http://my.hsj.org/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_xfp3nk55xpl5zs45ruv301ul_7d2529e1-37be-409c-8340-9a9f4c88be75_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:18:34 GMT 15 By Heather Johnson
The road to college starts early, even at the beginning of high school. From freshman to senior year, you'll need a game plan to choose the right classes and maneuver through college exams, applications and deadlines.     Grades are definately important, but so is the difficulty of the courses you take. Instead of the easy "A," choose tougher classes. Colleges like to see students who have take rigorous classes and challenged themselves in high school.     You should use your freshman year to organize your classes and explore your personal interests. Meet with your counselor and disscuss your career goals and the classes you should take. Strengthen your reading, writing and vocabulary skills. Improve your typing skills and become familiar with the Internet, knowing your way around a computer will come in handy throughout high school and college. You should explore your interests through your classes, while your still in high school and classes are free.     Colleges like to see students who can balance outside activities (such as clubs, and community service) and maintain good grades.Extracurricular activities show that you're a well-rounded individual and you know how to manage your time efficiently. " Extracurricular activities are the icing on the cake," says Jane Schoenfeld, an educational consultant for the Independent School Placement Service of St. Louis, Inc. "Admissions committees want to see how a student can contribute to the college inside and outside of the classroom."     Don't wait till senior year to research schools, college entrance tests and financial aid options . Visit the homepages of schools that interest you. Also attend college fairs to meet admission representatives and obtain course catalogs . If possible, plan to visit campuses yourself to get a first hand account of the school's culture and social life. Prepare for college entrance exams , your scores can determine what scholarships you qualify for and what college you attend. Ask your counselor about services that offer ACT and SAT preparation classes and practice tests . Don't let the cost of a college education scare you. You can search scholarships databases on the Internet like FastWeb.com to apply for awards that match your interests and career goals.     If you still have no idea what you want to do when you "grow up", then go to www.bridges.com , sign up, and take a personality quiz that can find jobs that match your personality. You can also pick your college major and make a graduation plan.     It's never too early to prepare for college, the best time to start preparing for college is in your freshman year, but its never too late either. ]]> Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:38:06 GMT