Academics
Why should you take challenging classes in high school? The first thing most college admissions officers look at is your academic transcript. Take AP or advanced level classes in subjects you enjoy and feel confident in. Show that you can handle college-level work and still maintain good grades.
Extracurricular Activities
What do you do after school? Extra curricular activities are an excellent way for you to develop interests, make friends, and learn new skills. In addition, you can develop leadership skills by running for office, heading up a project or coming up with new ideas. Make your free time count!
Summer Enrichment
Summer is a great time to develop your passions, earn some money at a part time job, learn about different careers or try a college class. Sure, you need some down time. Go ahead – sleep in and hang out with friends. But also take the time to find some meaningful and productive experiences.
Freshman Year
Begin your high school career strong! Give your best effort in all of your classes. Freshman grades count in college admissions.
Focus on your five core academic classes: Math, English, Science, Social Science and Foreign Language. Take these classes all 4 years.
Challenge yourself by taking at least one advanced (Pre-Ap/Honors) course.
Get involved! Find some extracurricular activities that you might be interested in and try them out.
Read everything you can! This will help build your vocabulary and prepare you for more rigorous coursework.
Plan your summer. Find a camp or activity that sounds fun or interesting.
Start a file to save awards, report cards, certificates and honors. Always keep any personal essays you may write for any of your classes.
Introduce yourself to your counselor. Talk to him/her about planning your classes with the goal of going to college.
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
Fall & Winter
Spring