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Preparing For College

Preparing for college can seem overwhelming. You can break it down step by step and create a personalized timeline to help reduce stress. Let’s make this process feel manageable.

The RISLA College Planning Center has helped families prepare for over 25 years. Meet one-on-one with our experts, from reviewing your college essay to submitting your financial aid applications. Let’s make college preparation simpler for you.

How We Can Help

  • One-on-one college admissions guidance from experienced planning specialists.
  • Personalized application support, including essays, resumes, and recommendation planning.
  • Free financial aid and FAFSA assistance to help maximize your funding opportunities.

College Apps: How Many Is Enough?

Your final college list should consist of 5-10 colleges that meet all the characteristics you are looking for in a school and fit into the three categories below.
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Reach Schools


Aim High (1-2 Applications)

Reach schools are highly competitive and offer opportunities for candidates with strong academic performance, evidenced by high grades and test scores. Set ambitious goals to challenge yourself and broaden your horizons.

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Target Schools


Your Best Fit (2-4 Applications)

Typically, target schools have academic profiles similar to those of the average admitted student, giving you a better than 50% chance of acceptance. The level of acceptance difficulty is moderate.

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Likely School


Confident Choices (2-4 Applications)

Likely schools are a strong fit for you if your grades and test scores can shine, boosting your chances of admission.

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The Big Guide

A complete college planning guidebook that provides free tools and resources, a timeline to help parents and students stay on track, and financial aid guidance for obtaining your FSA ID and completing the FAFSA.

Building a Competitive College Application

Learn what it takes to make a strong impression on selective colleges.

Be Prepared


What Top Colleges Want

Colleges seek students who will thrive academically and enrich campus life.

  • Take challenging courses and maintain strong grades

  • Get involved in meaningful extracurriculars

  • Write a compelling essay and secure great recommendations

Strong Foundation


Academic Excellence

Academic achievement is the foundation for college dreams. When families support a student’s drive to excel, it builds lifelong skills and confidence.

  • Challenge yourself with advanced classes

  • Celebrate grade improvements together

  • Build strong study habits as a team

Time To Shine


Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are a chance for students to shine and to discover hidden talents. These experiences become lasting memories and show colleges who you really are.

  • Explore new hobbies or sports

  • Explore leadership opportunities

  • Learn self-improvement, teamwork, and/or self-reliance skills

Tell Your Story


Essays & Personal Statement

The college essay allows students to share their unique stories and perspectives with admissions officers, offering insight beyond grades and test scores.

  • Brainstorm ideas

  • Reflect on a meaningful experience

  • Ask those closest to you to review your essay

Make An Impression


Letters of Recommendation

Recommendations are another way colleges see the whole student. Choose mentors who truly know your strengths and story.

  • Discuss potential recommenders as a family

  • Choose adults who can speak to character and growth

  • Share your achievements and goals with your recommenders

Show You Care


Demonstrate Interest

Exploring colleges can be a family adventure that builds excitement and confidence about the next step.

  • Tour campuses together (in person or virtually)

  • Attend info sessions as a family

  • Encourage students to connect with admissions and ask questions

Understanding Standardized Testing

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College Ready Toolkit

Access free tools and resources that help parents and students stay organized and on track while preparing for college.

Crafting Your College Essay


 

Ten Tips to Follow

College essays are a crucial component of your application. This essay gives you the opportunity to be authentic and share your interests, values, experiences, and passions. This is your chance to stand out and make a shining first impression.

Follow the Prompt: Stay on Track

Admissions officers want to see that you can follow directions. Staying on topic shows your attention to detail and helps your story shine:

  • Be sure to answer the prompt

  • Stay focused on the chosen question

  • Check that every paragraph answers the prompt

Brainstorm: Gather Your Best Ideas

Great essays start with great ideas. Get everyone involved: Think about sharing your life experiences.

  • If you’re stuck on what to write about, ask those closest to you

  • Jot down unique experiences and passions

  • Choose a story that feels personal and honest

Keep It Personal: Let Your Voice Shine

Admissions officers want to know the real you. Make your essay stand out: Let your personality and perspective come through so colleges remember your story.

  • Use your own words and style

  • Use your experiences;  only you can tell

  • Share your draft version with those closest to you to get their feedback

Choose a Theme: Focus Your Story

A clear theme keeps your essay memorable: When you focus on a central message, your essay becomes more powerful and easier for readers to connect with.

  • Brainstorm a few themes, then select the one that fits you best

  • Pick one main quality or lesson

  • Stay focused—less is more

College admissions officers are likely to be impressed by theories of education or observational generalizations. The theme of your essay should be you.

Use Imagery & Examples: Bring Your Story to Life

Vivid details make your essay unforgettable: Help the admissions team see, feel, and experience your journey right alongside you.

  • Describe specific moments and feelings

  • Paint a picture for the reader

  • Ask those closest to you if your story feels real and relatable

Let It Flow: Write Freely and Fearlessly

The first draft is about getting your ideas out—don’t worry about mistakes! Encourage creativity and teamwork: Writing freely at first helps uncover the most authentic and meaningful stories.

  • Write down every idea without judgment

  • Let those closest to you  help brainstorm

  • Save editing for later drafts

Edit & Proofread: Polish Your Work Together

Reviewing and revising is where the magic happens. Team up for a flawless essay: Multiple perspectives make your essay stronger and ensure your message is clear.

  • Read your essay out loud and think about how it sounds to someone who doesn’t know you

  • Double-check for grammar and clarity 

  • Ask someone for honest feedback

Be Clear, Concise & Direct: Make Every Word Count

Admissions readers appreciate clear and focused writing. Keep your essay on track: Being concise shows respect for your reader’s time and helps your points shine through.

  • Trim unnecessary words

  • Stick to the word limit

  • Focus each section on your main message

Accentuate the Positive: Share Your Growth

Even tough stories can have a silver lining. Highlight your strengths: Sharing how you overcame obstacles is inspiring and shows your resilience to admissions officers.

  • Focus on what you learned from challenges

  • Show how you’ve grown independently and with support from friends and family members

  • Emphasize resilience and hope in your essay

College Application Checklist: Stay on Track.

Don't let important tasks slip through the cracks. Use this checklist to stay organized and confident.

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Request Letters of Recommendation


  • Ask teachers early, giving them plenty of time
  • Choose recommenders who know you well
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Send SAT/ACT Scores (If Needed)


  • Double-check each college’s testing policy
  • Submit scores before application deadlines
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Submit High School Transcripts


  • Request transcripts from your counselor promptly

  • Confirm each college has received them

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Track All Admissions Deadlines


  • Keep a calendar of important dates

  • Set reminders a week before each deadline

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Start Financial Aid Applications


  • Complete the FAFSA and any required state forms

     

  • Gather family financial documents ahead of time

Preparing for College with Confidence

Expert advice on applications, essays, recommendations, interviews, testing, and admissions requirements.

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