The College Planning Window You Don't Want to Miss

Today, college counselors rarely need to instill a sense of urgency or seriousness into their sessions with students. Unfortunately, our students already come to us with an unhealthy amount of stress dumped on them by the friends, parents, and social media.

Students are coming to us earlier and earlier wanting a roadmap to college. I usually decline to talk to students about college before 10th grade. I like the cake to cool a bit before we starting icing it. But there are instances when early conversations and planning actually help the cooling process. When tensions are high in the household and students are overwhelmed by the sheer number of unknowns, or conflicting opinions online, a conversation with a professional can actually reduce anxieties.

Over the years a couple of things have increased simultaneously: the cost of college, the complexity of applying to college, and the number of colleges students are applying to. All of this means that advanced planning will likely relieve stress not add to it.

At Throughline Guidance, we have our own timeline that runs a few weeks earlier than what many people are used to. For example, we’re currently in the midst helping students think - and talk - through their personal statement narratives. Why this early? Because we’ve found that students learn so much about themselves through the writing process, and this can actually inform their college list and choice of major. As counselors, we use the process as another tool in our tool belts.

We like our students to have a personal statement, as well as 3-5 supplemental essays, drafted by June. Then, if they disappear over the summer months, we’re not worried. They’ll wrap up once they’re back at school with the heaviest lift already behind them.

Having a non-biased sounding board (that isn’t AI) who can point out stories from your life that you’ve overlooked, and who can cause you to pause and reconsider characteristics you’re downplaying, is hugely valuable during this phase of college planning. Most of the time, my job as an essay coach is giving credence to students’ experiences and helping them build a narrative around anecdotes they may find banal. I also spend a good deal of time encouraging students to write in their own voice, to not try to sound like someone they aren’t, and to use language that is natural for them.

This phase of the journey is my favorite phase. It’s what reminds me why I love what I do. Starting early will help students see their essays as more of a personal discovery process than a box that needs to be checked. This is far more valuable - and longer-lasting - than simply getting into college.

We are offering in-person college essay writing workshops for rising seniors (Class of 2027) during Summer 2026. These workshops provide focused time, structure, and expert support as students begin drafting their college application essays.

RENO, NV - June 6-9, 9-2 PM

SANTA CRUZ, CA - June 29-July 1, 12-5 PM

CHICAGO, IL - August 10-12, 9-2 PM

REGISTER HERE!

These workshops are for RISING SENIORS ONLY.

REGISTER HERE!

https://forms.gle/rjA1Piv24NXsQBfX6

From our partners at Spokes on a Wheel:

This month, with finals, projects, and AP tests rearing up like a three-headed monster as the last obstacle between you and summer vacation, considering another try - or two - at the ACT or SAT might feel like one item too many on your to-do list. Fortunately, you’ve still got ample time and opportunity to make another attempt (or more than one) on a stress-free timeline.

Both the ACT and SAT are offered several times throughout the summer and fall on a near-monthly basis, and incoming seniors can send test scores to colleges as late as November for regular decision applications. We typically recommend 8-10 weeks of lead-up studying, a few hours per week, before a test. After the first test attempt, consider signing up for the next available test as well to make the most of your studying gains and stack up your superscore. A few points may be all you need to boost your score past a threshold where exciting options for schools and scholarships are brought within reach.

By the end of junior year, you’ve already learned most, if not all, of the concepts that are tested. Only a few hours per week of high-quality studying are needed to build familiarity with the format of exam questions and hone the skill of effective time management. With a spaced-out approach, growing a standardized test score can be a relaxed and gradual process – sort of like tending a house plant. And if you’d like the help of an experienced green thumb, we’re just a click away, ready to support your success. Book an intro call with us here!

ACT dates:

• June 13

• July 11

• September 19

• October 17

SAT dates:

• June 6

• August 22

• September 12

• October 3