Getting Ready for that College Stuff: How to prepare for and get accepted into college!

Key Points for Each Year in High School Focus on BALANCE! Good grades are wonderful, but activities and community service make you a more valuable asset to colleges. Also, remember to take all required classes for the college you are wanting to attend. Best advice, stay in close contact with your high school counselor. Freshman and Sophomore Years-

Key Points for Each Year in High School Junior Year- Start the college process, take the PSAT and continue the balancing act. This is the most important academic year!

Key Points for Each Year in High School Senior Year- College prep as well as graduation plans can make this a stressful year. Try to keep things in focus. Make checklists and keep a separate “College Calendar” with important deadlines somewhere visible. This makes it harder for things to sneak up on you!

Extracurricular Athletics Music (Band, Choir) Drama Jobs Clubs (NHS, Student Government) Community Service (Summer programs offering aid or weekly bingo at the nursing home)

Extracurricular There are many options. Anything outside of school is by definition “extracurricular,” but ‘lead in the school play’ looks a lot better than ‘watched a CSI: Miami marathon!’

Community Involvement This is important, not only to look good on applications, but also as a source of glowing recommendations. Many clubs and organizations offer scholarships for outstanding members as well as the children of members

Scholarships  Apply! Apply! Apply! There are many scholarships that go un- awarded each year because no one applied!!!

Scholarships  Parents:  Many employers offer financial aid to the children of employees.  If your parents went to college, their Alma mater might offer scholarships to the children of alumni.

Scholarships  Minorities: many scholarships are tailored for students of minorities (women, African American, Native American, etc…).

Scholarships  Financial Aid: Fill out the FAFSA even if you think you will not qualify. Many scholarships require that you do.