6 Essential College Preparation Hacks for High School Students

The college process can seem overwhelming, but it's important to start thinking about it early. That way, you can explore different programs and narrow down your choices.

it's never too early to start exploring your options

If you wait until your senior year to start thinking about college, you may feel like you're playing catch-up. But if you start exploring during your freshman or sophomore year of high school, you'll have a better idea of what you want and be more prepared when it comes time to apply.

There are a few things you can do to start exploring colleges early:

• Talk to your guidance counselor: they can answer any questions you have and give you information on schools that might be a good fit for you.
• Attend college fairs: these are great events to learn about different colleges and what they have to offer.
• Start visiting colleges: even if you're not sure if you want to go there, it's helpful to see what different campuses are like. Visiting a college in person is a totally different experience than researching it online.

The sooner college preparation for high school students starts, the better prepared they will be when it comes time to make their important decision.

In addition to academics, extracurricular activities and community service projects are an important part of the college process. They can help you stand out on your college applications and prepare you for life after graduation.

Stand out during the college application process

When I was applying for over 30 scholarships during my senior year of high school, I leveraged the community service hours I accumulated during my time in JROTC. This helped my scholarship applications stand out among other applicants.

develop new skills

Getting involved in extracurricular activities is a great way to explore your interests and develop new skills. And community service projects can not only make a difference in your local community, but they can also help you develop leadership skills and learn more about working with others.

If you're not sure where to start, talk to your guidance counselor or search for opportunities online. There are plenty of ways to get involved, and you're sure to find something that interests you.

One of the best things you can do to prepare for college is to take challenging classes, including honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These classes will help you develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills you'll need in college and beyond.

In addition, taking challenging classes can help you stand out on your college applications. Admissions counselors will be impressed by the rigor of your coursework, and it can even give you a leg up in the admissions process.

ask for help

If you're not sure which classes to take, talk to your guidance counselor or teachers. They can help you choose courses that are right for you and that will help you reach your goals.

One of the most important parts of college preparation for high school students is taking standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. These exams are used to assess your academic readiness for college, and they play a big role in the admissions process.

That's why it's important to make sure you're taking the SAT or ACT, and that you're preparing for them adequately. There are a number of resources available to help you prepare, including practice tests, online courses, apps, and tutoring.

If you're not sure where to start, talk to your guidance counselor. They can help you assess your readiness for the exams and find the resources you need to prepare.

Taking standardized tests can be stressful, but if you're prepared, they can be a great way to show colleges what you're capable of.

don't stress. you are more than an exam score

At the end of the day, do not stress over standardized exams. Yes, most universities require them, but they are just a small piece of your college application. Do your best, improve where necessary, but always keep you eye on the goal. 

Paying for college can be a big challenge, but there are a number of ways to make it more affordable. One way to save money is to get a part-time job while you're in high school. You can also look for scholarships and other financial aid opportunities.

If you're not sure how to start saving for college, talk to your guidance counselor or parents. They can help you assess your finances and find the best way to save for your education.

invest in your future

Saving up for college takes time and effort, but it's worth it. Investing in your education will pay off in the long run, both financially and personally.

The college process can be complicated, so it's important to stay organized and keep track of deadlines. There are a number of resources available to help you, including guidance counselors, websites, and apps.

create a schedule

One way to stay on top of the process is to create a timeline of important dates and deadlines. That way, you won't miss anything important. You can also set reminders for yourself so you don't forget anything.

It's also a good idea to keep a list of the colleges you're interested in and the contact information for each one. That way, you can easily get in touch with them if you have any questions or need more information.

Staying organized and on top of the college process can be a challenge, but it's worth it. It'll help you stay on track and make the most of your college experience.

Bonus Tips:

• Visit colleges during the summer before your senior year to get a feel for the campus environment and see if it's the right fit for you.
• Apply to several schools, but don't stress out if you don't get into your top choice - there are plenty of great schools out there and you will end up exactly where you need to be.