Preparing For Success
A college degree can open many doors. Many careers require a college degree and will increase your opportunities for advancement. According to the US Census Bureau, a college graduate will earn $1 million more in a lifetime than those that do not attend college.
It is strongly recommended that the following courses be completed in high school:
- English (four years)
- Mathematics (four years)
- Biological and physical sciences (four years)
- History and Social Sciences (four years)
- Foreign Language (two years or more of a single language)
Student Tips
Work hard to get good grades
- Colleges will review your academic performance in 9th, 10th and 11th grade when reviewing college applicants. Developing good study habits in 8th grade will help with high school and college.
Build your credentials / Highlight your accomplishments
- Tracking your academic and extracurricular awards, community service achievements, and anything else you participate in will help later on with filling out applications.
Create a four-year high school plan
- Preparing a four year plan for high school that relates to your goals will help you stay on track and become familiar with various levels of courses.
Parent Tips
Get involved
- High school can be a difficult adjustment socially and academically. Keep an open dialogue about classes. Talk with the school counselor if the work seems too easy or if your child is struggling.
Provide support
- Keep a list of accomplishments, awards and leadership positions. Help sketch out a comprehensive academic program of classes your child should take in high school. Keep up regular conversations.
Help your child's interests grow
- Encourage involvement in meaningful activities in and out of school without impacting schoolwork negatively. Allowing flexibility for interests they may outgrow or new ones they may acquire will shape a child's interests.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering can be fun and help with your college application. Start exploring volunteer opportunities in high school. Find opportunities in your interests while learning about a career.
Compiling Colleges
Start compiling research on colleges of interest. When compiling your list of colleges, take note of:
- Accreditation
- Majors and degrees available
- Important dates and deadlines
- Location, phone numbers, web addresses
- Cost and financial aid opportunities
- Admissions criteria and rate
- Academic support and career services
- Graduation and job placement rates
- Pros and cons with the college