Strategies for Getting Ready for College
May 21, 2009 by Ralph Cordone
Filed under Financial Aid
Going to college is one of the most exciting times in a teenager’s life. They’re on the verge of being an “official” adult and then have an opportunity to live out on their own, going to the school of their choice, and building their destiny one day at a time. However more than just a pack of the bags goes into preparing for the move from high school senior to college freshman.
The preparation for college should begin in the early years of high school. It’s important to begin saving for college as early as possible as the bills tend to accumulate fast, if a plan hasn’t been made. Also, it’s important to begin volunteering and being involved in activities or sports that could be included in an entrance application. Be sure to also take classes that are challenging and stretching to help prepare you for college courses. It is recommended that this list includes four years of English, three years of Math, Science, Social Studies as well as a year or two of a foreign language.
During the junior year of high school is when the heavy planning begins. Active college searches and visits are important to be sure you find the right school you want to attend. Speaking with other friends and family who have been off to college can also be a good idea for finding the right school. Also, preparatory testing should take place. The college entrance exams can be rough, and practice makes perfect. The actual tests should be taken during the summer before the senior year. Also, beginning to research college costs as well as student loan, scholarships and other payment options is a wise move.
Once a college has been selected its important to work closely with the admissions office within the university and the guidance counselor from your respective high school during your senior year. Both staff groups will help make sure you meet essential deadlines and requirements. Be sure to also work with the guidance counselor at your high school as you submit admittance applications. The guidance counselor can help prepare you for essay questions and required written portions of the application. They can also provide helpful outlets for loan, grant and scholarship information.
Four years of preparing for college can seem like a long time. But it’s important to remember that each small step can improve your chances of getting into the school of your choice and succeeding there.
These are great tips. I never really planned for college, I kind of took things on as they came along. Sure, I did okay, transitioning into college and such, but it was a huge and unsupervised leap. I wish I had stuff like this to help me through at the time.
Ralph you are absolutely right, you definitely need to prepare early for college, put in your handwork during high school, and you will see that it will help you out tremendously in your first year at College. From my personal experience alot of the stuff I learned in high school was thought in college, and I was able to breeze by in my first year at college as a result. Which made things alot easier in my freshman year at college.
-Kevin
On a different side note, It is also important to prepare for college mentally. To know exactly what to expect when you get there, and that you’re main priority while at college is to get an education, and not to party hardy…
Till then,
Jean