Build Relationships With Mentors
Coaches, teachers, employers, and religious leaders are all potential mentors who can provide valuable support. Look for people that make you say, I want to be like that when I grow up! or I want to do that job when I graduate. Get to know them and find out about their lives. Learn from their mistakes and their successes. Share your dreams and concerns with them and ask for advice about choosing a college and career.
Mentors can open up opportunities for you, and can help you identify your strengths . A mentor will suggest ways to improve and provide wisdom when making decisions. You can also ask your mentor to write a letter of recommendation. Building relationships with mentors is a skill you will develop throughout your life. Start now. And hopefully, you can be a mentor for someone else someday!
Choosing A Program And School
In Canada, each province and territory is in charge of their own education system.
Get more information about schools and the education system:
- EduCanada information for international students about education in Canada, with study program search, costs, and more
- Ministries and departments responsible for education information about the education system in each province and territory
How To Prepare For College College Readiness Guide
What does it mean to be ready for college? There are some important steps to take during high school. Here are 11 tips to help you to be prepared academically and personally for your college education.
High School is a great time to learn, explore, develop, and dream. When you start your freshman year, you may not know where you want to go to college or what you want to study. But there are things you can do that will move you towards being ready to select, apply, and be accepted to a great college. You need to be prepared for the challenges you will face once you arrive and start your college education. The following tips and details can help you prepare for academic success in college.
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Learn How To Pay For College
As a 10th grader, you probably dont know much about paying for college or even what the FAFSA is. So take this time to start familiarizing yourself with key financial terms and what paying for college actually entails in terms of tuition, housing, meal plans, etc.
We recommend checking out our helpful guides on the different types of financial aid and how to save money for college. If your parents are worried about upcoming college expenses, read these articles with them and explain to them how you plan to apply for college scholarships and do well in school to increase your chances of securing a merit scholarship.
If youll be paying for college entirely on your own, get started early by reading our guide.
What Is College Readiness
College readiness encompasses all aspects of your academic preparation, including the basic skills of note-taking, reading texts, studying for exams, and writing essays and research papers. It involves developing life skills, such as time management, goal setting, and managing money. In addition, college readiness requires a level of maturity that will allow you to successfully navigate the abundance of freedom, responsibilities, and opportunities that college life provides. Part of that is knowing yourself, your strengths and weaknesses and taking the initiative to work on areas that you need to develop. This is an exciting time as you grow in understanding of your core values and main interests. Your ability to build healthy relationships will allow you to grow, collaborate and communicate effectively with others.
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A Spike In Your Extracurriculars
Almost every college will want to know what kinds of extracurricular activities you do or have done in your spare time.
Indeed, 49% of colleges surveyed regard students’ extracurricular activities moderately or considerably important. Ask yourself: what are your interests outside of school and how do you engage in them?
The trick here is to provide not a list of all the random activities you’ve done but rather a detailed overview of one to two of your most passionate interests and any big achievements you’ve made in them.
In other words, you need to figure out what your “spike” is, a concept which PrepScholar co-founder and Harvard alum Allen Cheng describes in his expert guide on how to get into the Ivy League.
To put it simply, a spike is deep accomplishment in and knowledge of a particular field.
As an example, say you plan to major in biology. You’ll stand out as an applicant if you have tons of biology- or science-related experiences under your belt. Maybe you’re part of your school’s biology club, or maybe you volunteered at a local research lab, which taught you the basics of handling lab equipment.
In addition to having a variety of experiences and sufficient background knowledge in the field, you want to highlight any relevant major accomplishments you have. For instance, maybe you won a science fair your sophomore year of high school most recently, you submitted an award-winning invention idea to a national contest
Start Planning For College Now
If you are a high school student, or will soon be a high school student, now is the time to start preparing for your post-secondary education. College may seem like its far away, but in some ways, it will be here before you know it! Preparing for a college education takes time, effort, and dedication.
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Earn A Competitive Act Test Score
Whether youre planning to meet early or regular decision deadlines, you want to know what your ACT score could be by then. One point on your ACT test could make the difference in acceptance into college and/or thousands of dollars in scholarships. If you think you might test more than once, take it in the early spring of your junior year to see where you are and familiarize yourself with the testing environment. Then, if you want to improve your score, consider testing again in the spring, summer, or fall of your senior year.
