The college search process can be overwhelming for students and parents. We reached out to the administrative staff at one Virginia university for tips.
As high school juniors—and even younger students—and their families dive into to college application and decision pool, they can quickly find themselves barely treading water with all the variables to consider and deadlines to meet.
With the help of James Madison University Associate Director of Media Relations Chad Saylor, we have gathered some information and insight that may help.
APPLICATION & ADMISSIONS
THE EARLY GAME
Any college admissions office will tell you: Start early to get ahead of the process, avoid missing critical deadlines, and reduce last-minute stress! Here are a few specific tips few put together with the help of the JMU Admissions Office:
Save the Dates: Create a calendar with deadlines for each university you are considering, ensuring you do not miss important dates like the application or scholarship deadlines. Submit application materials early—at least two weeks before the deadline.
Respect Recommenders: Consider asking recommenders to write letters of recommendation at least six weeks before they are due. Remember, your recommenders may also be writing letters for other applicants, so giving them early notice is helpful.
About That Essay: Don’t delay starting your application essay. Most essay prompts are available on August 1. Get ahead by jotting down possible themes, topics or experiences to cover and then creating an outline to get you started.
For Rising High School Juniors…
• Start building your resume of activities and volunteer service. When it comes time to fill in your college applications, you will have a handy and extensive list.
• Check your high school course: are you on track to meet college requirements for the schools you are interested in? If not, it is time to make some changes.
• Make a list of colleges and begin visits. Summer visits before and after junior year are a good first choice. Return when students are in session to your top schools.
When in Doubt: Ask, Ask, Ask
College and university admissions counselors are a valuable resource for everyone, including prospective students and parents. They are a great point of contact for admissions and application questions, and they possess a tremendous amount of general knowledge about their institution, including academics, housing, orientation, on-campus resources, experiential learning opportunities and more.
ACADEMICS & PROGRAMS
MORE THAN A MAJOR
Yes, it is important to consider what specific programs a college offers and the quality, reputation and outcomes of those programs. But, keep in mind that your academic program is more than just your major.
Universities that offer a liberal arts core curriculum, such as JMU, are designed to allow students to advance their general knowledge within a broad range of disciplines. They focus on critical thinking skills and opportunities to engage with fellow students and faculty in meaningful ways.
According to representatives of JMU, “This foundation, combined with research opportunities typically seen at much larger research institutions, means that JMU students benefit from the deliberate integration of traditional liberal arts and high-impact learning opportunities, like hands-on research and internships.”
LOCATION & SIZE
TRY THEM ON AND SEE
In Virginia, we are lucky to have many excellent choices for public and private institutions in a variety of sizes. One of the best ways to narrow down the type of campus that may be the best fit for you is to visit.
Vary Your Visits: Plan visits to schools with enrollments that are small, medium and large to see the difference and consider the setting for each—urban, suburban or rural. Visiting a variety of campuses is one of the best ways to set personal preferences that will help narrow the field and find the best fit for you.
What’s the Vibe? Consider things like time and distance from home, transportation options around the university community, as well as to and from home, size of the student body, community atmosphere on and off campus, opportunities to get involved and find like-minded people, and available resources for academic, social and emotional wellbeing.
FINANCIAL AID
DEMYSTIFYING THE PROCESS
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the federal form required for students to access almost any kind of financial aid at most colleges and universities. It also gives families an idea of what forms of aid may be available to them as they consider those options relative to estimated costs at various schools
Ch-Ch-Changes: Changes to the FAFSA in recent years have caused a lot of headaches and confusion for parents, students and college administrators. Here is what we learned from the team at JMU specifically on the FAFSA front:
The rollout of the new FAFSA has been challenging, but things are getting better. The goal is to demystify the process by offering clear, up-to-date information empowering families to make informed decisions.
Beginning in 2024-25, JMU has a brand new FAFSA with new underlying methodology, as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) formula has been replaced with the Student Aid Index (SAI). The FAFSA Application is scheduled to open on October 1.
Students and families are encouraged to be persistent in completing the application and reach out if they have any questions or problems with the form.
The JMU Office of Family Engagement collaborates closely with the Financial Aid Office to help families navigate the complexities of financing education amid rising costs and changes to the FAFSA by providing comprehensive guidance on the various financial aid options.
