Included in this article: 

• Understanding Microsoft’s End-of-Support Policy
• Why End of Support Matters
• Functionality After Support Ends
• Evaluating Your Options
• Steps to Take Now

As technology moves forward, operating systems inevitably reach the end of their lifecycle. Microsoft has officially announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date, users will no longer receive security patches, bug fixes, or official technical assistance.

For the millions of people still relying on Windows 10, whether for study, work, or daily productivity, this marks an important turning point. Understanding what “end of support” means, its implications, and the available options is essential for ensuring that your system remains secure and functional in the years ahead.

Understanding Microsoft’s End-of-Support Policy

When Microsoft declares the end of support for an operating system (OS), it means that Microsoft will stop maintaining the OS. Specifically, starting October 14, 2025, Windows 10 users will stop receiving:

• Security updates for critical or emerging vulnerabilities
• Bug fixes and performance patches
• Technical support from Microsoft’s help channels

In short, Windows 10 systems will continue to function but will no longer be protected against newly discovered threats. Without these updates, devices become increasingly exposed to malware, ransomware, and exploits that modern security updates are designed to prevent.

Why End of Support Matters

Losing security support is not just a technical inconvenience, it’s a security liability. As hackers develop new forms of malware and phishing attacks, unsupported systems quickly become vulnerable.

Key risks include:

• New malware and ransomware threats: Cybercriminals target unpatched systems first, exploiting weaknesses that remain unaddressed.
• Zero-day vulnerabilities: Any flaw discovered after October 14, 2025 will remain permanently unfixed in Windows 10.
• Software and hardware incompatibility: Newer programs and device drivers will gradually stop supporting Windows 10.
• Compliance issues: Businesses or professionals working with sensitive data could face policy violations for using unsupported software.
• Rising maintenance costs: Fixing or troubleshooting unsupported systems often requires third-party solutions or paid services.

In essence, staying on Windows 10 after the cutoff may work in the short term but will become increasingly impractical and unsafe as time passes.

Functionality After Support Ends

It’s important to clarify that Windows 10 will still function after October 14, 2025. Your computer won’t suddenly shut down or your files won’t suddenly disappear. Applications will still open, and your PC will continue to operate normally, at least initially.

However, with time, the risks will accumulate. Security vulnerabilities will grow, and compatibility issues will begin to surface. What starts as a minor inconvenience could eventually turn into system instability or data loss.

Consider a common real-world scenario: when Windows 7 support ended, many users chose to continue using it. For certain users, months later, unpatched vulnerabilities might have allowed ransomware to infiltrate their systems, encrypting personal and professional data. The cost of recovery, both in time and money, far exceeded the effort of upgrading earlier. Windows 10 is heading toward the same path.

Evaluating Your Options

Before October 14, 2025, users should explore their available paths. The tech community recommends several alternatives based on your hardware, needs, and comfort level.

Below are the major routes you can take:

1. Upgrading to Windows 11

The most straightforward choice is to upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft’s current operating system. It offers enhanced security frameworks, better energy efficiency, and a redesigned interface optimized for productivity.

System Requirements

To upgrade, your PC must support:

• TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
• Secure Boot
• A compatible processor family
• Adequate RAM and storage

If your computer meets these criteria, upgrading is generally seamless, you can keep your existing files and applications while moving to a supported environment.

For Unsupported Hardware

For older devices that don’t meet Windows 11’s requirements, several community-driven tools can help bypass restrictions. Programs like Rufus, Flyby11, or Flyoobe allow customized installations that skip hardware checks and streamline setup.

Pro tip: During installation, when prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt, then type:

start ms-cxh:localonly

This enables you to create a local account, allowing you to maintain privacy and avoid cloud-linked sign-ins. Microsoft might disable this workaround in the future, but you will be able to find new ones by searching online.

While such workarounds are not officially endorsed by Microsoft, they have proven effective for many users seeking to extend their hardware’s life responsibly.

2. Purchasing a New PC

If your device is several years old or incompatible with Windows 11, purchasing a new computer also may be a practical long-term decision.

Advantages:

• Full compatibility with modern standards (TPM, Secure Boot, UEFI)
• Warranty protection and hardware support
• Improved performance and battery efficiency

Drawbacks:

• Upfront cost and data migration effort

However, new systems also future-proof your setup, ensuring compatibility with upcoming versions of Windows and security technologies for years to come.

3. Exploring Alternative Operating Systems

Many users aren’t happy about how Windows 10 support was ended by Microsoft and how otherwise capable computers weren’t allowed to upgrade to Windows 11 based on criteria that might appear to be arbitrary to some users. If you want a secure and efficient alternative, Linux distributions such as Ubuntu or Linux Mint are excellent options, especially for older hardware.

Benefits:

• Free and open-source
• Regular security updates
• Lightweight and customizable

Challenges:

• Limited compatibility with some proprietary software (e.g., Adobe tools, certain games)
• Requires adjustment for users accustomed to Windows

Virtual Machine Solution

For those who still need Windows-specific applications, one option is to run Windows 10 inside a virtual machine (VM) on a Linux host. Software such as VirtualBox, KVM, or VMware can isolate the Windows environment from your primary system, minimizing exposure to vulnerabilities while allowing legacy software to function.

4. Extended Security Updates (ESU)

For users not ready to upgrade, Microsoft offers a temporary safety net, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. It provides critical security patches through October 13, 2026, extending protection for one more year.

ESU Enrollment Options:

1. Free Enrollment via Backup Settings
   • Ensure your device runs Windows 10 version 22H2.
   • Use a local account during setup.
   • Go to Settings → Windows Update → Extended security updates.
   • Select “Back up your settings” to enroll for free ESU access for one year.

Tip: After enrolling, you may revert to a local account. This should keep you enrolled in ESU. Check the status after reverting.

1. Microsoft Rewards Option
   
   • Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (if applicable) for one year of ESU access.
2. Paid ESU License
   
   • Purchase a one-year ESU subscription (approx. US$30) for continued updates.
   • Rules may vary by region, especially within the European Union, where different regulations may apply.

Note: ESU is a short-term measure. It delays but does not eliminate the eventual need to upgrade or transition.

Additional Considerations

Before the support deadline arrives, users should take proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition.

• Download the official Windows 10 ISO directly from Microsoft. It may be removed after end-of-support, so obtaining it early ensures you can reinstall or repair if necessary.
• Backup all critical data using cloud storage or external drives before making system changes.
• Coordinate with IT departments if using a managed or business device, corporate policies often dictate migration timelines.
• Avoid unofficial ISO sources or unverified “support extension” tools, which can introduce malware or instability.
• Understand ESU timing: not enrolling before October 14, 2025, leaves your device unprotected until activation, creating a potential security gap.

Steps to Take Now

To stay ahead of the transition, follow this preparation checklist:

1. Check your PC’s compatibility
   • Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check or WhyNotWin11 tool.
2. Backup your data and settings
   • Use cloud storage, external drives, or imaging software.
3. Decide your path forward
   • Upgrade to Windows 11, adopt Linux, or enroll in ESU.
4. Verify your updates post-upgrade
   • Confirm that system and driver updates function correctly.
5. Keep a rescue USB drive handy
   • Always have a fallback option if an installation fails.
     

Looking Ahead

The retirement of Windows 10 represents more than just the end of a software cycle. It’s a reminder of how fast digital security landscapes evolve. While the operating system will continue to function, remaining on an unsupported platform introduces escalating risks over time.

For most users, upgrading to Windows 11 is the safest and most efficient option. Those with older systems can explore Linux or temporary ESU coverage as transitional solutions.

Whatever path you choose, the key is preparation. By planning ahead, backing up data, and understanding your options, you can move into 2026 with a secure, reliable system that meets the demands of modern computing.

Reviewed by Dr. Kaisar Alam

Included in this article: 

• Understanding the Back-to-School Challenge
• Managing School Workload and Extracurriculars
• Creating a Realistic Study Schedule
• SAT Prep Strategies During the School Year
• Productivity Hacks that Actually Work
• Avoiding Burnout and Staying Motivated
• The Parent Support Role
• Building a Supportive School Environment
• Long Term Perspective

September feels like a reset—a shift from a relaxed summer to new opportunities. For high school students, it’s more than just another year; it’s a chance to set new goals, build better habits, and step into routines designed for success. Thanks to the “fresh start effect,” the motivation of the first weeks often shapes the entire school year, helping students commit to strong study habits, tight schedules, and consistent productivity.

The challenge, however, is keeping that same momentum once the excitement of a new semester fades. This blog will guide you on how to not just get through high school, but actually make the most of it. Juggling tough classes, SAT prep, and extracurriculars can feel overwhelming at first. But with a few practical strategies, you can turn the back-to-school chaos into a clear and manageable plan for success.

Summary

The start of the school year gives students a valuable opportunity to set habits that shape success. High school brings new challenges like harder classes, SAT preparation, extracurricular demands, and social pressures. Despite these challenges, students can organize their daily routines by prioritizing academics, choosing meaningful activities, and using planners to manage time. Productivity hacks and proper rest also help the students stay mentally sharp. In the long run, these habits matter more than perfection, preparing students not just for this semester but for life beyond high school.

Understanding the Back-to-School Challenge

High school may often feel like a disorganized and never-ending loop of classes, assignments, and extracurriculars. Not only this, but as a young adult, it becomes important for you to manage your family time and social life alongside school. SAT preparation requires your attention as well, adding further to the stress. So, It is no surprise that most of the students feel overwhelmed by this endless cluster of demands. 

Why Is It so Challenging? 

Academic expectations keep ramping up every year as you grow. With AP, IB, or honors classes demanding a lot of your time and effort, you must learn to work independently and productively. However, managing your courses is just a small part of the picture. Standardized testing pressure also looms large, as SAT or ACT scores heavily influence your college applications. Thus, the main part of your struggle becomes trying to balance between both school work and test preparation.

 Another major factor that influences your college applications is your extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities are no longer a secondary option when you are trying to secure your college admissions. Debates, music, sports, and most importantly, volunteering, all become crucial for your college applications, making it harder for you to manage while keeping your academic commitments in check.

On top of this, juggling academics, test preparations, and extracurriculars can often leave you feeling socially and mentally drained. It becomes challenging to navigate friendships, deal with social pressure, and meet family expectations. Trying to manage everything at once, especially without a balance, can quickly lead you to exhaustion and burnout. 

Managing School Workload and Extracurriculars

Balancing schoolwork, SAT prep, and activities can feel overwhelming. However, the goal isn’t to do everything at once,  but to manage your time wisely and work smartly. With smart prioritization, clear tracking, and planned time blocks, you can stay on top of academics while still enjoying the activities that matter most.

Choose Quality Over Quantity:

Admission officers often value continued quality commitments more than just a long list of activities. Students must ask themselves whether the activities they are engaging in are in alignment with their goals. It is also very important that students do things that they are passionate about. If you find yourself dealing with too many unnecessary commitments, perhaps it is best to cut down on the quantity and do a few meaningful extracurriculars consistently and ambitiously.

Track Everything:

Trying to manage endless lists of tasks can overwhelm you before you even start. Students can benefit from digital planning tools to map out their tasks for the upcoming weeks or months instead of working through everything all at once. Having a weekly overview of activities to glance through will save you from any unpleasant surprises and keep your progress in check, without giving you task paralysis. 

Time Division:

Without a properly planned schedule, you may struggle with issues like unfinished homework, missed deadlines, or feeling overwhelmed by last-minute tasks. Instead, breaking your day into smaller time blocks can make it easier to stay on track and balance school, SAT prep, and extracurriculars. This approach makes it possible to focus on one activity at a time, reduce stress, and prevent important tasks from slipping through the cracks. For example, you might dedicate mornings to schoolwork, afternoons to extracurriculars, and evenings to SAT practice. This will ensure you don’t have to worry about whether you’re keeping up with everything you need to do. Over time, dividing your day into clear segments can boost both your productivity and peace of mind. 

Creating a Realistic Study Schedule:

Consistency is the most important approach to your studies. Students who study consistently are often less overwhelmed and retain knowledge better than those who cram everything just a night before the exam. But how can you do that exactly?

Weekly and Daily Planning:

Planning your week is a good way to set long-term goals. However, it is also important to plan your days so that small tasks do not pile up into bigger problems like missed homework, rushed assignments, or last minute cramming before a test. A combination of weekly plans, carried out through small, daily tasks will keep you organized and make your study time more effective.

Using Productive Study Strategies:

There are many strategic frameworks made for students to make the most out of their study sessions. The Pomodoro technique, for example, emphasizes small study sessions of 25 minutes followed by 5-minute breaks. These short sessions and frequent breaks help your brain maintain its peak focus without losing interest. 

Another method students can also benefit from is the 2-minute rule to avoid going into loops of procrastination: if a task takes you less than 2 minutes to complete, you must do it immediately to save yourself from piled-up tasks at the end of the day. By combining these strategies, you can study more efficiently and make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. It can save you in the long run to learn what study method suits you best, so take the time to experiment with different techniques to find what works best. 

Find Your Focus Hours:

Scheduling days cannot be the same for all students. Due to differences in individual environments and preferences, students may operate better at different phases of the day or week.. Some students work effortlessly in the morning hours, while others might find nights more comfortable for study sessions. Ultimately, it is essential to make the most out of whichever hours you have the most energy in. 

Keep Things Flexible:

As important as it is to plan things at every step, life is often unpredictable. You may face last-minute assignments, family plans, or days when you’re just not feeling up to the tasks you planned, all of which can throw off your schedule. Whenever possible, leave extra time for unexpected tasks, and avoid filling every hour of your day. Even small adjustments, like setting aside one “spare hour” a few times a week, can help you stay on track without feeling stressed or underprepared when plans change.

SAT Prep Strategies During the School Year

Having to balance SAT preparation with school is among the most stressful challenges high-schoolers face. As difficult as it is to balance between academics and a highly competitive test, taking the right steps to include preparation in your daily routine can save you from a lot of stress and anxiety.

Start Early:

Preparing for the SAT takes time, and the earlier you begin, the easier the process feels. Starting months before your test date lets you review material at a steady pace, build stronger skills, and fit practice into your routine without rushing. This not only reduces last-minute stress but also gives you more chances to take practice tests, identify weak spots, and improve before the big day.

Integrating SAT Prep with Schoolwork:

Your schoolwork and SAT prep don’t have to feel like two separate worlds. Reading comprehension, essay writing, grammar and algebra are all skills you practice in class that overlap with the SAT curriculum. If you’re in AP, IB or honors classes, you can take this even further by connecting your coursework to SAT practice. For example, analyzing graphs in AP Science can double as SAT Math prep, and practicing timed essays for English can strengthen your writing section skills.

The key is to approach schoolwork with an SAT mindset. Whenever possible, use class assignments as extra practice, review mistakes from both schoolwork and SAT practice to spot common weaknesses, and plan study sessions around subjects you’re already covering in school. This way, you’re preparing for the SAT and staying on top of academics, all without adding unnecessary extra work. 

Choose the Right Way:

Students respond differently to different studying methods. A lot of people might find it easy to study independently through college board resources, while others might feel the need to hire a tutor or go for online courses. The goal is to find what works best for you, so don’t be afraid to try different programs, courses, or mediums that you encounter.

Break it Down:

Practicing daily for a short period will often beat long study sessions at the end of a week. Doing a short reading passage or a few math problems each day will keep your skills sharp and time manageable.

Tracking Progress:

While practicing regularly, students can benefit from keeping their progress in check. Small improvements every day will add up to major changes over the course of months. By tracking your progress, you can get better insights and adjust your daily schedule to keep your weaknesses and strengths.

