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What do I need to do to prepare myself for college?
How can I figure out what I want to do for a career and then how can I best prepare myself as a sophomore in highschool? Im also wondering what classes or activities I should be taking in order to look good on my transcripts.
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7 answers
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Amit’s Answer
Find someone who is doing what you think you might be interested in doing and ask them questions and if you can spend an hour with them.
For your transcript always challenge yourself with hard classes and do well in them.
For your transcript always challenge yourself with hard classes and do well in them.
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Nicholas’s Answer
Hey Lily!
Great question and good for you showing concern this early in your highschool career. In my opinion, have a fair mix of AP and normal/honor's classes (of course if your school offers them, mine didn't offer that many). I would suggest to go into the upper level courses in classes that you do better in. Having a fair mix of these classes shows colleges that you're challenging yourself which is a good thing. Just make sure that you're working hard to ensure your transcript is strong. Use these classes that you do strong in as a gateway to see what careers you would do well in to maybe gauge the classes you would want to take in college.
Activities-wise I would look into clubs, organizations, and sports that your school has. Which ones interest you? Model UN? Investment Club? Chess Club? Maybe it is something outside of school, like youth group at church or working a job? All of these things are good looks on your resume if they're complemented by a strong GPA.
I would say a lot more of figuring out what you're going to do is done in college (at least in my experience). When I arrived to college I was convinced that I would be either a history, Poli Sci, or Economics major and pre-law. I ended up deciding accounting and data analytics because I loved the way that it made me think analytically. The great thing about college is that until you declare your major, you can take whichever class you would want to take. Just make sure to take a variety that will fit your gen-ed requirements (which your academic advisor will teach you more about when you make it to college).
On a personal note, I would say to keep your eyes opened on these things, but don't stress your self out too much. If you don't know what you want to do with your professional career while you're in highschool, it's all good! Most people (and many successful people) don't figure it out for a long time, just make sure to think about the classes and subjects that you love the most.
Great question and good for you showing concern this early in your highschool career. In my opinion, have a fair mix of AP and normal/honor's classes (of course if your school offers them, mine didn't offer that many). I would suggest to go into the upper level courses in classes that you do better in. Having a fair mix of these classes shows colleges that you're challenging yourself which is a good thing. Just make sure that you're working hard to ensure your transcript is strong. Use these classes that you do strong in as a gateway to see what careers you would do well in to maybe gauge the classes you would want to take in college.
Activities-wise I would look into clubs, organizations, and sports that your school has. Which ones interest you? Model UN? Investment Club? Chess Club? Maybe it is something outside of school, like youth group at church or working a job? All of these things are good looks on your resume if they're complemented by a strong GPA.
I would say a lot more of figuring out what you're going to do is done in college (at least in my experience). When I arrived to college I was convinced that I would be either a history, Poli Sci, or Economics major and pre-law. I ended up deciding accounting and data analytics because I loved the way that it made me think analytically. The great thing about college is that until you declare your major, you can take whichever class you would want to take. Just make sure to take a variety that will fit your gen-ed requirements (which your academic advisor will teach you more about when you make it to college).
On a personal note, I would say to keep your eyes opened on these things, but don't stress your self out too much. If you don't know what you want to do with your professional career while you're in highschool, it's all good! Most people (and many successful people) don't figure it out for a long time, just make sure to think about the classes and subjects that you love the most.
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Honestly, good grades and being involved in a few things outside of school is enough, especially for a sophomore. Beginning to explore what interests you outside of your core school subjects will help you narrow down the path you want to take down the road, but there's no need to pigeon-hole yourself into one area yet or ever. Once you actually begin college, then you can start to think about taking more classes in one area over another to build your knowledge in the path that interests you.
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Madi’s Answer
Hi Lily,
It's great that you're thinking about college already!
When it comes to deciding on a career path, I recommend reflecting on what truly excites you such as hobbies, interests, or passions. Finding a career that resonates with these aspects will ensure that you love what you do.
In terms of preparing for college, it's beneficial to concentrate on maintaining strong grades, strategizing for your SAT/ACT, and engaging in extracurricular activities. These elements will significantly enhance your college applications in the upcoming years.
Wishing you the best of luck on this exciting journey!
It's great that you're thinking about college already!
When it comes to deciding on a career path, I recommend reflecting on what truly excites you such as hobbies, interests, or passions. Finding a career that resonates with these aspects will ensure that you love what you do.
In terms of preparing for college, it's beneficial to concentrate on maintaining strong grades, strategizing for your SAT/ACT, and engaging in extracurricular activities. These elements will significantly enhance your college applications in the upcoming years.
Wishing you the best of luck on this exciting journey!
Updated
Emily’s Answer
My advice is to gain experience in things you like whether it be volunteering, working or participating in. Think in depth about which of these three categories the particular thing you like falls into. This will help narrow it down to what you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life and what you may use as a hobby for the rest of your life.
Best wishes ❤️
Best wishes ❤️
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Jerome’s Answer
Start with hobbies you have or things you see others do that you might be interested in. Glassdoor gives you the ability to look up job titles and see how people feel about their roles.
I agree that a little networking and connecting with individuals in those roles can go a long way.
I agree that a little networking and connecting with individuals in those roles can go a long way.
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Caitlyn’s Answer
As a sophomore, just get good grades. Don't worry about this until you're a junior or a senior. Then, talk to your guidance counselor. You can even reach out to the admissions departments of universities you're interested in and see what their requirements are.