Believe it or not, senior year is NOT the time to begin planning for college. The time is NOW, during your freshman year! As you begin your search for the right school for you, there are a few things to consider: what you want in a college and what the college requires. There are other factors that colleges consider when looking at their applicants:
Academic Strengths: Your grade point average (GPA), identifies you academic strengths and weaknesses. When you begin to apply to colleges, they will receive your GPA from your first three years of high school.
Challenging Coursework: Competitive colleges want to see that you have taken classes that are academically demanding. Taking honors and advanced placement courses are always preferred. Also looking into college courses at your local community college give.
Upward Versus Downward Trends: You should strive for consistency in your grades throughout your high school career. Try to maintain as high an average as you can. Colleges prefer to see improvement as you progress from freshman to junior year.
SAT Scores: Colleges rely on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) to measure reading, writing, and math skills. Your SAT scores play a role in the admissions process.
Extracurricular Activities: Participation in school activities and involvement in community service is often the factor that will distinguish you from other applicants. Colleges look for long-term commitment to a few activities, as well as any leadership positions.
Resourceful WebsitesCollege Board’s College Handbook www.collegeboard.com
Peterson’s Guide: Four-Year Colleges www.petersons.com
University of California www.universityofcalifornina.edu
California State University www.csumentor.edu