Productivity Hacks that Actually Work:

After organizing your study plan, the next step is to stay efficient with your time. While the internet is filled with productivity hacks, not all of them work for high school students with more than enough on their plate. That’s why the strategies here focus on simple, realistic methods you can actually use in your busy school routine to get more done without burning out.

Smart Note-Taking:

Taking notes is important, but that doesn’t mean writing down everything you study. The goal is to capture key ideas in a way that helps you review and actually understand the material later. One popular method is the Cornell system, where you divide your page into three sections: cues, notes, and summary. This structure forces you to highlight the main ideas, jot down supporting details, and then condense everything into a short recap at the bottom.

Beyond Cornell notes, effective note-taking often includes paraphrasing, organizing information visually (with charts or diagrams), and leaving space to add extra details later. Digital tools like Notion, OneNote, or Google Docs can also help you keep notes neat, searchable, and accessible across devices—making revision much easier.

Use Technology Wisely:

There are applications designed just to make it easier for you to be productive. You can use these applications to memorize, retain, and revise what you study.

Batch Tasks:

It can be mentally challenging to switch from one subject to another frequently. Combining your tasks based on the subject will help you stay in the groove for a specific subject, and also avoid the hassle of switching subjects again and again.

Leverage Small Pockets of Time:

Time is important. Even those 20 minutes you get when riding the bus home can be spent on light studying or review. Use these small pockets of time to look through your flash cards or memorize something you studied earlier to make things easier for yourself.

Prioritize Sleep:

Often neglected, sleep is actually one of the most important parts of your journey.Research shows that sleep strengthens memorization and problem-solving skills, so everything you learn and practice can be properly consolidated while you’re at rest. A good night’s sleep can make the difference between a good student and a great student, so prioritize it as much as you might your study sessions.

Avoiding Burnout and Staying Motivated

Daily study sessions, consistent SAT or ACT preparation, and extracurricular activities often come with mental fatigue. You can find yourself burnt out after a long period of rigidly following the same regimen, or pushing through extra demanding days on your schedule. Thus, it is necessary to manage your mental health alongside your studies.

To make sure that you do not find yourself mentally exhausted and burnt out, it’s important to give yourself regular breaks. Short pauses allow your brain to process what you’ve just studied and recharge for the next session. Without rest, your focus drops, and you’re more likely to make mistakes or waste time rereading the same material. Think of the breaks as part of the study process rather than time wasted, because they help improve concentration, memory, and overall performance.

In addition to mental breaks, taking care of your physical health plays a big role in how effectively you study. Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, improving memory and focus, while a balanced diet gives you the energy to stay consistent with your study routine. Even light activities like stretching or walking between study sessions can help clear your mind and reduce stress. With a healthy balance of rest, activity, and positive reinforcement, you’ll be better prepared to manage the demands of high school and test prep.

The Parent Support Role

Parents always want what’s best for their child, but their methods can sometimes add pressure to what is already a demanding routine. The most effective kind of support often comes from encouragement rather than constant criticism.

One powerful way to encourage is by praising effort instead of solely celebrating results. For instance, rather than just recognizing an A in the gradebook, parents can acknowledge the hours of study, persistence, and steady improvement that led to it. This shift helps students build confidence and resilience, and take pride in what matters most.

Alongside encouragement, providing structure can make a big difference. A quiet study space, a family calendar of deadlines, or helping break large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks can keep students organized and reduce stress.

Finally, strong communication ties it all together. Creating a judgment-free environment where students feel safe sharing struggles, like test anxiety or falling behind in math, encourages them to seek help early and reminds them they are not alone in the journey.

Building a Supportive School Environment

High school feels far less overwhelming when you have the right people around you. Instead of treating it as a solo journey, think of it as a team effort where meaningful connections and shared resources can make every challenge easier to handle. 

