High school is a wonderful time in a classy co-ed’s life. It’s full of fun and is a great transition period before independence in college. Even though it may seem far off, it’s never too early to start preparing for the college admissions process. Here are five things you can do now to make life easier when those application deadlines finally come:
1. Keep your grades up: Your high school grades will be one of the most important parts of your college application. Admissions counselors want to see high grades on your transcript since they want to admit smart, hardworking students to their school. If you keep your grades up in high school, you will set yourself up for success when it comes time to apply to college.
2. Get involved: The most important part of your college application besides grades will be your involvement and extracurricular activities in high school. Even though you should frequently study to get good grades, it is also important to get involved in outside activities because colleges like to admit well-rounded individuals. Extracurricular activities can be anything from a sport to a club to a part-time job. Follow your interests and passions and it will help you get into the college of your dreams.
3. Take standardized tests: While not all colleges require a standardized test for admission, many schools do require either the SAT or the ACT. In addition, some require SAT Subject Tests. Testing requirements will be different for every school you apply to, so it is extremely important to look up the requirements for all the schools you are interested in. Check out The CL Guide to College Admissions Tests for more guidance!
4. Research different schools: Think about what you want in a college. Do you want to be near the beach? Do you want to be in the snow? Do you want a school with Greek life? It’s crucial to think about your wants and desires and to ask yourself what you are truly looking for in a potential school. Important factors to consider when looking at a college include location, weather, academics, school size, sports teams, extracurricular activities and cost. By asking yourself these questions now, you can get an idea of the types of schools you should be looking at.
5. Take a college tour: Once you figure out the type of school you would like to attend, make a list of specific schools that fit your criteria. Once you make a list, visit as many of the schools as possible. Visiting a school and taking a tour is a great way to decide if it is a potential match. When touring a college, be sure to also look at dorms and the surrounding town or city. It may not be possible to see all of the schools on your list, but many schools offer virtual tours if you are unable to be there in person.
Do you know of any other ways to prepare for the college admissions process? Tell your fellow co-eds in the comments below!
