If you're wondering when to start getting ready for college applications, you're not alone. A lot of students ask this question, and the honest answer is—it’s never too early to start thinking about it. But don’t panic. You don’t need to have your entire future mapped out in 9th grade.

Some people believe that universities only look at what you’ve done from 9th grade onward. But that’s not really the full picture.

Today, universities aren’t just academic buildings—they’re communities. And they care deeply about who they welcome into those communities. That’s why, behind all the essays, test scores, and transcripts, they’re really asking one simple but powerful question:
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"Who are you?"
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And here’s the thing: your answer to that question doesn’t start in 9th grade. It doesn’t start when you take your first AP class or join a club. It starts from the moment you were born—from your experiences, your values, your interests, your choices.
So if you ask me when you should start preparing for college applications, my answer is:
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You already Started.

Every time you helped someone, pursued something that made you curious, worked hard at something you cared about—that was preparation.

Now, what does that mean moving forward?It means now is the time to pay attention to what matters to you.
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Ask yourself:
What am I passionate about?
What do I truly care about?
What kind of impact do I want to have?

And then… start (or keep) doing those things.

Preparation for college isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about growing into the kind of person you’re proud to write about when the application finally comes around.

And trust me—when that time comes, you’ll have a lot to say.