One of the best places to start is with your teachers. Showing interest in class, asking thoughtful questions, or attending office hours helps you build trust and ensures you’ll have extra support when you need it most. Teachers are often more willing to guide students who actively engage with their subject.

Beyond teachers, study groups with classmates who share your goals keep you accountable and motivated, while even exchanging notes or strategies with a friend can help. Lastly, don’t forget  school resources such as libraries, writing centers, and tutoring programs. These are often underused but can provide consistent help when used wisely.

Long Term Perspective

It is common for students to define success through their performance in one semester or one test. But real success is in building habits that will improve every aspect of your life in the long term. Healthy habits do not just vanish after high school; they get carried into college and beyond. These habits, when acquired, will continue to improve your life. Balance and consistency in life will always beat a short period of perfection.

Colleges and jobs do not value those who can deliver one task flawlessly, but those who stay resilient and focus on ways to improve every day. Your results, whether higher or lower than your expectations, do not take away your credibility as a student or employee. Setbacks are stepping stones that will help you understand your weaknesses and learn from them.

Preparing now will save you from stress later. This is true not only in high school but in life, as a good step taken today can decide your fate tomorrow. It is better to stay prepared than to rush at the last minute, when pressure and panic can hold you back. These high school years are the training ground for your adult life and remember, a warrior who sweats more in practice, bleeds less on the battleground.

Final Thoughts

Success, when returning to school, does not come from strict and unrealistic routines but rather from a balanced regimen that can facilitate your college applications, SAT/ACT preparation, academics, and social life. If you approach September with intention, you will not only succeed in high school but also develop a system of habits that will help you throughout your life.

To make the process easier, here’s a quick checklist you can follow to stay organized and on track. And if you ever feel you need extra guidance——Prep Excellence is here to help with expert tutoring and personalized strategies for high school success.

Written by: Aatina K. Shaikh 

Disclaimer: This article was originally published in September 2022. The article has been substantially revised since then.

First Step: Creating a College List

Included in this article: 

• What are Safety, Target, or Reach Schools?
• Researching Colleges:
• After a College is Added to the List
• Final Thoughts

The college application process can be daunting, and whether you have started to prepare for it or not, knowing the steps and tricks to get through it makes the process run smoothly. Through this series, I hope to guide you through those steps so you can feel prepared and confident in your college applications. Then, you’ll be able to relax afterward as you wait for college decisions to be released. 

One of the first things students should work on is putting together a list of schools they would like to apply to. The list will often change as colleges are periodically added or dropped after learning more about them, which is normal. Don’t feel pressure to apply to a school simply because it was on your list at one point. When choosing the colleges you plan to apply to, you must complete extensive research to decide if the colleges are good for you. Remember, as much as the colleges admit applications based on what they offer; you should be picking schools to apply to based on what they offer.

When researching colleges, it’s essential to have about 8-12 institutions on your list to have a higher chance of gaining admission to a college. Placing all of your faith in 1-2 colleges is never a smart move. However, “shotgunning” or applying to an excessive amount of schools to increase your chances typically is not the best approach either. In such cases, applicants tend to forfeit the quality of their applications and pay thousands to apply to schools that are not realistic choices. To combat this issue, research into the programs offered and college visits helps to refine your list.

A good rule of thumb is to have 3-4 safeties, 3-4 targets, and 2-4 reach schools. 

What are Safety, Target, or Reach Schools?

Safety schools: institutions where your stats place you well above their average admitted student, giving you an almost guaranteed admission. Oftentimes, these are state colleges with high acceptance rates. They allow you that safety net to fall back on in case your target or reach schools don’t pan out. 

Target schools: colleges where you fall between the 25th and 75th percentile when looking at your statistics. These are colleges where you fall into the shoes of their average admitted student, allowing you almost a guarantee of admission; however, there is still a chance of rejection. It’s important to apply to these colleges when looking for a place to support you as a student and surround you with academically like-minded individuals. 