Register For The Sat Or Act
If you have not already taken the test, register to take the SAT or ACT as soon as possible. If circumstances permit, take the standardized test at least once before your senior year to see how you do and then retake it in your senior year.
Due to the pandemic, many colleges are temporarily waiving the ACT/SAT requirement for students applying to college this year. To avoid any confusion, check the guidelines for each college on your list. If there is nothing preventing you from taking the test, you should definitely take it since it could potentially open up more opportunities for you.
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Take The Right High School Classes To Prepare For College
Plan to work hard in high school. Taking the most challenging classes available will benefit you in multiple ways. In addition to learning the course content, such as Algebra, Chemistry, or a foreign language, college preparatory classes will also develop your skills in note-taking, studying, writing, test-taking, time management, critical thinking, and more. These important skills will prepare you for the rigor of college classes.
Fill Out The Common App
Filling out the Common App can save time. But it still requires keeping track of a lot of information. Stay organized throughout the process.
First, you’ll need to gather information. You’ll need a copy of your high school transcript and college entrance exam scores. Keep in mind that some schools are test-optional or don’t require standardized test scores at all.
You’ll also need information about your academic honors, activities, work history, and achievements. Finally, the Common App requires parent or legal guardian information.
Second, you’ll create a first-year Common App account. Use an email address you check regularly and provide basic information like your address, date of birth, and legal name.
Next, add colleges to your Common App. You can add up to 20 schools. The Common App will list the official school forms you’ll need for each school. The app also lists which schools require letters of recommendation and how many you’ll need to submit.
You’ll write the Common App personal essay, which will go to all your schools. You’ll also track college-specific questions and writing supplements through the Common App dashboard.
Finally, the Common App will help you track your school’s deadlines and application fees. The Common App student solutions center provides support throughout the process.
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The College Application Process: Step
Itâs a good idea to start the college application process several months before application deadlines, especially if you have other obligations like school or work. Many high school students start their applications in the summer before their senior year, or fall of their senior year . If you include standardized tests, this process can begin in your junior year.
Consider Your Major Minor Or Specialization
Many universities dont require you to choose your major before you start your freshman year, especially in the United States. Still, though, keep it in mind so you dont end up frustratingly trying to choose a major when it comes down to the wire. While youre at it, consider if you want to double major, minor, or specialize in anything, as well, and you can leave your mind free to tackle more important tasks when college starts.
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Complete And Submit Your Fafsa
The FAFSA is released on October 1 every year, so try to complete and submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after this date as well as any other financial aid applications your schools might require. Most colleges will require you to turn in your FAFSA by February, so getting started on this sooner rather than later should help make the application process go a lot more smoothly.
Make sure to have your parents with you when you fill out your FAFSA as youll have to report your parents federal income tax returns and other essential information.
Get Involved In Extracurricular Activities
Involvement in activities outside of schoolwork makes high school a lot more interesting and fun. These extracurricular activities also provide opportunities to gain proficiencies you couldnt learn through textbooks and tests alone. Through extracurricular activities, you can develop important skills, such as teamwork, public speaking, creativity, leadership, and self-awareness.
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Completing Your College Applications: 10 Tips
Once you’ve narrowed down the list of schools you’re interested in, complete an application for each.
1. Know your deadlines.
Start your applications early enough to complete them by the deadlines. Deadlines are usually between January 1 and February 15, although they may be earlier if you are applying early admission.
2. Read the instructions.
Most of the mistakes on college applications are the result of not following the instructions. Don’t let this happen.
3. Provide all of the requested information.
Leaving blank fields or providing incomplete responses makes it look like you weren’t paying attention. Take care to be thorough.
4. Proofread, proofread, proofread.
And after you’re done proofreading, give it to someone else to proofread! Typos on your college application are just sloppy.
5. Be honest.
Admissions staff will verify the info you provide, so keep it on the up and up. Don’t exaggerate your accomplishments. Honesty is always the best policy.
6. Choose your recommendations wisely.
Use teachers, counselors, and others who know you well, both inside and outside the classroom. Give them enough time to write thoughtful and considerate recommendations, and be sure to thank them.
