College Readiness and How To Prepare

Four years of high school provide many opportunities not only academically, but within extra-curricular activities, athletics, and life skills that are necessary for collegiate success. Academic focus may become narrowed, whether you choose challenging courses or courses that are focused in a certain subject area, your education goals in high school can set you up for success for your college career.  

While choosing your academic path, there are many extracurricular activities that could support your goals, such as honor societies, subject clubs (like Science Club), and even those that you can create yourself. Being involved in extracurricular activities can only support your academic resume to the universities in which you will be applying. The more focused in genre, or supportive of academic goals, the more consistent and clear your academic career path may appear. 

Not just seniors, but all students: make every effort to meet with and learn from your college counselors, mentors and other role models in your life. Identify these key people as you enter high school, and continue to develop these relationships throughout your high school career. It’s important to be able to rely on these trusted resources, not only for resume development, but personal growth. Some mentors may push you beyond your comfort zone because they identify your strengths and find ways to work on your weaknesses. 

College readiness encompasses all aspects of your academic preparation, including the basic skills of note-taking, working collaboratively in group projects, studying for exams, and writing and researching papers. You may be college ready on an academic level, but life skills will be important in being successful in time management, goal setting, and taking advantage of the freedom that comes along with a college schedule. With maturity and a background of core values, you’ll develop a skill set that will enable you to balance the freedoms, responsibilities, and opportunities that college life provides. Learning to communicate effectively, collaborating with others, and balancing a busy schedule will be essential life skills that you will work on continuously into adulthood. 

One you are accepted to college, don’t stop the efforts in which you have formed into your everyday life. Continue to work diligently, stay organized, and keep continuing to grow. The next step in your academic journey is an opportunity to start fostering new relationships and identifying mentors. You have laid the foundation of success during your high school years - at this point of your senior year, you’ve put in the work to become ready for college. Completing ‘readiness’ preparations will make you stronger and wiser.