Reach schools:  are colleges with incredibly low acceptance rates and are highly competitive. Whether or not your stats meet the average, applying to these schools isn’t always a waste of time. Most of these institutions take a holistic approach to selecting applicants, so there is always a possibility. However, it’s essential not to hold a significant weight on their decisions. Another note regarding reach schools: Ivies and T-20 (institutions with single-digit acceptance rates) will almost always be reach schools, no matter your stats. These institutions accept very few people, and the students in their classes are incredibly diverse, so while you may be their ideal student, you still may not be accepted due to the slim admission rates. 

It’s important to consider schools that fall under any of these categories to ensure that your choices are varied and that you have options that take into account any circumstance that may arise.

Researching Colleges: 

Many factors go into researching colleges, though many students don’t know what to look for. I will briefly summarize the top five categories that many students find important, but if something isn’t a deal breaker for you or doesn’t hold as much weight, feel free not to include it within your research. There will also be categories that aren’t as relevant to deciding if the college is good for you; however, it’s wise to note. 

Pro tip: Create a spreadsheet to store research in to look back on later. I will reference this spreadsheet a few times within this series as it will help a lot when applying to colleges and receiving admission decisions. 

Factors to Consider:

• Cost of Attendance 
• Acceptance Rate
• Average Test Scores and GPA
• Diversity
• Population Size

Cost of Attendance (COA):

The COA of a college is imperative because while schools award financial aid through grants, scholarships, and loans, we must be realistic about how much they will give. If you are an out-of-state (OOS) student, they will most likely award you less than an in-state student. This phenomenon applies heavily to colleges under the University of California (UC schools). They will give little to no aid to out-of-state students, so expect to take out loans or pay for the entirety of their tuition on your own. 

For low-income students, look at colleges that are 100% need-blind. They will award low-income students full tuition or a full ride if admitted but remember that they are typically incredibly competitive. Examples of need-blind colleges include the entire Ivy League, Boston University, Rice University, Stanford University, MIT, and others. If you are low-income, you may consider creating a category to mention how willing they are to help with financial need because while not all institutions are 100% need-blind, state colleges may have similar rules for students residing within their state, or colleges may guarantee almost 100% financial needs are met. Consider scholarships and programs within your state, like Questbridge or Bright Futures, and those offered within certain universities. 

Acceptance Rate: 

The acceptance rate will play a significant role in which category you place the college under (safety, target, or reach). It’s great to keep an eye out to keep your expectations appropriate for the institution. Often, students may attempt to avoid applying to colleges with low acceptance rates, which limits their options. Not sending an application to a school you would like to attend because of a low acceptance rate is a guaranteed rejection, whereas applying gives you a chance or at the very least, an answer. However, schools should not be chosen simply by acceptance rates but by what they offer. 

Average ACT/SAT/GPA:

This category will allow you to create goals for your standardized scores while also working to bump your GPA up to their threshold within the first quarter/ semester of school. A strong ACT/SAT (99th percentile or top 25th percentile score for the school) score makes any application stronger. Still, many schools are test-optional or test-blind for applicants attempting to gain admission into the class of 2027, so it’s crucial to note that as well in case you don’t have a score in this range. Please remember that your score on the SAT or ACT does not make or break an application, nor does it define you.

Diversity:

This one is important for applicants looking to find a community on campus, especially if you’re likely to house on campus. It also allows a dash of culture to enrich your time at the institution. A diversified campus typically has support groups for all groups of people and is more accepting of differences, even within the student body. It also creates a safer, more comfortable environment for students who identify as people of color. 

Population Size:

The population size of a campus is critical to your time on campus. Suppose you’re looking for a campus where you see the same few people daily, and teachers are typically more interactive with their students. In that case, you will want to find colleges with smaller populations because it often leads to lower faculty-to-student ratios. Colleges with under 5,000 students would be considered to have a smaller population size. For students who are comfortable with the idea of a busy campus bustling with life, look for campuses with large population sizes (~10,000+). If a medium-sized school sounds perfect for you, where you get the best of both worlds, look for institutions with about 5,000-9,999 students. 

