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How do you get started?
How do you get started?
The path to college can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! Some students know early on that it's their plan for life after high school, some decide late in their senior year. There's no one way to do this thing! Begin where you are, take it one step at a time, and ask for help when you need it. Here's how to get started:
Explore this Website
Explore this Website
You can find answers to almost every question you can imagine about the college application process and what tasks you need to complete.
Research Career Interests
Research Career Interests
Take personality and career assessments in SCOIR or on websites like Human Metrics.
Attend career fairs and/or job expos.
Take the Career Exploration class at AHS.
Connect with family friends & relatives in careers you’re interested in. Ask about opportunities to job shadow with them and/or conduct an informational interview. Start building a network of mentors!
Meet With Your Counselor
Meet With Your Counselor
Review your academic record and ask for help in choosing which courses would best help you meet your post-secondary objectives. Take courses that both challenge and interest you when you can! Check out CTE Classes offered through ACTS and courses offered on our EPIC campus.
If you're a senior, confirm that you have all the credits you need to graduate!
Get tips on navigating high school. Learn when to ask for help, where to go, and how to advocate for yourself.
Develop a personal timeline for high school, including when/if you should take standardized tests or apply to colleges, and how to ask for letters of recommendation if you need them.
Ask for help finding the right post-secondary “fit.” They’ll help you understand what colleges would be a good match, offer tips on paying for school, and share resources on the application process.
Focus on Academics & Activities
Focus on Academics & Activities
Your GPA matters. It's the best indicator of your high school performance, and colleges use it to help predict how well you do as a student at their school. It's OK to have some missteps... an upward trend is key! Some schools, like the UCs and Cal States, recalculate your GPA using specific required courses; some don't count your freshman year; some have minimum requirements to apply. Research your top schools' websites to learn what their policy is.
Take challenging classes. Colleges look closely at course rigor, and would much prefer to see a lower GPA with AP/CE courses over a 4.0 without them.
Join a club. Arapahoe has over 40 of them!
Play a sport. Join one of the 23 athletic teams at AHS. Some teams are no-cut, so there’s something for everyone!
Get a job. Find job openings posted in the business hallways throughout the year.
Find a hobby. You don’t have to spend your free time involved in “official” activities – go to the gym, explore the outdoors, learn to swing dance!
Volunteer. Show that you are a contributing member of your community.
Build Your College List
Build Your College List
SCOIR has a powerful college search feature to get you started, but we also have many other resources listed here to help you find your "best fit!" Filter for location, majors, cost, and more. Once you have a few colleges you're excited about, plan to find out more IN PERSON by going to college fairs, touring campuses, or meeting with college reps right here at Arapahoe!
Determine How You'll Pay
Have a frank conversation with your family about your budget. College isn't cheap, but there are ways to help with costs! Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships early so you know what to expect. Some schools require the completion of FAFSA or the CSS Profile to qualify for scholarships, and many have priority deadlines for consideration of any aid. Determine How You'll Pay
Paying for college can feel like an overwhelming obstacle for many families. Navigating the FAFSA, understanding the cost of attendance, applying for scholarships... it's quite a lot to figure out! After filling out the FAFSA and checking out what your prospective schools offer on their websites, move your search to the spreadsheet imbedded on the Scholarship Page for more opportunities!
Take Standardized Tests: The SAT/ACT
Take Standardized Tests: The SAT/ACT
Though most colleges & universities are now test-optional, schools in some states still require it. A good score may help you earn scholarships or gain admission to special programs like Honors Colleges and Engineering Schools, so it's worth investing some time in it. Arapahoe offers the SAT for free during the spring of your Junior year, but there are multiple opportunities to take it throughout the year in the metro area.
Curious how you should prepare for the SAT/ACT? Check out our list of recommended test prep resources on the SAT/ACT Page!
Request Letters of Recommendation
Request Letters of Recommendation
Do your research to make sure you NEED a letter of rec before asking a teacher to write one. Our policy is that you may not ask for more than one letter unless it's REQUIRED. We'll happily send any letter(s) you have on file to any schools that will accept LORs. If letters of rec are optional at all of your schools, you can ask a coach, boss, clergyperson, troop leader, etc.!
Apply to Colleges
Apply to Colleges
The first step is choosing which application you'll use. You can apply to many schools directly through Scoir, fill out the Common App, or apply directly to the institution ("Institutional Application" on their website. The Cal States and UCs in California both have their own application that allows you to apply to all the colleges in each system with one application. Check requirements for each type of application -- sometimes the Institutional Application is easier, but if you're applying to many schools, using the Common App or Scoir may save you time. Our seniors spend much of their fall semester completing applications... it's time-consuming and you'll have many questions, but our counseling department offers lots of guidance!
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