| Reality: A Cure for Senioritis |
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Although you may have visions of Greek parties dancing in your head, before you put on the toga, you have to prepare for the educational aspects of college life. Unlike last-minute cramming for a Spanish test, preparing for college is something that needs to be done far in advance of entering those hallowed halls.
1.) GET INVOLVED: Many colleges have strict acceptance guidelines, so the more school and community involvement you have, the more appealing you are to college admissions boards. Although the Video Gamers of America club is a fun after school activity, aim for more impressive options. Many high schools offer educational and career-related clubs that look outstanding on college applications. Examples include the National Honor Society (NHS), Business Professionals of America (BPA), Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), and even chess clubs or academic competition teams. Sports are also favorably noticed, because participation in sports shows dedication and perseverance. 2.) GET THE GRADES: After school activities are great for your application, but nothing beats an admirable grade point average (GPA). Some colleges rank high GPAs as a major requirement for acceptance. If you must choose between extra-curricular activities or a high grade point average, the latter is extremely important. However, if your GPA is critically low, it is still possible for you to attend college. Community colleges are amazing starting points for furthering your academic career. If you need a booster, senior year is a wonderful time to get serious about your grades. Take all your required courses and add some electives that you can do well in. You should also see if your school offers Dual Enrollment programs, which can help you in two ways: finishing some general education courses for college prior to graduation and raising your GPA. 3.) GET THE TEST SCORES: Yes, the dreaded standardized tests are still an important requirement of college admissions. Whether you are taking the SAT or the ACT, some measure of preparation is necessary in order to give yourself the vital time you need to study or re-take the tests. Your best option is to sign up for the very first offered SAT / ACT in your senior year. This will help you figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are and give you ample opportunities to improve and re-test. Most dates start between September and October, so it would also be in your best interest to use some of your summer time for a tad bit of study time. There are countless books, websites, audios, VHS/DVDs, and miscellaneous tutoring options that will get you better acquainted with your choice test’s style and types of information sought. CollegeBoard.com, the official SAT website, has free practice tests that grade and explain problems. For those interested in the ACT, ACTStudent.org has free sample tests, as well. 4.) GET THE FUNDS: College isn’t cheap; in fact, costs can be downright astronomical. But, it is possible to attend the school you desire without going bankrupt. Once you have selected and been accepted to your future institute of higher education, the first thing you should do (after you celebrate, of course!), is speak to a financial aid counselor at the college. One of the primary things they will insist you do is register for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, most commonly known as the FAFSA. This will help determine your financial need that will make you eligible for grants, scholarships, work study, and loans. If you receive the latter, you will have to pay the government back after your degree is complete. But, whether you are going to community college, a university, or a private college, any financial assistance will help. Common expenses include: -Tuition -Books -Housing -Transportation -Parking -Food -Entertainment -Lab Costs -Miscellaneous Surprise Costs It adds up quicker than you can finish packing boxes for your big move, and a part-time job won’t even dent the expenses. Also, apply for scholarships and grants outside the government, but be weary of scams. The best places to find scholarships are through your guidance counselor’s office, the university itself, annually-published books such as the College Board Scholarship Handbook, and established websites like Fastweb.com. It is in your best interest to apply for every scholarship you qualify for, even if they require extra work like writing essays or giving speeches. Financial help through scholarships can come from the most unexpected places if you try! Remember: you should NEVER pay for a scholarship! 5.) GET SERIOUS: Sure, college is a time of new experiences, friends, and knowledge. It is extremely important to take the higher education experience as not only a social gathering, but a quest for seeking the wisdom you need for your future. Parties and nights out on the town are fun, but don’t think college is as it appears in the movies. It takes dedication and effort to handle life as a college student. Although your schedule will not be as strict as high school, early morning classes are as common as late night get-togethers, so remember that when you have a chemistry exam the next day! College is a time of self-discovery and lifetime memories, so take advantage of every aspect that will enrich your life. Early preparation gives you the opportunity to smoothly sail from high school alumni to college student. Good luck! |
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