Just like any trip you take, there must be a plan! The pioneers to the west didn't just wake up one day and start making their way towards the new frontier. They had to plan and prepare for the long journey. Preparing for college takes the same effort. And in some cases, years are needed to prepare for the journey to college.
Some sources suggest that the preparation begin before high school. These small steps encourage students to begin doing their best work in school and finding help in the trouble areas. And every source encourages students to begin saving. The cost of college can be very expensive, especially for a traditional four year degree. Simply saving a little each month from allowance or after school job can help towards the student loans or school bills in the future.
During the early years of high school, students should be as involved as they can with activities, sports and volunteering opportunities. These activities are highly reviewed by college admissions boards during the application process. The quality of activities rather than the quantity is what colleges look for. During these activities, keep tabs on the awards, honors, newspaper clippings and other written reviews of your work and clubs. These will come in handy in preparing a portfolio for an admissions board or athletics department.
As high school freshman and sophomore years move towards the junior and senior years, the activities above are still required as well as a continued search for the right school and program. Visiting college fairs as well as the colleges that you're interested in is very important to finding the right school. Be sure to talk to others that have been to college and can offer some good advice about the road ahead. Also research the proper payment plan and the loans that are available for your trip to college.
One final important preparation is to study and take practice exams for the college entrance exams that are expected for your selected schools. The entrance exams are traditionally taken during the summer before your senior year and are very important to getting into the school of your choice. Some seniors even choose to take these tests more than once to improve their scores in preparing for college.
During your last year of high school, there will be many aspects of college to juggle, and you haven't even arrived yet. Applications, fees, class schedules, school visits and more are required. Be sure to work with your admissions counselor to be sure all of your requirements for admission are covered in the proper order, without missing an important deadline.
The next frontier is that road to the right university of your choice. There are many requirements and many opportunities for any high school graduate, if you begin to prepare early.
Some sources suggest that the preparation begin before high school. These small steps encourage students to begin doing their best work in school and finding help in the trouble areas. And every source encourages students to begin saving. The cost of college can be very expensive, especially for a traditional four year degree. Simply saving a little each month from allowance or after school job can help towards the student loans or school bills in the future.
During the early years of high school, students should be as involved as they can with activities, sports and volunteering opportunities. These activities are highly reviewed by college admissions boards during the application process. The quality of activities rather than the quantity is what colleges look for. During these activities, keep tabs on the awards, honors, newspaper clippings and other written reviews of your work and clubs. These will come in handy in preparing a portfolio for an admissions board or athletics department.
As high school freshman and sophomore years move towards the junior and senior years, the activities above are still required as well as a continued search for the right school and program. Visiting college fairs as well as the colleges that you're interested in is very important to finding the right school. Be sure to talk to others that have been to college and can offer some good advice about the road ahead. Also research the proper payment plan and the loans that are available for your trip to college.
One final important preparation is to study and take practice exams for the college entrance exams that are expected for your selected schools. The entrance exams are traditionally taken during the summer before your senior year and are very important to getting into the school of your choice. Some seniors even choose to take these tests more than once to improve their scores in preparing for college.
During your last year of high school, there will be many aspects of college to juggle, and you haven't even arrived yet. Applications, fees, class schedules, school visits and more are required. Be sure to work with your admissions counselor to be sure all of your requirements for admission are covered in the proper order, without missing an important deadline.
The next frontier is that road to the right university of your choice. There are many requirements and many opportunities for any high school graduate, if you begin to prepare early.
About the Author:
Tim is an expert in college preparation, staying plugged in to the world of college admissions and the changing nature of preparing for college.
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