GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

The good news about college admissions for both students and parents is that becoming knowledgeable about the process can prevent a lot of confusion, stress and unnecessary work. From beginning to end, there are many positive actions you can take to make the experience more effective.

This first section is about things you can do to get ready for college admissions.

1. Courses, grades, etc. Most colleges and university admissions offices say that your choice of classes and good grades are the most important aspect of your admissions preparation.
   • What kind of classes should you take?
   • How many years of math, science and foreign languages do you need?
   • What do you do if a course gives you problems?
   • How can you be prepared for the academic work in college?

   That’s what Courses and Grades is all about.

2. Choosing Extracurricular Activities After grades and test scores, admissions people are interested in what you do when you are not in class, i.e. your extracurricular activities.
   • What kind of activities should you choose?
   • Are certain activities more impressive than others?
   • What’s most important in choosing extracurricular activities?

   You might be surprised at the answers to these questions. Check out Choosing Extracurricular Activities.

3. Teacher/Counselor Relationships Your high school counselor and teachers can have a real impact on your college admissions results. The counselor completes application School Reports and one or two teachers complete Teacher Evaluation forms.
   • How important is what teachers and counselor say on these forms?
   • How do you develop good relationships with these people?
   • What role do your parents play in these relationships?

   In Teacher Counseling Relationships, we tell you the what, how, where, when and why of Teacher/Counselor Relationships

4. Test & Test Prep No one should underestimate the importance of test scores in college admissions. If colleges use them (some don’t), they are a big part of the first cut many admissions offices make with applications.
   • How important is the PSAT?
   • Does it make any difference if you take the SAT or ACT?
   • Why should prepare for these tests?

   These questions and other issues are what you find in Tests & Test Prep.