High school is the stepping stone to college and most students start preparing for it their junior and senior years. Most students know that admission to college requires more than just maintenance of grades, participation in extracurricular activities, and taking the SAT/ACT. It requires planning and dedication
The guidance counselors at Seminole High School have released a guide called Planning for College that simplifies the process for juniors and seniors.
“Your high school academic record is one of the most important factors in college admission […] Challenge yourself with a rigorous course load and high-level classes. Grades count starting freshman year, keep improving your GPA (grade point average), and your class rank.” (Planning for College– Grades and Course Work)
Research other sources for information including online sites that offer excellent advice on the best ways to prepare for college. Forbes.com offers twenty-one tips from college admissions directors on subjects from application success and insuring the best teacher recommendations to what is considered meaningful community leadership.
Many juniors and seniors ask their parents or guidance counselors for advice on the best ways to prepare for college.
Junior Lauren Farrington said; “My mom, teachers, and guidance counselors help me. I don’t have any questions about applying because my mom used to be a college admissions person.”
While not everyone’s parents are former employees in college admissions, they can be a great resource in applying for college. Parents are eager to help with everything from choosing courses to arranging college campus visits.
Seminole High School guidance counselors afford students with excellent advice in making these important decisions.
“Students should consider applying to at least three different school—a ‘reach’ school, school that they wouldn’t mind being accepting to, and a guaranteed acceptance school. For financial aid, apply early (as early as September and October),” an anonymous guidance counselor advises.
A ‘reach’ school can involve a school that is difficult to get into such as an Ivy League or private college. A ‘guarantee’ acceptance school can include a community college and students should make sure to apply to more than once college.
Junior Christopher Lopez understands the importance of focus when it comes to extra-curricular activities. “Colleges like seeing when you stick to a certain activity […] So, I stuck with Thespian Honor Society since freshman year, and am now an Officer. Next year, I will apply for NHS (National Honor Society).”
One of the key concerns with college is cost. There are many different forms of financial aid available to students. Websites such as ScholarshipExperts.com can help you navigate the world of scholarships, grants, student loans and even jobs and internships.
Senior Hannah Lasure thought “[applying for college] was going to be like how everyone else thought it was going to be; you apply, you get in, move away from home, and have fun. It’s definitely a lot harder, especially financially.”
Senior Ricardo Pacheco has already looked into scholarships. “I signed up for College Admissions Assistance and they look for scholarships for me, and they choose the top fifteen colleges that will fit me the most.”
Students should start planning what they can do to stand out for college applications as early as freshman year. In their junior and senior year, they should prepare for college admissions by consulting guidance counselors, teachers or their parents/trusted adults. Bottom line, start planning early and use all available resources to insure meeting your college goals.