This Year Should Feel Different
A New Year’s Reflection for High School Juniors and Seniors
Happy new year!
A new number on the recognizable calendar. A page of resolutions reminiscent of years past. Familiar sights and sounds - winter jackets, comforting fireplaces, the wind down of the College Football season, slightly more sunlight each passing day.
For current high school juniors and seniors, this year carries some undeniably unfamiliar, yet anticipated elements. Seniors are writing the final chapters in their high school careers, while juniors jump into the waters of the college search process. Both milestones come with a mix of emotions. This month, I offer up three reflections for both groups.
For the Class of 2025,
Smile. By now you should be on the other side of your college application pile! While the journey isn’t over, you have made such incredible progress over the last few months in presenting your best self to the list of colleges where you have found an aligned spark. Celebrate that success and all of the wonderful self-reflection that you practiced over these last few months. Like it or not, you are a more-evolved person now than you were in August when you wrote your first draft of your college essay. And, that growth will be there to work through whatever choices you will be making as decision results start flooding in.
Accept the release of control. Speaking of results, your dedicated efforts are now in the hands of empathetic, hard-working, caffeine-fueled admission offices. I sat in that chair for 7 years and know the daily roller coaster ride of reading reams of incredible accomplishments and ambitions matched with the reality of a smaller-than-desired number of open seats in next year’s freshman class. Only so many marbles will fit in those buckets and these professionals are focused on aligning the unique priorities of their school with the immense talent presented to them in droves. Decisions will come out soon - some will excite and thrill and almost-definitely, some will disappoint. It is okay to feel both emotions, but also trust that a year from now you will be thriving in a school where you are a great match and they are lucky to have you!
Invest in your present. Senior year, as a 17 or 18 yr old, is a truly special moment in your life. Complete your academic story that you have worked so hard in writing for these 4 years, but also enjoy all that surrounds you. Your friends, your fellow seniors, your family, your rituals, your idiosyncrasies. Finish strong and actively engage in making these next four months memorable and impactful, however you want to define it. You have earned it!
For the Class of 2026:
Channel George and/or Dora. Regardless of what was on your bookshelf as a child, now is the time to heighten your curiosity and embrace exploration. Your college search journey starts now! Take every chance you can to step foot on a college campus. Go ahead and sign-up for mailing lists of schools where something (a campus location, a size, an academic program) strikes your interest. Ask people around you about their college experience. Importantly, you do not need to determine which school you are attending right now, but you should start honing your preferences on what type of culture and environment is going to set you up to thrive for 4 years!
Invest now (benefit in 9 months). Your efforts right now in your academic and extracurricular pursuits are what will set you up for success when you start applying to schools. Push yourself in your classes and find ways to elevate engagement in whatever most interests you. I often talk about “pointy” vs “well-rounded” students. Determine your strengths and interests and become “pointy” in that area. Colleges are not looking for box-checkers as much as they want ambitious and authentically engaged first-year students on their campuses.
Start a habit of “taking note.” The next year will rush by faster than you or your parents are ready to admit. (Trust me on this one, I am a parent of a current high school senior and a high school junior!?) Find a method, electronic or handwritten, to document your observations, ideas, preferences throughout this journey. As you research colleges, note what stands out (good or bad) to you. When someone compliments you on something, note it as it might be the bud of an essay topic in your future. As you build relationships with your teachers, keep a short list of those that might be exceptionally poised to write you a letter of recommendation. Take note as those fragments will be gold next summer when you start writing your college applications.
Happy new year. Make it great!
If you or someone you know could use support, coaching, or advising during this wildly wonderful time, please contact me at adam@maxcollegeadvising.com. I am a certified Independent Educational Consultant based in Boulder, working with students and families across the country. I was a former admission officer at Emory University and have an MBA in Marketing from the University of Texas. I am actively meeting with students in the Class of 2026 who are looking for more personalized guidance and support throughout their college admission journey. You can find more information about my practice, credentials and philosophy at maxcollegeadvising.com.
