As it becomes more competitive and challenging to gain admission to colleges and universities, it’s never too early for students to begin preparing for this important milestone. In fact, many experts recommend students should begin preparing for college as early as middle school (Archer-Banks, 2013; Wimberly & Noeth, 2013). Here are some tips that middle and high school freshmen can use to get started on this exciting journey:
- Think about college as an important part of your future.
- Discuss your college-going thoughts and ideas with your family and school personnel.
- Begin saving for college if you haven’t started already.
- Start researching available college-going grants and scholarships. You can never have too much money for college.
- Make the minutes count in each of your day. Many student fail to do well in college because they do not know how to prioritize their daily activities. Develop a habit of determining which 4-6 activities I need to complete each day to be on track for my goals.
- Schedule consistent daily study time..
- Begin exploring the course requirements for various college majors.
- Take challenging classes in core academic subjects. Most colleges require four years of English, at least three years of social studies (history, civics, geography, economics, etc.), three years of mathematics, and three years of science, and many require two years of a foreign language. Round out your course load with classes in computer science and the arts.
- Talk to your school counselor and other mentors about your postsecondary education options. Your counselor can answer questions about what classes to take in high school, how to sign up for standardized tests, and where to get money for college.
- Do your best in school. If you are having difficulty, don’t give up—get help from a teacher, tutor, or mentor.
- Become involved in school- or community-based activities that let you explore your interests and learn new skills and ideas.
Finally, remember that no matter what anyone says, you are equipped for success; therefore, DARE to take the bold step in defining your own future.
– Dr. Diane Archer-Banks
References
Archer-Banks, D.A.M., Parker, J.; Negron-Reyes, D., & Maye, M. (2015, April). Augmented capital as a conduit for positioning low-income urban high school students to achieve postsecondary access and success. A poster presented at the 2015 American Educational Research Association Conference, Chicago, Illinois.
Wimberly, G. L. & Noeth, R. J.(2013). College readiness begins in middle school. (ACT Report). Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED483849.