I remember being a junior in high school. I know I needed to keep my grades up if I wanted to be able to hang out with my friends, just because those were the rules of my parent's house.
Things other than academics tend to be more important in the mind of a 16-year-old. Things that seemed to matter was, “who is dating who”, video games, and sub-woofers so loud i’m fortunate that I didn’t lose my hearing.
I wish I had some guidance when I was that age - my parents would tell me to get good grades - which I did and graduated at the top of my class. They didn’t know about college applications, and neither did I - so, I filled out the common app for UC schools, was admitted into all of them and chose UCLA, due to proximity. I wish I had explored other options, other states, or even other countries. My lack of knowledge, and lack of motivation to acquire that knowledge pigeon-holed me to end up at UCLA, albeit a great school, but right in my own backyard. I never had the proper guidance to see what else was out there.
Now that I’m old and wise, I can be one of those people who try to steer students in the right direction moving forward. Let me give high school juniors 5 tips that will increase your likelihood of a successful, happy life.
1. Take a rigorous course load
If you feel that your regular chemistry class is easy, and you have an A, ask to be moved to honors or AP chemistry. Same with Calculus, Physics, History, English, and any other classes available that are AP or Honors. Rigor of schedule is the number one factor universities look at when determining to admit you into their schools. Don’t take the easy way out - if it’s too easy, why are you there? The harder, the better. You will learn more and excel past your peers - this is what “success” is anyway, right?
2. Maintain a High GPA
Now your schedule is rigorous - great! Colleges want to see what you can perform well in those classes against the smartest students in the school. If you can show them A’s in the hardest classes at the schools, you’re going to be at a huge advantage when applying to your schools of choice.
3. Create a College Choice List
Choosing the college that is your best fit can be overwhelming - there are so many great schools, but it’ s important to identify one that meets your academic, financial and social needs. When deciding what school you want to apply to think of a few things:
1. Do you want to be close to your family? (In-State School)
2. What kind of weather do you like?
3. How much money is set aside for your 4-years of college tuition?
4. What type of career are you interested in pursuing post-college?
5. Do you like big, medium, or small classes?
6. Do you want to be on a diverse campus or surrounded by people with similar cultural backgrounds?
7. Do you have any special need or are accommodations needed?
8. What is your GPA, SAT Score, or ACT Score?
These are just a few questions you want to ask yourself before making a college list of schools to apply to. When you come up with answers for this, contact us to set up a free consultation with a college admissions consultant, and figure out a list of 5-10 schools that are perfect for you to apply to. A few reach schools and a safety school will be in there as well.
4. Do community service related to your career goals
When you go to college - it’s a community. The college wants the entire student body to enjoy their experience, so they want people there who positively contribute to that society as a whole.
Today’s students are perceived as selfish by admissions personnel - students are absorbed in their iPhones, twitter, instagram, and constantly doing other narcissistic activities. Many students have forgotten about the society around them which is an unattractive quality to university admissions personnel. Colleges want to admit students who are aware of the world around them and want to contribute to society in a positive way.
One way to gain an advantage when trying to get admitted into the university of your choice is to do unpaid community service related to the career goal that you have. This will show universities that you have a passion for something, are pursuing it now for free because of your love for it, and it is giving back to the community in a way where you are positively contributing to the culture of your community.
5. Begin preparation for your SAT and ACT
First off, you should know that universities throughout the country will accept either the SAT or ACT, so you don’t need to do both (unless you are applying for the ivy league schools). You will want to determine which test is right for you by taking a full-length practice test for each, comparing the results, and deciding which test to focus on from there. Also, these practice tests will help identify your weaknesses and strengths so you know specifically what to study during your preparation for the test.
Most juniors take the test for the first time in February (ACT) or March (SAT). Proactive students will take it for the first time in December (SAT or ACT). In order to access our free, full-length diagnostic tests, click SAT or ACT. Once you complete the test, you will get a full-length score report with detailed analysis within 1-business day.
Once you’ve made an informed decision on what test you will prepare for, you will want to purchase or rent some study materials. You can study on your own, have a 1-on-1 SAT tutor work with you, or you can attend an SAT or ACT class (full-length or weekend boot camp). We have options for classes all over the country, and for the most part, I teach them personally. If you want more information on upcoming classes click here.
So juniors, follow my advice and you will have success now and give yourself an opportunity to continue to succeed after you complete college work. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at marc@triedandtruetutoring.com. Thanks for reading!
