Students can prepare for college and the college admissions process in a variety of ways, some beginning as early as their junior year of high school. Participating in extracurricular activities from a young age is one of the constructive activities that will prepare students for life as well as help them prepare for college. College admissions committees are interested in the whole student, not just academic achievement, so extracurricular activities such as athletics, work, music, student government, and community service all contribute to a child’s college preparation.
By the time a child reaches the end of high school, extracurricular activities that began when they were young have built an impressive résumé. Students who learn any skill not only have a non-academic area to present to college admissions committees, but they also have the potential to teach others, whether it’s coaching children in soccer skills or giving drum lessons.
Participating in community life allows a student to become a more involved citizen and gain a better understanding of life outside of the home and school. A student who works will gain valuable experience participating in the community’s economic life while also earning money that can be used to help pay for college. A student who begins volunteer work at a young age—whether in a soup kitchen, participating in green-up activities, or volunteering in a nursing home—has a unique perspective to share with admissions committees as well as an advantage in navigating the city, state, or country in which they will be pursuing their higher education.
Taking the required courses for admission is, of course, an important part of students’ college preparation. A typical college preparatory program includes four years of English, three to four years of math, three to four years of laboratory science, three or more years of social science or social studies, and two years of foreign language study.
Furthermore, if the student plans to major in a field with stringent requirements, such as science, pre-med, or engineering, the student’s potential college major may well encourage them to do more. Taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses when they are available is required for admission to some schools. More information about high school course requirements can be found on college websites.
Because standardized tests like the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or the American College Testing Program (ACT) are frequently required as part of the admissions process, most students will take one or both as they prepare for college. Taking a practice test, such as the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), not only qualifies a student for the National Merit Scholarship, but also gives them SAT practice.
Because the admissions essay is so important for getting into many colleges, a student can also prepare for college by honing his or her writing skills. Taking an advanced composition course, whether it’s an AP or honors course, can help students learn how to express themselves clearly and elegantly, as well as how to write persuasively.