Download Article
Download Article
College is an exciting milestone for a lot of people, but there's a lot that goes into getting ready for that first day! If you're still in school, you can start thinking about college as early as middle or high school. However, there are still plenty of things you can do to prepare if you're a recent graduate or an adult who's looking for a career change. Luckily, we've rounded up the most important steps you'll need to take so you'll be ready to take on higher learning!
Steps
Ask the wikiHow College Coach
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow do I prepare myself for college academically?Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events.If you've done the work in high school and you received good grades, it demonstrates that you've mastered the content necessary to prepare yourself for college. You don't need to spend the summer studying or anything like that.
-
QuestionWhen should you start preparing for university?Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events.Technically, you're preparing as soon as you start freshman year in high school. Your academic record is one of the most essential components of getting into a good university, and you start building that record freshman year. Beyond that, you want to build a solid relationship with your teachers so that you have someone to ask for letters of recommendation. You probably want to start scouting schools your junior year and getting ready for the standardized tests you need.
-
QuestionDo colleges really care about extracurriuclars?Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events.Yes, most schools want to see some evidence that you're a well-rounded person. Things like clubs, volunteer projects, and sports are a great way to show schools that you'll be a dynamic addition to their community.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
References
- ↑ https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=1176
- ↑ https://www.mycollegeoptions.org/Core/SiteContent/Students/Advice/College-Resource-Center/College-Life/Social-Life/Living-On-Campus-vs-Off-Campus.aspx
- ↑ https://www.up.edu/ready-for-college/how-to-prepare-for-college.html
- ↑ https://childmind.org/article/preparing-for-college-emotionally-not-just-academically/
- ↑ https://collegesofdistinction.com/advice/college-move-in-day-a-college-packing-list-of-essentials-for-your-dorm-room/
- ↑ https://www.up.edu/ready-for-college/how-to-prepare-for-college.html
- ↑ https://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/22B88332/Preparing-for-College-Your-Freshman-Year-Schedule/
- ↑ https://www.today.com/parents/11-ways-beat-system-when-buying-college-textbooks-2D80554977
- ↑ https://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentengagement/transferconnection/resources/gettingaround.php
- ↑ https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=1176
- ↑ http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/collegeCreditHS.cfm
- ↑ https://admissions.usf.edu/blog/what-are-college-entrance-exams
- ↑ https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=1176
- ↑ https://www.up.edu/ready-for-college/how-to-prepare-for-college.html
- ↑ https://learningpath.org/articles/Is_the_GED_Enough_to_Get_Me_Into_College.html
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristenmoon/2020/03/24/6-ways-students-can-use-school-closings-to-prepare-for-college-applications/?sh=2e163ece6e6a
- ↑ https://www.up.edu/ready-for-college/how-to-prepare-for-college.html
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/noodleeducation/2015/11/20/how-many-colleges-should-you-apply-to/?sh=3eab18d49efb
- ↑ https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-many-colleges-should-i-apply-to
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristenmoon/2020/03/24/6-ways-students-can-use-school-closings-to-prepare-for-college-applications/?sh=2e163ece6e6a
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 76,475 times.
Advertisement