It’s easy to get overwhelmed when thinking
about college. You need to figure out ways to make yourself a more desirable
college applicant, study effectively for those standardised tests looming in
the near future and come up with an action plan that will determine where
you’ll be applying to, and how you’ll pay for it. If you’ve only just begun
your high school career, don’t waste a great opportunity to start taking the
steps now to jump start college planning.
It’s never too early to consider the
classes that will look good on the transcripts you’ll be sending as a
prospective applicant, for example, or making sure your academic record looks
as good as it can. With enrollments increasing at many of the top schools,
college is only becoming more competitive, and it’ll serve you well to start
thinking about where you see yourself after your high school graduation early.
If you’re approaching the end of your high school career, it’s still not too
late to improve how you’ll come across on that college application and get
ready for a busy year of big decisions.
The Assisted Learning Centre has come up with 10 ways to jump start college
planning to help you feel a little less stressed about what you need to
do before applying – and getting into – college. Browse through The Assisted Learning Centre's blog for more helpful information and tips.
1. Get Involved
Getting ready for college isn't all work.
Find something you really like doing, then dive into it. Maybe you're drawn to
sports, student council, music, art ... you get the picture. You'll develop
skills and be more appealing to colleges (they like students who'll add
something to campus life).
2. Do the Work
If you expect to go to college later,
expect to study now. No one can do it for you. Don't talk the college talk –
"I'll go to college to get a great career" – without walking the
walk.
3. Take Challenging Courses
Colleges look at your grades, sure, but
also at how difficult your courses are. They want to see that you've challenged
yourself. Plus, if you pursue advanced courses, you
may be able to get college credit.
4. Get Help
Having trouble in a class? Many schools
have peer tutors, students in upper grades who'll help you (for free). Talk to
teachers or counselors – let them know you want extra help.
5. Read
Read at least 30 minutes every day, beyond
study and homework. Read what interests you – magazines, novels, whatever.
People who read more know more. And when you take your tests,
knowing more will really pay off.
6. Don't Delay
You have a few semesters before your exams to take the
solid math and other courses that get you ready.
7. Get the College-Bound Facts
How do you know all the right moves to get
into college? Ask someone who's done it. Get to know your counselors. Ask a
career planner at a local college, or a trusted teacher. Do Web research.
8. Involve Your Family
When parents or guardians haven't been to
college themselves, they may think they can't help you. That's not true. They
can talk to counselors and help you stay on the right path.
9. Look For a Mentor
If you don't find support at home, look for
other adults who can lend their enthusiasm and help make sure you succeed. You
might look to a counselor, a teacher, or someone else you trust.
10. Confront Personal Roadblocks
If you have a problem that's really getting
in the way of schoolwork, try to sort it out. Talking to friends helps. Or look
for an adult – parent, coach, nurse, counselor – who can offer advice.
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