4 answers
Taylor
Student
Burlington, Vermont
1
Question
Asked
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how do i start prepping myself for college while being a junior in high school?
I am a junior in high school and I would love to start prepping for college
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would start taking a variety of course work in everything from math, writing skills, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, etc...
The reason for this is because when you enter college you will encounter the required General College Requirements (or Core Requirements), that all institutions have.
By focusing on a generalist emphasis (and developing strong abilities in these subjects), you will be preparing yourself for what is coming.
The General College Requirements will be the first mountain to conquer, before you can declare a major or focus on a future occupation, and I urge students to never overlook them.
The reason for this is because when you enter college you will encounter the required General College Requirements (or Core Requirements), that all institutions have.
By focusing on a generalist emphasis (and developing strong abilities in these subjects), you will be preparing yourself for what is coming.
The General College Requirements will be the first mountain to conquer, before you can declare a major or focus on a future occupation, and I urge students to never overlook them.
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Taylor, this is a really good question that I wish more high school students considered. I actually taught a course called "College Success," which began in the summer and continued through the first semester. It was designed to provide academically "at-risk" students with the array of skills, experiences and confidence boosters that could help them excel.
So let's consider some of them. Number one would be improving and then improving again your writing skills. That would be of singular benefit for most of your classes. You would also want to work on research skills, particularly being able to distinguish between credible, expert sources and those on social media or Wikipedia. Reading is critical, so you should practice reading intentionally rather than casually. There's also learning to take good notes. There are a number of methods, and you should discover which one best suits your learning style. So first, you should take quizzes to determine what your most reliable learning style is, because that will not only help with note taking, it will also help you select the classes and instructors that might maximize your potential for success (for example, how well you might do in a primarily lecture class as opposed to one more interactive or hands-on). These ideas might already be familiar to you or they might seem overwhelming, but never fear, you have plenty of time to look them up and play around with them. And don't think they are "required." Most students don't go into college armed with this arsenal of advice. So working on any of these will put you ahead of the curve to start.
So let's consider some of them. Number one would be improving and then improving again your writing skills. That would be of singular benefit for most of your classes. You would also want to work on research skills, particularly being able to distinguish between credible, expert sources and those on social media or Wikipedia. Reading is critical, so you should practice reading intentionally rather than casually. There's also learning to take good notes. There are a number of methods, and you should discover which one best suits your learning style. So first, you should take quizzes to determine what your most reliable learning style is, because that will not only help with note taking, it will also help you select the classes and instructors that might maximize your potential for success (for example, how well you might do in a primarily lecture class as opposed to one more interactive or hands-on). These ideas might already be familiar to you or they might seem overwhelming, but never fear, you have plenty of time to look them up and play around with them. And don't think they are "required." Most students don't go into college armed with this arsenal of advice. So working on any of these will put you ahead of the curve to start.
Cliff Francois
Team Lead IT Support
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Hello Taylor,
Reflecting back to my junior year in high school, I had similar thoughts as you are having now about preparing for college. Here are some practical steps you can take to get a head start:
1. Begin preparing for the SAT exam. Consider enrolling in a PSAT course or taking a PSAT practice test. A high SAT score could significantly increase your chances of getting into a prestigious college or university.
2. If your high school provides the opportunity, enroll in an AP course. This will not only give you a glimpse of the college-level education but also, your college might consider this as a credit, saving you some money.
3. Start researching for scholarships at local, regional, and national levels. This can considerably ease the financial strain for you and your family when you commence your college journey.
Wishing you all the best on this exciting path.
Reflecting back to my junior year in high school, I had similar thoughts as you are having now about preparing for college. Here are some practical steps you can take to get a head start:
1. Begin preparing for the SAT exam. Consider enrolling in a PSAT course or taking a PSAT practice test. A high SAT score could significantly increase your chances of getting into a prestigious college or university.
2. If your high school provides the opportunity, enroll in an AP course. This will not only give you a glimpse of the college-level education but also, your college might consider this as a credit, saving you some money.
3. Start researching for scholarships at local, regional, and national levels. This can considerably ease the financial strain for you and your family when you commence your college journey.
Wishing you all the best on this exciting path.
Shelley Hollingsworth
Salon Owner/Hairstylist
1
Answer
Winter Park, Florida
Updated
Shelley’s Answer
It's incredibly beneficial to research programs related to the career path you're interested in. Certain establishments provide internship opportunities, which can give you an early advantage in your chosen field.
It's incredibly beneficial to research programs related to the career path you're interested in. Certain establishments provide internship opportunities, which can give you an early advantage in your chosen field.
Shelley recommends the following next steps: