Preparing for College
Why College?
A college education is not only important because it leads to higher wages over a lifetime, it also broadens the scope of opportunities available after graduation. A quick look at the backgrounds of today’s leaders shows what most of us suspect: college graduates are more likely to attain positions of influence at the local, national, and global levels. Want to lead a city, a county, or the nation? College provides the foundation. Are you interested in helping others? You can have a bigger impact if you’ve gone to college.
The Road to College
Students can create a clear path to the college or university of their choice by planning, making good choices, and working hard. Make sure you challenge yourself by taking college preparatory curriculum, maintaining an unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or better, practicing and taking the SAT and/or ACT, and securing strong letters of recommendation.
For tips on how to better prepare for college and college admissions process, download this PDF.
Standardized Tests
A big part of a college application will be standardized test scores. Colleges use standardized tests – the PSAT, SAT, PreACT, and ACT – as tools to evaluate a student’s high school career and promise of future educational success. They are called standardized tests because the same test is given, under the same circumstances, to students all over the country. They are usually multiple-choice and timed.
It is important that all JUNIORS take the PSAT in October of their junior year.
It is important that all JUNIOR/SENIORS take the SAT and/or ACT.
To learn more about the PSAT and SAT, please visit CollegeBoard.org. To learn more about the PreACT and ACT, please visit ACT.org.
Making the Transition from High School
Making the transition from high school to college can be just as challenging as deciding on a college or university. Here are some tips to help make that transition easier.
- You can still get advice and counsel from your high school mentors and counselors up until you get to your new college campus
- Attend summer orientation at your college or university
- Communicate with your professors
- Get involved with organizations
- Get help when you need it
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