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.
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 academics, extracurricular involvement also contributes to a well-rounded profile of achievement. These can include both school-related activities such as working on the school newspaper or yearbook, as well as those outside the school such as volunteering with various organizations. This indicates to colleges that the student is both dedicated and able to manage his or her time efficiently.
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.
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.
The junior or senior year is also the time to write one's SAT, ACT, or PSAT. These aptitude tests are required by many colleges, and a minimum score is necessary for admission into specific programs. There are preparatory classes and guides to help students perform their best on these tests which can be quite helpful.
Visiting the campuses of the schools one hopes to attend before applying to them is a good idea, just to be certain that it's the right choice. It is essential to make sure all the necessary information and requirements will be met in time for the application deadline and also that a copy is made for one's personal 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.
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 academics, extracurricular involvement also contributes to a well-rounded profile of achievement. These can include both school-related activities such as working on the school newspaper or yearbook, as well as those outside the school such as volunteering with various organizations. This indicates to colleges that the student is both dedicated and able to manage his or her time efficiently.
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.
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.
The junior or senior year is also the time to write one's SAT, ACT, or PSAT. These aptitude tests are required by many colleges, and a minimum score is necessary for admission into specific programs. There are preparatory classes and guides to help students perform their best on these tests which can be quite helpful.
Visiting the campuses of the schools one hopes to attend before applying to them is a good idea, just to be certain that it's the right choice. It is essential to make sure all the necessary information and requirements will be met in time for the application deadline and also that a copy is made for one's personal records.
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