If you try and think about the entirety of the college search process, it can feel overwhelming. But like any big project, it all becomes more manageable if you take it one step at a time. To view a more detailed version of this Four Year Roadmap, please click here.
EXPLORING YOUR INTERESTS AND ABILITIES
Freshman year is about discovering who you are, and more importantly, who you want to be. It’s a time to explore, experiment, take calculated risks, stretch your abilities, and broaden your interests. You are building a foundation for future success.
Start thinking about your personality, learning style, undeveloped interests, and natural strengths. The better you understand yourself, the more the world will open up to you.
Establish good study habits early on. Be on the lookout for a natural mentor. Seek out help when you need it. Learn how to balance academic demands, social time, and extracurricular activities.
Follow your curiosity. Join a club, play a sport, and try a new activity. Pomfret offers a vast array of options to choose from. Cast a wide net and see what you catch.
DISCOVERING YOUR TALENTS AND STRENGTHS
In your sophomore year, you’ll begin to hone in on the things that matter most to you. This is a critical period of self-reflection and transformation, as you begin turning your budding interests and hidden talents into your defining characteristics and core strengths.
Undertake a course schedule which allows you to do your best academic work based on classes that are challenging but achievable.
Evaluate the decisions you have made and consider the lessons you have learned. Make sure your choices reflect your genuine interests and abilities.
Start researching colleges in earnest and begin narrowing your options. You don’t need a list just yet, but you should be thinking about the kind of colleges that fit you best.
FOCUSING ON YOUR PROMISE AND POTENTIAL
In your junior year, you'll hone in on the things that matter most to you. This is a critical period of transformation, as you begin turning your budding interests and hidden talents into your defining characteristics and core strengths.
You will have already had some contact with the College Counseling Office, but this is the year to start meeting with your college counselor on a regular basis.
Junior year grades are one of the most important determining factors in college acceptance. With your foundational courses out of the way, you are free to choose from a wide selection of electives, specialized tracks, and certificate programs. Make wise choices that affirm your commitment to academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
Based on the research you started in your sophomore year, create a preliminary list of colleges you’d like to attend with the help of your counselor.
Leadership comes in many different forms. As a junior, you should pursue an interest or two with greater conviction than ever before, and strive to demonstrate impact in those areas.
PRESENTING YOUR BEST SELF
This is where the rubber meets the road. Now comes the exciting part. You know who you are and what you want. Senior year is all about going out and getting it. This is your time to shine.
Finalize your short list. Most students apply to approximately ten schools. The list should be balanced, with safe options, likely options, and reach options.
Find ways to engage your top choices. It is important to make an impression before you submit the application. Create relationships through emails, visits, etc. Write thank-you notes.
Commit yourself to crafting the strongest, most authentic, most compelling application you can. There are a lot of moving parts. Finish strong.