If you need assistance, please reach out to Ms. Rawson in room 921.
Take challenging classes in core academic courses.
Choosing which classes to take is important, especially those that fulfill your course requirements. Each school has their own requirements, but most colleges maintain the same set of general requirements.
Work with your school counselor.
Meeting with your counselor will allow you to create a yearly schedule to meet graduation and college admissions requirements. They will not only help assist with your college applications, but how to apply to scholarships, find financial aid, and keeping track of your progress throughout high school.
Research and identify career fields of interest through online resources and by attending career fairs and other events.
There are many online events to register for to help you succeed and to have a better understanding of what college is like.
Get involved with community-based and leadership-oriented activities that best reflect interests.
Not only will your volunteer and community service experience look good on a scholarship application, it will also provide you with valuable work and social skills that can help with your career down the line. Don't stop volunteering and participating in community service programs when you enter college, though, as these activities can provide opportunities to network.
Keep a running list of accomplishments, awards, and recognitions to use in preparing a resume and college applications.
Know what you're up against before putting yourself out there. You've got to be competitive and smart. List everything you have done and will do in the years till you graduate.
Consider taking a practice test to help prepare for the ACT.
Taking or preparing for a practice such a Preliminary Entrance Exams will allow a student to feel better prepared for the ACT. A student will know what to expect in the three main core areas, mathematics, reading/'comprehension, and writing/grammar. The PSAT usually takes place Mid-October.
Attend college and career information events.
Look out for events shared through social media, your high school advisors, and high school counselors. They are great options to keep you in the loop of what online event to attend and look out for! At this time right now, any kind of event that surfaces college, financial aid, applications, etc. should also be considered.
Continue to explore colleges and career options.
Decide which characteristics are the most important in a college (atmosphere, size, location, degree programs offered, career training, etc). before making a decision about attending college. If possible, visit each of the college campuses you are interested in to get a feel for the campus and find out what student life is like. This will also give you an opportunity to meet with an admissions representative and ask questions.
Research funding for college, including scholarships, grants, loans, etc.
Financial situations are always going to be there, especially in college. It is best to research the different types of financial aid that can be given to a student and choose which one works best for you. Your high school advisors can help you explore your funding options based on what school and what you plan to study.
Reach out to mentors in your fields of interest(s).
Mentors are a great way to branch out on what you want to study! Ask plenty of questions if what they do is something you want to pursue in college. Shadowing a mentor is another great option to consider. When do you decide to shadow, take plenty of notes, observe, and ask questions.
Attend in-person or online college fairs and college prep presentations.
Online events are a great way to lean towards right now! There is so many options for you to register and be apart of the event considered. Keep an eye out for online events shared on your school social media page, as well as asking your counselors/advisors for any upcoming events.
Take PSAT or a practice exam!
A practice exam will allow you to be mentally prepared for the actual ACT! Juniors need to take it in order to be considered or to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship or program.
Register for college exams such as the ACT.
Taking the ACT during your junior year is important. Not only does it allow you to prepare for the next time around but it allows you to learn what to expect! Take a practice test before the big day!
Contact colleges to request information and applications.
Reach out to your college(s) of choice in relation to your area of study. Ask plenty of questions and what you can do not to prepare for your college of choice.
Identify scholarship opportunity to pursue!
Researching what financial aid works best for you is important, whether is may be scholarship, loans, or grants. Mark and keep track of deadlines on your calendar.
Narrow down colleges being considered!
As much as you want to leave from your home town, please already consider on what colleges you plan on attending. Create a short list with your top 5-10 college choices! This will help you concentrate more on your options.
Complete and submit college applications AND scholarships prior to deadlines!
PROCRASTINATION is not an options when it comes to scholarship and college application submissions. Actually take the time to properly fill out each, revise, and edit, and submit BEFORE the deadlines.
REVISE AND EDIT!
A number one choice to do when applying for college, always look over your applications! Make sure all your information is situated before submitting. Another would be making sure your scholarship essays are proofread, grammar is in check, and that it answers the question being asked. Don't just type out a simple answer, go in depth with it. Be expressive and excited!
Request transcripts and letter of recommendations at least 30 days before they are due!
Again with submitting your forms early! The best to do is get it done with before hand, that way you do not worry or miss the deadline. Asking for recommendations is another, let your recommender know ahead of time so they are not rushed! If needed, send your recommender a list of what you have done so far to help them create a awesome letter.
Consider college acceptances!
Once you get your letter of acceptances from your college(s) of choice, consider which one best fits you! Look at what they might offer you from scholarships, housing options, area of study, etc. This will allow you to help choose which college works best with you!