Preparation for College 1

Academic Preparation

1. College Prep Classes: Physics, Calculus, English 4, Chemistry, Algebra
(These are just some of the classes that students should take before going to college in order to be better prepared for the work load.) You might also consider elective classes in business or psychology if your school offers them. In many places today it is possible to take dual credit classes, earning credit for both high school and college. These college hours will come in handy in college!


2. Standardized Tests
ACT (learn more at www.act.org/ and http://www.testpreview.com/ )
SAT (http://www.sattest.com/)
*Most colleges accept both
The ACT is more content based (usually what is taught in public schools) whereas the SAT is more problem solving/critical thinking (or the application of knowledge). You choose which schools receive your scores, and some schools award scholarships based on these scores. If you take these tests early, you have the opportunity to take them again.


3. Student Interests:
We will discuss more about choosing a school later, but now is a good time to mention that students should be considering schools which match their interests. Most schools, colleges, and universities (if not all) have valuable information on their websites. However, these sites will only give you positive information. So there are some third party assessors of schools (e.g. Princeton Review and US News). Another good way to get information is by visiting the college campus and talking with professors or by visiting a college fair where multiple schools are on display for comparison.


4. Volunteer Works:
Colleges and scholarship committees love applicants who volunteer with local or national organizations. Even giving a little time makes a student more desirable. Talk to parents, counselors, those in healthcare, and small business owners about local opportunities. Some national organizations probably have area chapters. Check these out:


Red Cross
Scouts
Boy and Girls Club
CASA


Test help guides for high-school juniors and seniors:
SAT Study Guide by The College Board

Cracking the SAT by Princeton Review

Extensive but Expensive Kaplan ACT Test Prep

McGraw-Hill's ACT Test Prep