By Rachel Williams, NACAC Communications
As a new school year begins, NACAC has resources to support college admission counseling professionals in their work to serve students and their institutions.
Below are highlights from NACAC's Guide to the College Admission Process that counselors can use in their communication with students as the new school year begins.
Tips for Students:
Buckle down in the classroom
Taking rigorous classes in high school helps you get into college, and the knowledge and skills you acquire also help prepare you to be successful in pursuit of your degree. Seek out honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in subjects that interest you. Look for courses that require lots of writing and critical thinking — skills you'll use in almost every college class. Don't panic if the material seems difficult at first. Developing good study habits and time-management skills in high school can help you persevere in college.
Some rigorous courses actually allow you to jumpstart your postsecondary education. Students who do well on AP tests, for example, can earn college credit. Some high schools also partner with local colleges to offer dual-credit courses, which can help acquaint you with how college courses are structured and scheduled. Some meet every day, while others meet a couple times a week. Some meet in the evenings or online. In general, college courses are longer and more intensive, and the volume of work is likely greater than what you're accustomed to in high school.
Higher education entails what the title implies — higher standards, more difficult subject matter, and greater expectations of you as a student.
Get involved
From athletics to theater to volunteering — there's a whole world of extracurricular activities open to high school students.
Universities are looking for students who will make the most of the opportunities available to them. A high school record with extracurricular activities helps show admission officers that you'll be a valuable part of their campus community.
Extracurricular activities, especially those with leadership positions, can help you develop money skills, as well. It's wise to learn how to handle a debit or credit card, and to practice budgeting. As a college student, you'll need to set money aside for regular costs like books, supplies, and living expenses.
Finish strong
Your senior year of high school will be hectic.
It can be tempting to sluff off in the classroom, but stay focused.
When planning your schedule, make sure that you're on-track to meet college entrance requirements, including at least two years of a foreign language and four years of math, science, and English courses. It's an exciting time in your life. By taking charge of the changes that lie ahead, you can eliminate or minimize pressures and go forward with confidence.