Participating in extracurricular activities, taking necessary courses, and preparing for standardized tests are important for college admission. Students can also refine their writing skills and gain valuable experience through community service and work.
Students can prepare for college and the admissions process in a variety of ways, some starting well before the freshman year of high school application process begins. One of the constructive activities that will prepare students for life in addition to helping them prepare for college is to participate in extracurricular activities from an early age. College admissions committees are interested in the whole student, not just academic performance; therefore, extracurricular activities in athletics, work, music, student government, and community service serve an extra purpose of helping a child prepare for college.
Extracurricular activities started in youth can build an impressive curriculum by the time a child reaches the end of high school. Students who learn a skill not only have a non-academic area to present to the college admissions committee, but they may also have the opportunity to teach others, whether it’s coaching kids in soccer skills or teaching drums.
Participating in the life of the community is a way for a student to become an engaged citizen and begin to understand life beyond home and school. A working student gains valuable experience by participating in the economic life of the community, in addition to earning money that can be used for college expenses. A student who starts some form of volunteer work at a young age – whether it be working in a soup kitchen, participating in eco activities or volunteering in a nursing home – both have an important additional angle to share with admissions committees and also have an advantage in the understanding how to advance in whatever city and state – or country – they end up participating in their higher education experience.
Taking the necessary courses for admission is, of course, an important aspect of what students can do to prepare for college. The college preparatory program includes 4 years of English, 3 to 4 years of math, 3 to 4 years of laboratory science, 3 or more years of social science or social studies, and study of a foreign language, usually for a minimum of 2 years . years studying the same language.
Also, the prospective college student can guide you to do more if you want to major in fields with strict requirements like science, medicine, and engineering. Advanced Placement (AP) courses, when offered, are considered de rigueur for admissions to some schools. Check college websites for more information on high school course requirements.
Standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or the American College Testing program (ACT) are often a requirement of the admissions process, so most students take one, the other, or both as they prepare for college. Taking a practice test, such as the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), not only qualifies a student for the National Merit Scholarship, it also provides SAT practice.
Since the entrance essay is important to getting into many colleges, refining your writing is another way for a student to prepare for college. Taking an advanced composition course, either AP or honors, can gain valuable insight into how to express yourself clearly and elegantly, as well as how to write persuasively.
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