“Witching Hour” Warning: Don’t Let College Admissions Haunt You!

Hello, students and families! Happy Halloween from Williams Educational Consultants! As pumpkins bob and ghostly ghouls roam the neighborhood, here’s a timely sign: whether you’re a 9th grader, 10th grader or 11th grader, the time to stir your academic cauldron is now. Don’t wait until a year from now to realize you’ve been tricked by procrastination.

Why? Because this time next year, you don’t want to be spooked by unfinished essays, unclear goals, murky schedules or under-prepared steps. The early bird may get the worm... while the crows end up pecking through leftovers. And yes — in today’s admissions forest, the worms are smaller and the crows are plenty.

As your consultant (and Myers-Briggs Certified Practitioner), I’m here to tell you: you don’t have to be born organized, bold, or relentlessly extroverted. What you do need is someone beside you who has a wand (metaphorically!) and a map — someone who desires to help you chart your unique path, build confidence, and make your future less freighting.

Trends from the Cauldron for the Class of 2026

Here are some of the latest “spells” brewing in the admissions cauldron — what you should know now to get ahead:

• Standardized tests are making a comeback: After years of “test-optional” flexibility, many colleges are placing renewed emphasis on the SAT and ACT (or considering them again).

• Fit over prestige: Brand names matter less than they used to. Students say they’re more interested in “Does this school offer what I want to study?” and “Can I imagine myself here?” rather than just the big name.

• More competition, more applications: Students are applying to a greater number of schools, resulting in a deeper overall pool. Pro tip: quantity isn’t always the magic spell; thoughtful strategy wins.

• Rigor counts: Taking advanced classes (AP/IB) and showing academic depth matter more. Colleges are looking for challenge, not just straight A’s in easy courses.

Magical Tips for Each Class Level

Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore or junior, here are “enchanted” tips you can start using today:

Freshmen

• Begin gathering your “ingredients”: track activities you enjoy, clubs you join, service you do — even small things matter now.

• Explore interests for fun — what makes you flinch with excitement? What could you talk about for hours?

• Establish a basic routine: study habits, homework rhythm, and organization. The witches in the attic don’t wait; they prepare.

• Ask questions: Which courses will challenge you next year? Which clubs might align with your passions?

Sophomores

• Start sharpening your wand: consider advanced-level classes (AP, IB, dual credit) if available and appropriate — show you’re ready for more.

• Research potential majors/interests. Do you really want business, engineering, humanities, arts?

• Explore test-prep options loosely; consider familiarizing yourself with PSAT or early ACT/SAT concepts. Early doesn’t have to be intense.

• Schedule some time (perhaps a spooky fun night?) to map out your course plan for junior year, including challenging options.

Juniors

• Time to stir the big cauldron: finalize your course load (with rigor), gather meaningful extracurriculars, craft your narrative, design your resume (your “magic story”).

• If you’re considering early action/decision, start prepping. Trends indicate that ED/EA remains consequential.

• Take the SAT/ACT if you haven’t yet, or aim to improve your score if you have — you could be at a competitive disadvantage if you skip.

• Begin identifying schools that fit you — size, major, vibe, and cost — not just the top-name schools. Create a balanced list (reach, match, safety).

• Don’t wait for all the “boils and bubbles” to settle — start now. The more you anticipate, the fewer surprises.

Why Start NOW?

• Because when the clock strikes midnight next year, you don’t want to be running from skeletons of “What-ifs.”

• Because building confidence gradually beats last-minute panic.

• Because your story is unique. The spells that worked for someone else might not work for you.

• Because the landscape is changing (call Williams Educational to learn more), taking early action gives you more room to pivot, adjust, and refine.

We aren’t witches — we’re your wise owls, watching over your journey and helping you plan, prepare, and find your path. There are no spells about it - our mission is Helping You Choose Wisely!