It is always wise to start early. High school students can begin preparing for college in their first year or their last year, it’s never too late. However, it is advisable that students have a plan regarding what kind of college they wish to pursue. As well, they should explore all the details required to gain entry to college as well as to build their profile so as to contribute effectively to the Universities.
Rather than waiting until the last minute to prepare for an ideal college and complicating the entire admission process, students should start preparing early for their dream college. It enables students to engage with their high school career in the most meaningful and effective way possible, which increases their chances of getting selected for their dream institutes.
It is much easier to navigate the application process if you identify the university that is your best fit, know what makes an effective college application, and know what admissions officers look for in college applications.
Moreover, in this article, we will discuss 6 ways that high school students can begin preparing for college. A well-prepared student will find it less cumbersome to apply to the college of their choice and also, they can have their documentation ready and up to date, when applying for the colleges.
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Throughout your high school years, you can prepare for college in the following 6 ways:
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Well-planned research of the colleges
A well-informed understanding of the Universities you want to apply to and also the different documentation and the processes required for the same is a must. Every student is different. What might be perfect for one student might turn out to be uncomfortable for another. Therefore, the climatic conditions, infrastructure facilities, academic specialists, and extracurricular offerings that students desire can differ. This is why it’s crucial to look beyond a university’s name or reputation to figure out whether it’s a good fit for you.
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Take steps to highlight your extracurricular activities
The extracurricular activities of students are equally relevant to their academic pursuits. Achievements and positions that show your leadership abilities and how you can contribute to the greater good of the college can be a huge factor in your selection. Adding extracurricular activities and accomplishments to your resume can help you give a better sense of who you are, what matters to you, and what you will bring to campus.
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Communicate with your mentors
Talking to mentors and alumni of the college can help you gain a deeper understanding of the school and prepare you to successfully complete the application process. It can be useful to talk to current college students about their admissions process and first-hand advice so that you can get a sense of how you can follow in their footsteps. As well as providing guidance and information about the most relevant documentation process, mentors can provide you with an overview of the type of profile that colleges are looking for.
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Apply early to colleges.
It is always advisable to apply early to colleges as this gives you an edge over others. Applying for early admission is an easy way to stand out as the applicant pool is smaller and submitting an initial application demonstrates your commitment to that university.
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Apply for scholarships
Many of the top colleges conduct their admission processes in phases. It is more likely that students who apply early and in the early stages will get into universities. They will be offered good scholarship opportunities and fee waivers. In fact, only 33% of high school seniors reported searching for scholarships as part of their college applications. Taking the time to apply might be as simple as answering a few questions or as complex as writing an essay or making a video. It’s possible to begin applying for scholarships in high school and continue all the way through college.
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Visit the college campuses
Visiting college campuses can help you take a sound decision regarding the selection of a college for your further studies. Even if you are unable to visit college campuses in person, you can visit the campuses virtually. Campuses vary widely across the country. Depending on the school, some may have large campuses with shuttle services, while others might be small enough that one can cross the campus within 10 minutes. Other schools may be incorporated into city blocks. You can learn more about the campus by taking a virtual tour or taking an on-campus walkthrough of the dorms, classrooms, dining halls, and other key spots on campus.
There is another reason you might want to visit campus: a college interview. Not all schools offer interviews, but if they do, that can help you learn more about the school.