Thinking about Going to College? What to Do in High School
Your high school years are a time for gaining important life skills. As you near graduation, you may consider going to a US college. To help you prepare for it, including improving the chances of getting accepted to the school of your choice, here are top tips:
Concentrate on Your Grades
In the final years of high school, students generally need a B- or better for college, although that can differ from one campus to another. GPA or grade point average is also a deciding factor for many educational institutions when considering whether to accept you into a particular program. GPA combines the scores of grades across all your courses.
Taking the time to study for tests and put effort into your class assignments now can definitely help you have a stronger GPA and overall letter grade when it comes time to apply for college. That boosts your chances of meeting the criteria for the school you want to go to.
Of course, focusing on grades can be easier said than done as the high school workload can be demanding and there are social pressures, as well as distractions. Setting realistic goals and creating good study habits can be helpful.
Prepare for Standardized Exams
Many colleges also require SAT or ACT scores to assess students on certain criteria and use this information to help with admissions decisions. These scores can also be helpful in getting a scholarship.
SAT or Scholastic Assessment Test is a popular entrance exam for US colleges. It typically focuses on vocabulary and abstract reasoning. As for the ACT, it is used for the same purpose but has a different focus, usually covering grammar and punctuation. Overall, these tests are useful for assessing student readiness for higher education.
Start early to prepare for these tests. Get more confident and ready for the SAT and ACT by choosing a top-rated college prep program in California (CA). Getting tutoring and taking practice tests can make a world of difference, helping you score higher. That same philosophy applies to AMC (American Mathematics Competition) and AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Competition) prep.
Research Careers and Colleges
Now is the time to think seriously about your future. What careers interest you, and, based on that, which colleges offer the best programs for what you want to do?
Remember, it is okay to change your mind later, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. The main thing is to have an idea of the area you want to pursue so that you can apply to an educational institution that offers it.
While you can do a lot of research online about schools, going to campuses in person is helpful. That helps you experience what it feels like to be there and whether you think it will be a good fit.
Conclusion: Taking Action during High School
In summary, there is a lot you can do now to prepare for college. That includes practicing for SAT and ACT exams with a college prep program, researching schools, and bettering your grades. The efforts you make can greatly improve your educational journey.
