College

Prepare to Succeed Through Enrollment

Empowering your future with enrollment in college does more than prepare you for a specific job—it gives you the ultimate launchpad for life. Beyond learning about a major of study, college teaches students how to solve tough problems, think critically, and communicate like professionals. It serves as a safe, supportive bridge to adulthood where teens build real independence, discover who they are, and explore new perspectives through student clubs and activities. Ultimately, a college degree remains one of the smartest ways to boost your lifetime earnings, open up exciting career choices, and build a powerful network of future connections. Don't know where to start? The College and Career Center on your high school campus and your school site counselor are great resources for information about careers, college, and financial aid.

One suggestion is to create multiple plans because you never know what will happen.  It is best to think of different options and make a list of colleges and programs that interest you.  Use your grade level checklist to help you stay on track and organized. There is one checklist for each year of high school.  In this section you will find information about different college systems including early college; however, your school site counselor can help you with your specific questions, situation, and planning.

Colleges calculate their own GPA for admissions based on the A-G courses you take throughout all four years of high school.  They consider the obvious: your grades and rigor, and some colleges also review your extracurricular activities and other personal information.  To help you get into the college of your choice, consider the following:  

• Earn the highest GPA you can. Your grade point average is used as an indicator of the type of student you are. 

• Take the most challenging classes you can. College admission officers will choose the students who have earned high marks in the most difficult classes over those who take easier courses. Enroll in the most rigorous coursework you can handle to broaden your options when choosing a college.  

• Research what the requirements are for the college you would like to attend. Some private and out of state schools require SAT/ACT tests. If you know what your college of choice requires, you can start planning and preparing now for those tests.

• If you take the SAT or ACT and are not satisfied with your scores, you can retake the exams to improve your scores. 

• Prepare for college application writing responses by learning what type of writing is required, complete many drafts, and have several people read it to assess to make sure it reflects your tone and voice. 

• Become involved in activities that express your personality. If you love the arts, get involved with the art club or drama. The extra activities you involve yourself in will say a lot about who you are. Choose activities that show the interest you have in your college major or future career. 

• Be organized and keep all your high school and college information together.  Make a list of important dates so you don't miss a deadline.

• Begin asking teachers, employers, clergy and counselors for written recommendations during your junior year, so you will have them ready for college applications during your senior year. Don’t wait until the last minute. Always give the person at least a month to complete the recommendation. Supply them with a list of your accomplishments or a student resume to help them fill out the reference form or letter.  Remember to check with them before the deadline to ensure that they did not forget to mail or submit the recommendation.