While preparing for college can be a daunting task, there are certain things students can do throughout high school to get them set on the right path. These timelines can help!
…High School is a great time to take advantage of courses that can prepare you for college, and possibly give you a head start on earning college credits. As an incoming high school student, be sure to check with your counselor to see what options are available. All of these options give students the opportunity to prepare for a successful college transition.
Honors courses can give students the opportunity to take a challenging program of study in the high school setting.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are taught at the high school and offer year-end exams in which students can earn college credits with a qualifying test score.
Dual Enrollment courses are classes offered through a college and students can earn college credit while in high school.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses through the West Shore Educational Services District, provide students with hands on experience with the most advanced technology, along with industry driven software to help them achieve their academic goals.
Your GPA is one of your strongest indicators of success. It is your evidence of how you have performed in coursework throughout high school. Take responsibility for your GPA the moment you step into high school for it is the door that can open you up to scholarships, college admissions, and careers.
…as early as possible – don’t wait until the last minute!
Organize your application deadlines so you don’t fall behind. Some applications require that a counselor fill out a portion of the form. HOWEVER, even if your application does not include this portion, you still need to remember to tell your counselor that you’ve applied so that they can send out your transcripts and test scores.
ALSO: If your application requires a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor let him/her know as soon as possible so that they have time to write a thoughtful letter.
…by identifying your skills and interests, job-shadowing, or taking online career placement tests. Consider job-shadowing to spend some time with current professionals within your field of interest. Also, take online career placement tests. While going into college unsure of what you’ll be doing for the rest of your life is completely fine, you should at least have a solid idea of what you would enjoy and what you’d like your major to be. Remember, that most people change their careers 3-5 times within their lifetime. Your college programming choice straight out of high school should be thought of as a first building block to your future higher education!
…so you can be better prepared for the actual test and get a better score. Taking realistic practice tests, in realistic settings, can improve your SAT score!
…connect with others! Talk about your plans & ask for help from school counselors, college, advisors, family, teachers, recent college grads, and other mentors in your life.
College is all post-secondary education including certificate programs, trade schools, community colleges and 4 year colleges and universities. Learn More
