Saturday, January 24, 2015

Tips For High School Students Who Are 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.




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