-->

What Every High School Student Should Know About Preparing For College

By Janine Hughes


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, students will most likely be preoccupied with this exciting new environment that is high school, and not too concerned about college which may seem a long way off. However it is still important for them to keep this is mind as their ultimate destination and start giving thought to it. Meeting with one's guidance counselor is the best way to establish one's preferred stream of study and select the necessary courses.

There are some students who know exactly what field of study they want to pursue and there are those who are less certain and may need assistance in this area. The guidance counselor will be able to help students devise a tentative schedule of courses for their four years of study, they will ensure that students have a balance of required core subjects, as well as those which will be needed as prerequisites by colleges.

Besides notable academic achievement, students should also consider getting involved on an extracurricular level. It shows dedication and good time management skills if a student can both study and participate in sports, the school yearbook or newspaper, or volunteer with a local organization. This can help give one a competitive edge when applying to college.

Maintaining a high cumulative grade point average calls for a maximum effort to be put forth each year. Paying attention in class, taking good notes, and committing oneself to a sufficient number of study hours each week will all pay off in the end, with the result being a high GPA. Honing one's study skills in high school is essential since classes in college will likely be larger and busier, making it even more important to take effective notes.

During one's sophomore year, students should begin to find out which colleges offer their programs of choice. In addition to obtaining information about academic programs, it's also an ideal time to start considering other aspects of college life such as tuition, financial aid, scholarships, books, and housing options. Establishing a school savings fund at this time is wise, if the student does not already have one.

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.

Before college application time rolls around in the beginning or middle of senior year, students should make a point of visiting the campuses of the schools they are interested in, if possible, to make sure it is a good fit for them. Colleges have admission deadlines so students must ensure that they have met all requirements and have the necessary information prepared before these dates. It is also advisable for students to make a copy of all related documentation for their own records.




About the Author:



Related Posts

Post a Comment