you’re unclear about anything.

While your counselor provides valuable information, remember that Strategic Admissions Advice is here for additional support. We’ll help you go beyond the basics to ensure your teen’s application stands out.

Step 3: Plan Campus Visits

Whether in-person or virtual, visiting campuses is an essential step in the college process. Start mapping out when and where you’ll visit. If traveling isn’t feasible, take advantage of online tools to explore campuses. Look into:

• Academic programs
• Extracurricular activities
• Admissions requirements
• Acceptance rates

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about creating a college list or deciding where to visit, our College List Builder service can simplify this process. It’s designed to give you clear, actionable recommendations tailored to your teen’s goals and interests.

Step 4: Think Ahead About Testing and Activities

Standardized testing and extracurricular activities will also come into play soon. Your teen may need to register for the SAT or ACT, depending on their target schools’ requirements. Summer activities like internships, leadership programs, or volunteering can strengthen their application. Start brainstorming now about how your student can use their summer effectively.

Time flies in the junior year. Between academic demands, extracurriculars, and the college process, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. By starting early, you’re giving your family the gift of time—time to explore, reflect, and refine your approach.

At Strategic Admissions Advice, we’ve worked with countless families to make this process smoother, clearer, and more manageable. We don’t just guide you; we empower you with the tools and strategies you need to succeed.

If you’re ready to hit the ground running, don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a free Discovery Call with me today. During this call, we’ll discuss your teen’s unique needs and how we can help you achieve your college admissions goals. Visit www.callwithsaa.com to book your session now.

Let’s make 2025 the year your family tackles the college admissions process with confidence and clarity. Together, we’ll ensure that your teen’s journey to higher education is as successful and stress-free as possible.

Schedule Your Free Discovery Call Today