Actions High School Freshmen should take
As students begin their freshman year in high school, we suggest following these tips to get you ready for your long-term college admission plan.
Students starting high school is a big transition, but this year is particularly daunting amidst the uncertainty of the reopening of schools in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. The college admissions process is adding more stress to high school students preparing to apply to colleges and universities. Standardized exams schedules have shifted, incoming students are postponing their acceptances, faculty hiring is stagnant, and colleges are rushing to teach remotely during budget cuts. We'll be discussing actions high school students should take now in their college preparation.
Six Actions You Should Take Now
Plan For Your Four-Year Curriculum Early- The choices you make during your freshman year will provide the foundation through your four years of high school, especially when it comes to your course load. Likewise, the choices you make will also play a role in the college admissions process. While some schools have course progressions that can be inflexible. If a student gets off track early, it will be tough to come back by the time you apply for college. A student that doesn't participate in advanced level courses will impact the range of applied schools.
Design a standardized testing plan- Once you identify your high school courses, you can decide which tests to take. Even though colleges are test-optional during the pandemic, it might change as you move further along in high school. Maximize your testing chances by thinking ahead of the curb. Focus on the SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, AP Tests, and IB Tests. By 2025 the UC's will have an exam of their own. The standardized exam will be somewhat of an evaluation to see if students are ready for college.
Develop an at-home classroom- Taking classes online will not be the same as if you were physically at school. Designate a private, quiet space in your home to use as a workplace. Think about designing a professional backdrop and commit to making your workspace free of distractions. Choose an area with natural light and find great seating. This workspace should be a place other than your bedroom. Before you take your online class, switch out of your pajamas, and dress professionally to signal to your brain you're at school. Once in-person instruction resumes, maintain your workspace for homework if possible. Are you looking to ease tension during this time? If so, use essential oils. Using specific scents can help you relax when it comes to taking that test or studying.
Engage with your community- Students should couple their interests and talents with the needs and impact of their community. You should ask yourself, “what can I give back to my community?” Start venturing out of high school and engage with your community. Due to COVID-19, you won't be able to volunteer the same as in the past; however, think outside the box and take the initiative. Create a blog, play an instrument, do an at-home internship, share your talents.
Master Organization- Students aren't born geniuses. They need to work hard and develop a structure that works for them. Students need to hold themselves accountable. Reinvent your identity as a class scholar rather than a class clown. Try to complete tasks on time and with clarity.
Fill Up Your Resume with areas of interest and passion projects- Due to the pandemic, students have been unable to build their resume or perform extracurriculars to add to their college application. You might be asking yourself, should I still be active during this time? The answer is- YES. Be creative and think outside the box. Here are some ideas to get started.
These six steps for freshmen will launch your high school career with enough structure to succeed, however, you have to follow through. Any bad habits you form in the first year will typically be what will keep you from admissions into your dream college. We advise our students to put in four years of consistent persistence.
