4 answers
dani
Student
Murrieta, California
1
Question
Asked
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What should I do to prepare for getting into my dream colleges?
I am a sophomore in high school and am constantly looking to find help in preparing for college admissions. I am interested in pursuing either psychology or anthropology
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4 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
353
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Dani - I echo Terry's encouragement. Sophomore year is a terrific time to start focusing on college admissions. Visiting colleges is important for determining what you are looking for, but also for demonstrating interest. Colleges want their acceptance rates (admitted students saying 'yes') so showing interest is important. For the same reasons, sign up in advance for information sessions and tours. Especially around long weekends, they fill up.
To add onto Terry's comments about extra curricular's, quality is more important than quantity. You don't have to do everything your school or community offers. Pick a few activities that are important to you and think about how you could show growth and leadership. Also, think about how you spend your summers, such as by working, taking classes, or traveling. All of these are activities you could discuss either in your common application or supplements.
Lastly, I do want to reiterate what Terry said about there being many excellent colleges, not just the 10-12 we always hear about. Fortunately, many colleges have psychology and anthropology majors. As she said, be attuned to what feels right to you when you step on campus. Look at their academic structure and what they say is important to them.
Good luck!
To add onto Terry's comments about extra curricular's, quality is more important than quantity. You don't have to do everything your school or community offers. Pick a few activities that are important to you and think about how you could show growth and leadership. Also, think about how you spend your summers, such as by working, taking classes, or traveling. All of these are activities you could discuss either in your common application or supplements.
Lastly, I do want to reiterate what Terry said about there being many excellent colleges, not just the 10-12 we always hear about. Fortunately, many colleges have psychology and anthropology majors. As she said, be attuned to what feels right to you when you step on campus. Look at their academic structure and what they say is important to them.
Good luck!
Terry Schmidt
Services Management Manager
6
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Terry’s Answer
Hi there! It's fantastic to see you, as a sophomore, already taking steps to prepare for college. There's a wealth of resources available to guide you, including websites like College Board and College Raptor. Don't overlook the support your high school guidance counselor can provide either. Schedule a meeting with them to talk about your future career goals, and they can offer more resources to aid your preparation.
It's also important to figure out what your ideal college looks like. Do you prefer a school close to home or one farther away? Are you drawn to a large campus or a smaller one? Do you want the hustle and bustle of a city or the charm of a small town? Visiting colleges early on can help you determine what you're really looking for in a school. There are plenty of excellent colleges out there, but until you visit, it's challenging to know which one suits you best.
Besides maintaining good grades, it's beneficial to get involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Additionally, start considering how you'll finance your college education. If you need help with tuition, start researching scholarships and grants. Best of luck on your journey!
It's also important to figure out what your ideal college looks like. Do you prefer a school close to home or one farther away? Are you drawn to a large campus or a smaller one? Do you want the hustle and bustle of a city or the charm of a small town? Visiting colleges early on can help you determine what you're really looking for in a school. There are plenty of excellent colleges out there, but until you visit, it's challenging to know which one suits you best.
Besides maintaining good grades, it's beneficial to get involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Additionally, start considering how you'll finance your college education. If you need help with tuition, start researching scholarships and grants. Best of luck on your journey!
Christopher Doherty
Financial Advisor
24
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Dani,
Great news that you are looking to go to college and earn a degree. I might think about your question in two parts:
1) What should I during high school no matter what college I decide to attend: A) First and foremost, get good grades in HS. Your job is to make a college admissions department's decision as easy as possible; getting strong grades in HS will help your chances of an acceptance. B) take the SAT or ACT. The trend in admissions is SAT/ACT test optional but you will be prepared if you choose a school that requires the SAT/ACT. C) seek out your HS college admissions dept. They are there to help you.
2) What college has what I want: research schools that have degrees in what you want to do and then see what their admissions requirements are. Make a list of what you like and do not like for each school. Making a decision can be overwhelming, but keeping a list will make it more manageable.
Good luck
Great news that you are looking to go to college and earn a degree. I might think about your question in two parts:
1) What should I during high school no matter what college I decide to attend: A) First and foremost, get good grades in HS. Your job is to make a college admissions department's decision as easy as possible; getting strong grades in HS will help your chances of an acceptance. B) take the SAT or ACT. The trend in admissions is SAT/ACT test optional but you will be prepared if you choose a school that requires the SAT/ACT. C) seek out your HS college admissions dept. They are there to help you.
2) What college has what I want: research schools that have degrees in what you want to do and then see what their admissions requirements are. Make a list of what you like and do not like for each school. Making a decision can be overwhelming, but keeping a list will make it more manageable.
Good luck
The Blind Blogger Maxwell Ivey
online accessibility advisor
3
Answers
Houston, Missouri
Updated
The Blind Blogger’s Answer
I would start by finding out what those dream colleges value.
reach out to admissions staff members, current students, and alumni.
Improve yourself daily by reading quality books, listening to great podcasts, and following top influencers in your chosen profession.
The Blind Blogger recommends the following next steps: