Any high school student that is junior needs to start a plan now to reduce the cost of college. Beginning this summer, here are five things you should be doing to get ready for college:
Research & Visit Schools
If you haven’t already begun visiting colleges, you should get started. The summer is a convenient time to explore colleges and universities. You should also visit school web sites, attend college fairs in their area and talk to their guidance counselors about potential schools.
Continue Taking Challenging Classes
The most important factors that colleges weigh most heavily when evaluating an applicant is your grade point average and the caliber of the courses that you take. Your GPA is a greater predictor of college success than standardized test scores.
The grades that you receive your junior year will often carry more weight than earlier ones. However, you should not take classes just to get a weighted grade or that would be too difficult. You are not going to impress anybody by getting a “C” in AP Calculus.
Know What College(s) You and Your Parents Can Afford
Sit down with your parents to discuss what is going to be expected from you and them in affording a particular school(s). Knowing ahead of time what your family can really afford will allow a more efficient college search.
Check Out Net Price Calculators
When researching schools, use a school’s net price calculator, which is located on the institution’s website keeping in mind the majority of calculators are not totally accurate. However, they will give you a sense of what to expect.
Take the SAT and or ACT
If your score for the ACT and or SAT are disappointing, consider looking at schools that are test optional. About a third of the nation’s 100 top liberal arts colleges are SAT and ACT optional.
Next Steps
If you would like more information on any aspect of your college pursuit, please contact our office. With our 26 years of experience, we are able to inform you on what you should expect from a particular 4 year state or private university in the United States.
