Your freshman year in high school is undoubtedly an important time for you, but make sure to allocate some of your time to focus on starting down the college path. There are many steps to take between now and the next time you are a freshman (in college) and the time to start is now. Get acclimated to the increased demands of high school and then plan your long-term strategy that will lead you to the college that is best for you. Here's how to get started and when to do what.
1. Freshman: start thinking about a well-rounded resume by adding an extracurricular activity or two every year. Will it be a sport or a musical endeavor? Political and academic groups are another way to go, as is a volunteering opportunity outside of the school system. No matter what your interests are, there is likely a way to get involved and demonstrate your ability to multi-task and pitch in. Another thing to get started with this first year is to meet with your guidance counselor and get a college reading list to chip away at during the next four years.
2. Your sophomore year. The main thing to do when your 2nd year in high school starts is to sign up for your PSAT testing in October. Next, it's time to show your leadership abilities, or develop them from scratch, within your extracurricular activities. You should have a good grasp on time management now, so volunteering to take on a bit more will serve you well when it comes time to ask for letters of recommendation in a couple years. If you don't already have some idea which colleges interest you, it's time to do some research and start compiling your wish list.
3. Junior: this is the year you begin your college search list. Consider what you might like to major in and base your list of colleges on it. Think of your third year in high school as the year of acronyms. It's time to prepare for the PSAT, learn everything you can about financial aid (the FAFSA) and sign up for your first attempt at your best ACT and SAT scores.
4. Senior: by now you should feel prepared to dig in and start visiting college campuses. Retake your SAT and/or ACT tests if you aren't happy with your scores the first time around. After your parents have submitted their tax forms, submit your FAFSA information to see how you might qualify for financial aid. Search for scholarships that you night qualify for as well. Secure letters of recommendation from a key teacher, coach or any other adult that you have worked closely with over the years. Finally, work on your college essays and submit your application packages to the colleges on your short list.
Once you've tossed that graduation cap in the air and your year book is signed, have a great summer with your friends and family before you head off on the next chapter of your life. It wasn't an easy path to get this far and it likely won't be easy on the way to your next commencement, but by now you've proven that you're not afraid of a little homework.
1. Freshman: start thinking about a well-rounded resume by adding an extracurricular activity or two every year. Will it be a sport or a musical endeavor? Political and academic groups are another way to go, as is a volunteering opportunity outside of the school system. No matter what your interests are, there is likely a way to get involved and demonstrate your ability to multi-task and pitch in. Another thing to get started with this first year is to meet with your guidance counselor and get a college reading list to chip away at during the next four years.
2. Your sophomore year. The main thing to do when your 2nd year in high school starts is to sign up for your PSAT testing in October. Next, it's time to show your leadership abilities, or develop them from scratch, within your extracurricular activities. You should have a good grasp on time management now, so volunteering to take on a bit more will serve you well when it comes time to ask for letters of recommendation in a couple years. If you don't already have some idea which colleges interest you, it's time to do some research and start compiling your wish list.
3. Junior: this is the year you begin your college search list. Consider what you might like to major in and base your list of colleges on it. Think of your third year in high school as the year of acronyms. It's time to prepare for the PSAT, learn everything you can about financial aid (the FAFSA) and sign up for your first attempt at your best ACT and SAT scores.
4. Senior: by now you should feel prepared to dig in and start visiting college campuses. Retake your SAT and/or ACT tests if you aren't happy with your scores the first time around. After your parents have submitted their tax forms, submit your FAFSA information to see how you might qualify for financial aid. Search for scholarships that you night qualify for as well. Secure letters of recommendation from a key teacher, coach or any other adult that you have worked closely with over the years. Finally, work on your college essays and submit your application packages to the colleges on your short list.
Once you've tossed that graduation cap in the air and your year book is signed, have a great summer with your friends and family before you head off on the next chapter of your life. It wasn't an easy path to get this far and it likely won't be easy on the way to your next commencement, but by now you've proven that you're not afraid of a little homework.
About the Author:
Alan Greene is an education columnist who concentrates on online degree programs, and online colleges offering graduate programs.
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