Tips for Early College Preparation
You are on your College/Career Countdown and making plans for life after graduation. You have options! Have you ever asked yourself, “What are colleges and universities looking for anyway?” Colleges and universities look for a number of qualities in their future students. It takes some planning ahead and there is no time like the present to start planning!!
Be proactive. Get organized. Study hard. Have fun. And remember, every school is unique, just like you. Here are a few tips on preparing for college, along with some suggestions to help you narrow down your college choices and find the right fit for you.
Freshman Year
- Decide if you want to take general, advanced or college courses.
- Talk with one of the counselors about general college requirements.
- Advanced math (Algebra II w/Trigonometry) and a foreign language are needed for Advanced diplomas.
- Pick a club or sport to join: Future Business Leaders of America, Student Government Association (SGA), Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), Robotics, Basketball, Football, Track, Cheerleading, Career Tech courses (varies), etc.
Sophomore Year
- Participate in a community service activity.
- Consider taking the PSAT (Preliminary SAT). This can help you learn more about the test, which subjects are your strengths and which subjects you need to work on developing/improving.
- Use your PLAN scores as a tool to enhance your upcoming ACT score.
- Go to at least one college fair- it’s a great experience to have as a sophomore and it is never too early to start taking a look at colleges.
Junior Year
- Stay involved in extracurricular activities like student organizations, athletic teams, and community projects.
- Keep up with volunteer work in your community.
- Continue to study hard.
- Create a list of the type of colleges you are interested in.
- Visit college campuses, and ask lots of questions!
- Begin researching financial options and scholarship opportunities.
- Take the ACT or SAT (or both!). If you are not happy with your score, schedule another test for the fall of your senior year.
- Make sure you have taken and passed the required courses to meet your high school graduation requirements and college admissions requirements.
Senior Year
17. Take or retake the ACT/Sat exam, including the SAT subject exam.
18. Review how to complete college applications; save money by applying online.
19. Ask an English teacher to help you with your personal essay statement or scholarship essays.
21. Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
22. Mail applications at the right time. Always be sure to check for admissions deadlines and apply early.
23. Attend colleges and university information sessions and open houses to get to know each school up close!
24. Continue to ask lots of questions and use your resources!
25. Have a plan to becoming a productive citizen.
**PLANNING AHEAD HELPS YOU BECOME COLLEGE AND/OR CAREER READY**
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of your counselors for more information!
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