Dear College Channel members,
We hope you’re getting settled into the new school year.
Check out these things to keep you on track!
Important things to do this month…
- Ten Tips for Making the Most of October 2025
- Register for SAT and ACT exams and practice for your exams.
- SUNY Free Application Week is Monday, October 20, through Monday, November 3. You can apply to up to 5 SUNY colleges on the Common App or SUNY app for free. Take advantage of this and apply!
- Start compiling your activities, starting with 9th grade, into a resume. Use the resume builder in Naviance under “About Me” or create your own with this Sample Student Resume.
- If you’re looking to enhance your extracurriculars, consider some of the programs listed on Snow. day. There are programs during the school year and summer in many different areas.
- Starting in 9th grade, you can register at Raise.me to earn college micro-scholarships and sign up to get College Board Opportunity Scholarships.
- Use Naviance to research colleges and use your College Choices Worksheet to save details of the colleges that interest you.
- When you visit a college virtually or in person, attend an information session or other admissions event, use the College Questionnaire Worksheet to ask important questions.
- Here’s a great book recommendation – Dream School, by Jeffrey Selingo, an award-winning higher education journalist. Jan was honored to introduce Jeffrey the as keynote speaker at the recent IECA Conference. He has a lot to say about the value of “hidden gem” schools. You can also subscribe to his excellent newsletter.
- HS seniors, many colleges require supplemental essays. Here’s how to write a “Why This College” essay. Platinum members: Send your draft in a Google Doc to Jan.
- HS seniors, some colleges require you to self report your academic record rather than sending in a transcript. They may require the Self-Reported Academic Record, STARS. Check your college’s website for details.
- HS Seniors, check with guidance for your HS process and deadlines for applying to college. Remind your academic teachers to submit their letters of recommendation. Use the College Application Spreadsheet to keep track of your college applications.
- HS Seniors, narrow down your college list and continue working on your Common App. Check deadlines and prioritize your work. Platinum members: Contact Jan with an update and for guidance.
- Here’s a great admission blog from Georgia Tech that applies to all colleges: Your Path, Your Pace: Building Your Story Through High School Activities.
- This month we are featuring Lafayette College in PA, a small liberal arts college with D-I sports and strong programs in engineering, economics, government and law, and the arts. Read our Review!
As always, let us know if you have any questions.
Best,
Jan and Tony Esposito