It is never too early to plan for the future. This year you should:
Build strong academic, language, mathematics and critical thinking skills by taking challenging courses. (Honors, Pre-AP, GT)
Continue to study hard and earn top grades. High GPA's open college admission doors.
Become involved in extracurricular activities.
Choose electives that will help you learn about your interests.
Participate in academic enrichment programs - UT Outreach, Upward Bound, etc.
Research Colleges and their Admission Requirements.
Visit our College Lab in Room 401and meet our College Advisors. Research Colleges, visit: www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org = College searches, major & career searches compare college costs of attendance. www.utexas.edu/world/univ/state = Search universities by state.
Begin writing a resume and keep a portfolio of extra-curricular and accomplishments: Awards, Certificates, Job Shadowing/Internships, Letters of Participation, Community Service log, etc.
Take the practice PSAT and review your scores, look for ways to improve.
Campaign for a leadership position in organizations or clubs you will be involved with next year (become a club president, run for class office, create and lead a new club, be the student leader in a community organization, etc.). Leadership experience is one of the most highly prized student qualifications sought by college admission officers.
Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer - colleges and scholarships committees look for students who have a strong volunteer history.