The high school years are important for laying the educational groundwork for a future in college. A successful high school graduate is someone who thinks ahead, studies hard, gets involved and ultimately attains the credentials necessary to gain entry into the best colleges. This practical guide to preparing for college will help put high school students on the right track.
In the freshman year, high school itself represents a new frontier for students, which makes college seem like the distant future, however it is not too early to start building an academic foundation. This is where the guidance counselor comes in, to help each student recognize his or her own interests, and choose the most suitable courses.
While some students already have a clear idea of which program they want to pursue, others may be less certain, and will need some time and direction to identify this. The guidance counselor helps students come up with a four-year schedule that consists of both core courses needed to graduate, and appropriate prerequisites for their intended field of study.
Academic accomplishment is very important, but it is also beneficial for students to participate in extracurricular activities. School involvement such as sports, or contributing to the school yearbook or newspaper, as well as volunteering with outside organizations all show dedication and the ability to manage time effectively. This is valued on applications by many colleges.
If a student is to be eligible to apply to the best educational institutions, he or she must meet minimum grade point average requirements. A high cumulative GPA is the product of being a good note-taker, attentiveness in class, and studying the necessary number of hours each week. It's best to start developing excellent study and work skills in high school to prepare for the much busier and larger college classes down the road.
In about the sophomore year, students should seriously start looking at the particular colleges which offer programs they are interested in. Not only is it necessary to get informed about the academic programs available, but also the other aspects of college life such as housing, tuition, financial aid, books, and scholarships. It's not too soon to start planning ahead with regards to these details, and it may be a good time to start a school savings fund.
Most students will also be writing their SAT, ACT, or PSAT during their junior or senior year of high school. It is important to do well on these aptitude tests as many colleges require a minimum acceptable score. It can be helpful to attend preparatory classes or purchase a guide before taking the test, so each student can do his or her best.
If possible, one should visit the campus of each college he or she is thinking of applying to before the time comes to actually submit an application, just to be certain it is a good fit. Normally students apply to the colleges of their choice at the beginning of or part way through senior year. It's important to have all necessary information ready by the application deadline and to also make a copy for one's own records.
In the freshman year, high school itself represents a new frontier for students, which makes college seem like the distant future, however it is not too early to start building an academic foundation. This is where the guidance counselor comes in, to help each student recognize his or her own interests, and choose the most suitable courses.
While some students already have a clear idea of which program they want to pursue, others may be less certain, and will need some time and direction to identify this. The guidance counselor helps students come up with a four-year schedule that consists of both core courses needed to graduate, and appropriate prerequisites for their intended field of study.
Academic accomplishment is very important, but it is also beneficial for students to participate in extracurricular activities. School involvement such as sports, or contributing to the school yearbook or newspaper, as well as volunteering with outside organizations all show dedication and the ability to manage time effectively. This is valued on applications by many colleges.
If a student is to be eligible to apply to the best educational institutions, he or she must meet minimum grade point average requirements. A high cumulative GPA is the product of being a good note-taker, attentiveness in class, and studying the necessary number of hours each week. It's best to start developing excellent study and work skills in high school to prepare for the much busier and larger college classes down the road.
In about the sophomore year, students should seriously start looking at the particular colleges which offer programs they are interested in. Not only is it necessary to get informed about the academic programs available, but also the other aspects of college life such as housing, tuition, financial aid, books, and scholarships. It's not too soon to start planning ahead with regards to these details, and it may be a good time to start a school savings fund.
Most students will also be writing their SAT, ACT, or PSAT during their junior or senior year of high school. It is important to do well on these aptitude tests as many colleges require a minimum acceptable score. It can be helpful to attend preparatory classes or purchase a guide before taking the test, so each student can do his or her best.
If possible, one should visit the campus of each college he or she is thinking of applying to before the time comes to actually submit an application, just to be certain it is a good fit. Normally students apply to the colleges of their choice at the beginning of or part way through senior year. It's important to have all necessary information ready by the application deadline and to also make a copy for one's own records.
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