College Admissions Tips for the New Year!

The start of a new year always brings fresh energy—new classes, new goals, and new possibilities. For high school students, especially those in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade, this moment is more than just a reset. It's a powerful opportunity to get ahead in the college admissions journey—before stress, confusion, and missed opportunities creep in.

Too often, students (and families) believe college admissions only matter junior year or even senior year. In reality, the strongest applications are built gradually, intentionally, and with guidance over time. Starting the year on the right foot can make all the difference.

9th Grade: Build the Foundation Early

Freshman year sets the tone. Grades earned now count. Habits formed now last. And interests explored now often become the story students tell later in their applications.

This is the perfect time for students to:

• Learn how colleges evaluate high school transcripts

• Build strong study and time-management habits

• Explore extracurriculars with purpose, not pressure

• Understand how today's choices shape future options

• Students who start early feel more confident and less overwhelmed later on—and they avoid the scramble that catches so many families off guard.

10th Grade: Add Direction and Strategy

Sophomore year is when students begin to stand out—or blend in. With the right guidance, this is a key year to move from “doing activities” to building a profile.

This is when students should:

• Identify academic strengths and areas to improve

• Deepen involvement in meaningful activities

• Begin thinking about leadership, impact, and growth

• Understand how course selection affects admissions

• Without a plan, students often drift. With a strategy, they gain momentum.

11th Grade: Turn Preparation Into Results

Junior year is the most important year in the admissions process—and also the most stressful if students aren't prepared.

Students who start the year with clarity can:

• Build a balanced college list with confidence

• Prepare for testing (or make informed test-optional decisions)

• Understand what makes a compelling application before deadlines loom

• Reduce anxiety by staying ahead instead of reacting

• Preparation now leads to better essays, stronger applications, and far less panic next year.

Why Small-Group Cohort Support Makes a Difference

College admissions can feel overwhelming, especially when students try to navigate it alone. That's why small-group cohort sessions are so powerful.

In a supportive cohort, students:

• Learn step-by-step what colleges actually look for

• Gain accountability and motivation from peers

• Ask questions in a low-pressure environment

• Build confidence through clarity and consistency

Instead of guessing or relying on outdated advice, students receive structured guidance tailored to where they are right now—whether they're just starting or gearing up for applications.

Start the Year With Intention

The best time to prepare for college admissions isn't “someday.” It's now—at the start of the year, when there's time to plan thoughtfully and move with purpose.

If your student is in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade and wants to feel confident, prepared, and supported throughout the college admissions process, joining a small-group cohort can be the smartest first step.

A strong start today leads to stronger options tomorrow.

Learn more and enroll here: January 2026 Cohort

What Will be Covered in the Six Sessions?

• Session 1: College Admissions Overview! In this session, we will cover all the basics to ensure you know the ins and outs of how the college admissions process works.

• Session 2: Goal Setting and Finding Your Fit. In this session, we will talk about the importance of goal setting the in admissions process and how to identify colleges that will be a good fit for you.

• Session 3: Navigating the Common Application. In this session, we will walk through the Common App platform together to ensure you are an expert!

• Session 4: Understanding the Financial Aid Process. In this session, we will talk about financial aid, merit aid, the FAFSA, and scholarships.

• Session 5: Writing Effective College Application Essays. In this session, we will focus on the keys to identifying what essays will need to be written, how to brainstorm, and how to write great application essays.

• Session 6: Observations from the 2024/2025 Admissions Cycles. In this session, we will review lessons learned from prior admissions cycles using examples of what went well and what didn't when it comes to applying to colleges.

Resources to Keep: Participants will also receive resources to help further navigate the admissions process. Additionally, there will be time during each session to ask participant-specific questions.

Who are the Cohorts Designed For? High School Students (all grades) and their families. Parents are welcomed (and encouraged) to attend the sessions with their students!

If you are looking to work directly with Kenny, CEO of Foundry, he will be running these sessions!

Learn more and enroll here: January 2026 Cohort