Since entrance requirements for colleges vary according to the specific school, students and parents should become familiar with the different colleges’ requirements. The Junior Parent Night and the Junior Parent Conference help in this regard. However, families should begin early to determine college requirements and plan to build these into their child’s course of study. Counselors have many resources to assist parents and students with this task. CollegeBoard Big Future, Naviance and other Internet sites are valuable tools in helping develop a plan.
Even though colleges vary in their requirements, students should minimally take a core of courses which will create a strong foundation for their future coursework in college.
4 years of English Language Arts
3 years of Social Studies
3 years of Science (including Biology and Chemistry)
3 years of Mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II)
2 years of the same World Language
Science and engineering programs will require 4 years of math and science, and some schools will require more years of world languages. Art and music schools are looking for talent and will ask for auditions and portfolios. Take note of testing requirements for colleges of interest to you.
Sign up for SAT’s or ACT’s
Use CollegeBoard, Big Future, and Naviance
Visit college campuses
Request letters of recommendation
Sign up for and take appropriate AP exams
Develop a list of colleges to which you will apply
Complete Common Application and submit to colleges by appropriate deadlines
Follow up on letters of recommendation
Communicate regularly with your counselor
Beginning Oct. 1, file for financial aid (FAFSA)
Retake SAT’s or ACT’s if necessary
Check the RHS guidance website, and Naviance for college representatives visiting the high school, scholarship news, etc.
Retake SAT’s or ACT’s (if necessary)
Complete CSS Profile for private colleges
Request quarter 1 grades for admission offices that require or desire them
Follow up with your counselor to submit mid-year grades
Attend accepted student days
Communicate with admission representatives when necessary