Preparing for college is not something that can wait until the last year of high school, it starts as soon as possible. It is recommended that students enter high school with a list of life skills that they would like to learn by the end of their high school careers; this will help develop the independence needed to survive the college life (University of Portland, n.d). When entering high school, it is important to choose your classes wisely. Choose classes that will develop one's academic and artistic interests. Developing one's academic interest in high school is important as it gives the student more information on which major they might enjoy most. This will assist in college research as well as narrowing down programs one wants to pursue will help specify colleges best suited to the student. Knowing which major, or even the direction one wants to go in college will put students ahead of most in terms of college readiness (University of Portland, n.d.).

Most high schools have plenty of class options that will help students to succeed in college. This will be seen in harder course options as well as courses that may allow for college credit. The more challenging classes, such as those of the honors level, will better emulate the increased difficulty of the college curriculum (University of Portland, n.d.). Dual Enrollment or AP classes offer a chance for students to get ahead in college as they provide the chance at completing college credits while still in high school. Students looking to attend college must also be wary of college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT (University of Portland, n.d). These are some of the most important criteria for many colleges and planning ahead will ensure a higher success. rate for these exams. High schoolers must plan times to study, when to take the tests, and how to pace themselves during the exams; with all of this accounted for, the tests should be a breeze.

Throughout one's high school career, meeting new people becomes inevitable; it is important to maintain these new relationships and put as much effort into them as possible. Networking throughout high school will give students more resources and help that they may not have otherwise received. Many students recommend staying connected to the assigned counselors and reaching out whenever help is needed. Counselors are there to help and using that to its fullest potential will ensure students stay on top of their college readiness (University of Portland, n.d.). More ways to network include meeting new friends, joining extracurriculars, getting to know teachers, and building relationships with coaches. These are all people that have different experiences and advice to give that can help mentor one throughout school (University of Portland, n.d.). These new relationships developed in high school guarantee that students stay on top of their studies and are ready for college when the time comes.