Consider a category in that spreadsheet for faculty-to-student ratio if class size is essential to you. Still, it isn’t mandatory and depends on the student’s learning size and comfort when deciding if they are looking for a specific class size. Smaller and larger ratios have advantages and disadvantages, so bear those in mind when choosing what is best for you. 

After a College is Added to the List

Once you’ve decided to add a college to your list, there are a few more things you will want to look for and store somewhere in case you need to find it later. While it may seem obvious, it’s important to remember these when completing applications. 

Application Deadlines:

Noting when applications are due allows you to create a timeline for when you begin your applications to these colleges. Submitting applications before the deadline that you choose does not increase your chances of getting in, but keeping a day or two for a buffer period is good in case of any technical difficulties. 

Early Decision (ED): is binding, meaning if you are accepted to the institution, you are legally required to go unless there is a financial issue. The acceptance rates for early decision will be much higher than the institution’s regular decision or early action, so if there is a college you are sure you want to attend if admitted and it’s your dream school, applying ED may be the route to go. Expect application deadlines in October or November for Early Decision. 

Early Action: is simply applying early, with no legal binding to the school. You receive your admission decision early, though there may be a higher acceptance rate for Early Action. Colleges may also require students to apply in the Early Action cycle to be considered for merit scholarships, so research if this is true for your colleges. The application deadline for Early Action is around the same time as Early Decision, so October or November. 

Regular Decision: will have a later deadline and is the most competitive, but again, nothing binds applicants to the school. This application round is the most common, so colleges receive most of their applications during this round. The major advantage to this round is it’s due later (December-January), so there’s more time to perfect an application and hold more confidence in it. 

Demonstrated Interest: 

A couple of colleges will base their admissions decisions on demonstrated interest, so it’s important to remember to fulfill this piece of their review. The best way to show demonstrated interest is through visiting the school, scheduling a virtual visit, and communicating with them over calls or emails. How you interact with them on social media can be significant, so follow their Instagram accounts or Twitter. Try to communicate with them frequently because one email simply isn’t enough. You must convince the admissions officers that their school is your first choice (even if it isn’t) because they will be biased toward students who seem more excited about attending their institution. 

College Website:

This one is a given. It’s mainly to go back when you need to do some more research on specific programs to help you write your supplemental essays. It helps when you have a direct link because college websites can be hard to navigate because they cater to many different groups of people. 

Admission Counselor Contact Information:

This can be important to keep in mind when there are questions the website can’t answer. This information is also a direct line of communication that is best for demonstrating interest outside of visits. Contacting the institution is a great way to land on their radar; however, don’t bet on this working for prestigious schools with high volumes of applicants. Research the specific admission counselor assigned to your region/location because you will be redirected to them regardless, so it’s best to email them directly for a faster response. If you can’t find their email, don’t stress too much and send it to the generic one because they will most likely redirect you themselves. 

Housing:

Many institutions will guarantee housing for first-year students, even require it, so it’s essential to ensure you know these facts beforehand. If housing off-campus is important for you, this may be a deal breaker; however, for those relying heavily on housing on-campus, it’s reassuring to know there will be space for you. When they have a rule that first-year students are to stay on campus, though, know that there will almost always be a lively student body with events constantly happening to entertain and enrich the students. Leaving your parents may be nerve-wracking, but rest assured, they will try to give you a great experience while you spend your year there. 

Final Thoughts:

The college application journey may seem complicated; however, this series will hopefully give you peace of mind, knowing the steps will be laid out with detailed instructions. Don’t feel that your college list has to be definite once created. You will learn more about different colleges in the coming months, so it’s okay to change what colleges you are interested in. Just ensure that as you get closer to October or November, you aren’t constantly changing your list because this will be when writing supplements becomes important. Keep an eye out for additions to this series to keep yourself on task and in the know this year. It can be hectic, but there are a lot of resources you can benefit from, so try not to overlook them. 

Good luck as you begin your college application journey. You got this!

Reviewed by Sarah Zunaed and Dr. Kaisar Alam