Spill The Tea: Top 10 To-Do List for College-Bound Student
During the 2025 College Board Access Institute, college admissions leaders from across the country took part in the "Spill the Tea: Real Talk on College Admissions, Financial Aid & More" panel. Below is a collection of their most valuable insights and advice.
- Start Early. Plan Backwards.
Begin exploring colleges in 9th or 10th grade. Understand deadlines—especially for early decision and early action—and work backward to ensure you meet testing, recommendation, and essay timelines.
- Be Honest About Financial Fit.
Have open conversations with your family early about what you can afford. Use each school’s Net Price Calculator to estimate your actual cost, not just the sticker price.
- Build a Thoughtful College List.
Include a mix of “reach,” “match,” and “likely” schools based on your academic profile, personal preferences, and financial realities. Fit matters more than prestige.
- Focus on Academic Excellence.
Grades and rigor are the foundation of your application. Challenge yourself appropriately with honors, AP®, IB, or dual-enrollment courses, but avoid overloading to the point of burnout.
- Pursue Depth, Not Just Breadth, in Extracurriculars.
Colleges value commitment and accomplishment over sheer volume. Choose activities you care about, show how they benefited you, and be ready to explain why they matter to you.
- Research Test Policies. Create a Strategy.
Understand which schools are test required, test optional, or test blind. Even if a school is test optional, strong scores can still help—especially for merit aid or specific programs.
- Tell Your Story Authentically.
Use your essays, short answers, and activity descriptions to show who you are beyond numbers. Share your motivations, challenges, and the values that guide you.
- Build Relationships with Counselors and Teachers.
Strong letters of recommendation come from people who know you well. Stay engaged in class, participate meaningfully, and keep your recommenders updated on your goals.
- Stay Organized. Track Requirements.
Create a spreadsheet or use an app to track each school’s deadlines, required materials, test policies, and financial aid forms (e.g., FAFSA® and CSS Profile®).
- Visit (or Virtually Tour) Campuses. Ask Questions.
Explore campuses in person or online to gauge culture and environment. Talk to admissions reps, current students, and alumni to get beyond the brochure.
