[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Being that it is the end of my junior year, I think about college constantly. It’s this nagging obsession reminding me that my future hangs in the balance of my choices this upcoming year. Freshman year, when I heard the word “college” I thought of far off places. It didn’t occur to me that it is actually right around the corner. In life we aren’t given do-overs so I have to make the best of my mistakes. However, my advice to freshman is to begin preparing as soon as possible.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

• Take high level classes

Colleges like to see that you take a heavy class load. Taking plenty of Pre-AP or AP classes proves to them that you are a dedicated and academically well-rounded student. Especially in senior year, when you may feel inclined to take it easy and lower the difficulty of your courses, you must have at least some higher level classes. It shows that you maintained a good amount of perseverance throughout your high school career. The admissions team at colleges have a ranking system for the difficulty of courses. They want to see that you are a hardworking student and not falling into the temptation of “senioritis.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

• Prepare for standardized testing

Start taking SAT and PSAT prep classes. Do not wait until they present themselves to you; take the initiative to find these classes. Classes offered at school fill up quickly, so make sure to sign up early. I recommend taking both the SAT and the ACT. While most colleges accept either one, you might be better at one or the other and it is better to keep your options open.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

• Become a more well-rounded person

Join clubs and organizations. If the extent of your school participation is showing up and attending classes without any extracurricular activities afterward then you aren’t meeting college standards. I wish I would have joined a sport, because this proves your involvement in team-related activities. I am, however, in many different clubs. If you can procure a leadership position in these clubs then you are on the right track.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

• Show your interest in the college

If you have certain colleges in mind, I strongly urge you not only to sign up on their websites to get information, but also go to tour their campuses. This may be difficult if you are far away from your prospective college. I still suggest visiting because it tells  the admissions board how interested you are in their school. I didn’t realize until this year how much this factor matters. This increases your chance of getting into said college because they look at who visits and in turn that affects your application.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Now that I have learned these things I feel like I have a better grip on applying to colleges. I wish I would have started preparing freshman year. It is better to be ahead of everyone else in this process, even if it seems exhausting and preemptive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]