How to Prepare for College in High School
Posted: July 01, 2021 | Author: Savannah Byers | Read Time: 2 minutes
College may seem far away, but it will quickly sneak up on anyone. Try to get ahead of the stress by preparing for college a little early. There are several ways to prepare for college while you are still in high school.
Five Tips for Preparing for College as a High School Student
Plan Your High School Classes
Regardless of whether you’re planning on applying for college, you should take the time to plan out your high school classes with your school counselor. Take classes that interest you both personally and academically. Don’t be afraid to take a class just because it sounds like fun. Also, a few technical tips: Make sure that if you take CE, AP, or IB courses, the credits are transferable to SUU or the college you plan to attend. Additionally, consider taking math your senior year- it looks good on your transcript and it can even help you in your freshman year.
Explore Majors
After the big decision of deciding which university to attend, you must make another big decision: decide what you would like to study. This can be an intimidating decision, and it’s okay to change your mind (most people do!). The best way to begin the process of selecting your major is by thinking about your interests, then investigating different programs that would support your ambitions. Remember to find a balance between picking a major based on potential careers and picking a major based on your passions.
Plan Out Your Financials
College is a big financial commitment that must be planned out accordingly. As a high school student, take the time to research how much school can cost and then make a plan. As a student, you can begin saving money, applying for scholarships, and filling out the FAFSA. SUU also has financial services available to exclusively help incoming freshmen. Check out the Financial Aid website to learn more.
Get a Jump on Your Freshman Year
Freshman year is exciting and full of opportunities. SUU has several unique general education options that students should look into sooner rather than later. These include study abroad, Jumpstart, and Semester in the Parks. Freshman year also usually means moving out for the first time. Get a jump on the stress of moving by organizing what you’re going to bring to school and leave home, reading up on housing, and reaching out to your new roommates.
Enjoy Your Time
Here is a controversial piece of advice: don’t focus on college too much in high school. While it’s definitely important to plan for college, it’s equally important to take your time and enjoy high school. Make memories: go to dances, games, events. Get involved: join a club or try a sport. Don’t be afraid to try new things and simply enjoy high school.
For additional information on how to prepare for college while in high school, check out the blog posts below or SUU's First Year Experience and Orientation.
Tags: Student Life College Prep First Year Experience