7. Make sure your essay represents who you are.
The essay is the only opportunity you have to explain why you are different from other applicants. Be original and make it personal.
8. Request copies of your high school transcripts.
9. Keep copies of everything.
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The 7 Things That Really Look Good On A College Application
College Admissions , College Info
What looks good on a college application? It’s the question nearly every high school student will ask at some point while applying to college. But is there a clear answer?
Fortunately, the answer is yes! Read on to learn what colleges look for in applicants, what looks really good on a college application, and what kinds of myths there are about good things to put on a college application.
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Make Sure Standardized Test Scores Make The Cut
Standardized test scores are still an important piece of college admissions, even as more and more colleges shift towards a more holistic approach. Standardized test scores are even sometimes used as an initial screening tool, especially at large colleges where they receive far more applications than they are able to closely review.
You should take your ACT or SAT for the first time during the spring of 11th grade. This will leave the entire summer to study and raise scores, while also allowing at least two more chances to take the test in fall of 12th grade.
Research The School Youre Attending
Youve already done some research when choosing which college to attend, and thats great! But, now that youre about ready to begin classes, get to know your school more intimately. Sooner or later youll know it inside and out, but why not get a jump on things?
First, understand it geographically. Where is your dorm in relation to your first class? Make yourself a handy map, if you think itll help, either on paper or on Google Maps. Map out the quickest way to get from class to class and youll save yourself a lot of trouble on your first week of school.
Learn about the school itself, as well. While it isnt necessary, of course, understanding your schools history, mascot, motto, and mission statement might instill a sense of pride, at the very least. Finally, get to know a bit more about the town or city youre moving to. If its a city campus, you might need to familiarize yourself with the metro or bus system. If its more out of the way, perhaps youll either have to drive yourself or discover the schools town shuttle schedule.
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Write Your Main College Admissions Essays
Its a good idea to start working on your essays the summer before your senior year. Some essays can be reused or revised for different schools, depending on the promptthough you might have to adjust its length if different colleges have different word count limits. The process of brainstorming and writing the first draft typically takes one to three weeks.
Sign Up For Standardized Testing
Many students take the SAT or ACT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. This leaves them time to take the test again if they want to improve on their results. The latest youâll want to take standardized tests for applications due in January is the fall of senior year.
Though many schools have stopped requiring standardized test scores for admission, many still do. Schools that still require test scores might only accept the ACT or SAT, or accept either.
Some students choose to sign up for standardized test practice courses, work through test prep books, or use online resources. Some resources, like the Khan Academyâs SAT personalized practice program, are free. The College Board recommends taking at least six to 20 hours to study for your first SAT .
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Apply The Grandparent Test
Your childs social media presence is fair game as part of their college application schools dont want bad apples disturbing their campus. Encourage your teenager to clean up whats out there and be cautious about what they post from now on. A 2016 Time article reports 40 percent of admissions officers say they visit applicants social media pages to learn about them. IvyWise writes that 35 percent of admissions counselors found something that negatively impacted an applicants chances of getting in. Have your teenager to Google themselves to see whats out there, erase embarrassing tweets, and follow these social media tips to clean up their online presence. From now on, tell your teen to apply what IvyWise calls, The Grandparent Test, which works like this: If you wouldnt want your grandparents to see it, dont put it online.
What Extracurricular Activities Should I Do In High School
The first step is to explore. As you start high school, you will find you have many new opportunitiessports, theater, music, art, debate, and computer science, just to name a few. While you cant do everything, try to get involved in as many clubs, teams, and activities that you find interesting. There is not a required one-size-fits-all list of activitieswhat matters is that you find clubs and programs that interest you!
You wont know if you like something if you dont try it. Keep an eye out for clubs that may specifically help you prepare for a particular college major. For example, if you think you might be interested in earning a business degree, find out if your high school has a DECA chapter or similar association. If you think youd like a career in politics, check to see if your high school has a Young Democrats or Young Republicans organization.
While you want to appear well rounded, it is important that you dont take on too much. Allow yourself enough time to excel at the activities you care about most. It can be helpful to see freshman year as the time to try a lot of things. In your sophomore year, you can begin limiting your involvement to your most important activities. This will allow you to spend more time on fewer things.
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