7 answers
Jakob
Student
Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania
4
Questions
Asked
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When should high school student start preparing for college?
Students often wait until they are seniors before they start looking at colleges. This may cause stress and anxiety. There are also students that start looking really early.
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7 answers
Christine Glasper
28
Answers
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Now!
Hopefully you’ve explored career options and have some ideas of what you might or might NOT want to do.
Now in high school you want to continue that expiration and try to narrow it down. Once you have 1-3 that you like, look up which schools have programs that will help you get a degree so you can have your dream job (or certificate if not a degree needing profession).
Then be careful with your GPA. It is set up in 9th grade so make sure you get good grades now because they count for more!
Get good grades
Research
Narrow it down
Pick your path (college/trade/military/employment)
See what options you have on that path and know what steps are required to get where you want to be.
Hopefully you’ve explored career options and have some ideas of what you might or might NOT want to do.
Now in high school you want to continue that expiration and try to narrow it down. Once you have 1-3 that you like, look up which schools have programs that will help you get a degree so you can have your dream job (or certificate if not a degree needing profession).
Then be careful with your GPA. It is set up in 9th grade so make sure you get good grades now because they count for more!
Christine recommends the following next steps:
Claude Thomas
Engr III Spec-Systems Analysis
32
Answers
Updated
Claude’s Answer
Here is a good resource for you to check out: https://kscollegesuccess.com/when-should-high-school-students-start-preparing-for-college/
This is from that article:
"When Should High School Students Start Preparing For College?
As the summer turns to fall, and high school students are fully immersed in classes and activities, parents often ask what their students should be doing “for college” at each grade level.
The first two years of high school are an important time for students. Students should use these early years to explore classes and activities and determine what interests them. They should develop strong study skills, get the best grades possible, and increase the rigor of their classes from freshman to sophomore year.
In sophomore year, students should also develop a standardized test plan. Although many colleges have adopted test optional policies because of the pandemic, and may keep these policies in place permanently, some colleges are likely to return to requiring testing in the future (as the University of Georgia did this year). Importantly, even those colleges that remain test optional are not test blind. Students should take standardized tests so that, if appropriate, they can apply to colleges that require them and have the option to submit scores that will enhance their application. Sophomore year is a good time to take a diagnostic ACT and SAT and create a test prep schedule and testing timeline.
In junior year students begin to focus on the college application process in earnest. As the halfway point of high school, this is a good time for students to take stock of where they have been successful and where they may need to make any adjustments. Do they need to improve their grades in classes or get more engaged in activities? If so, now is the time to start!
Juniors may be ready to take their first ACT or SAT that fall; if not, they should be following their test prep schedule. In the spring semester, students begin the college research process and start building their college list. Spring break is the perfect time to take a college road trip. If they have not already done so, students should be taking the ACT or SAT this spring.
The summer between junior and senior year is also a busy time in the college application process. If possible, students should write their personal statement, continue to research colleges, and refine their list. Many families also visit colleges this summer. In August, students can create their Common Application account.
In the fall of senior year, students finalize their college list, complete their Common App, write supplemental essays, take the SAT or ACT (if necessary) and decide on an application strategy, including whether and where they want to apply Early Decision or Early Action. Seniors need to keep up their grades and engagement – colleges pay attention to the fall semester of senior year and now, so close to the finish time, is not the time to slump.
So, what parents can do each year? I love the recommendations from the Department of Education: parents can ask their students about what they are learning in class and doing outside of class – demonstrating that they care; parents can keep an eye on students’ academic success and social and emotional well-being and look for any early warning signs that things are awry; and parents can provide guidance and work with their students to resolve any problems that may arise. High school can be stressful, and a supportive parent makes all the difference!
Students and parents should also remember that high school is not just about preparing for college. Students should enjoy high school, both in and out of the classroom. Learning should be valued not only for the grade a student gets at the end of the year, but also for its own sake. Significantly, research shows that students who love learning do better in college (and ultimately in jobs). Similarly, engagement outside of classes should be valued not only for a line on a resume, but also, as a I wrote in an earlier blog, because activities help students grow and get to know themselves better."
This is from that article:
"When Should High School Students Start Preparing For College?
As the summer turns to fall, and high school students are fully immersed in classes and activities, parents often ask what their students should be doing “for college” at each grade level.
The first two years of high school are an important time for students. Students should use these early years to explore classes and activities and determine what interests them. They should develop strong study skills, get the best grades possible, and increase the rigor of their classes from freshman to sophomore year.
In sophomore year, students should also develop a standardized test plan. Although many colleges have adopted test optional policies because of the pandemic, and may keep these policies in place permanently, some colleges are likely to return to requiring testing in the future (as the University of Georgia did this year). Importantly, even those colleges that remain test optional are not test blind. Students should take standardized tests so that, if appropriate, they can apply to colleges that require them and have the option to submit scores that will enhance their application. Sophomore year is a good time to take a diagnostic ACT and SAT and create a test prep schedule and testing timeline.
In junior year students begin to focus on the college application process in earnest. As the halfway point of high school, this is a good time for students to take stock of where they have been successful and where they may need to make any adjustments. Do they need to improve their grades in classes or get more engaged in activities? If so, now is the time to start!
Juniors may be ready to take their first ACT or SAT that fall; if not, they should be following their test prep schedule. In the spring semester, students begin the college research process and start building their college list. Spring break is the perfect time to take a college road trip. If they have not already done so, students should be taking the ACT or SAT this spring.
The summer between junior and senior year is also a busy time in the college application process. If possible, students should write their personal statement, continue to research colleges, and refine their list. Many families also visit colleges this summer. In August, students can create their Common Application account.
In the fall of senior year, students finalize their college list, complete their Common App, write supplemental essays, take the SAT or ACT (if necessary) and decide on an application strategy, including whether and where they want to apply Early Decision or Early Action. Seniors need to keep up their grades and engagement – colleges pay attention to the fall semester of senior year and now, so close to the finish time, is not the time to slump.
So, what parents can do each year? I love the recommendations from the Department of Education: parents can ask their students about what they are learning in class and doing outside of class – demonstrating that they care; parents can keep an eye on students’ academic success and social and emotional well-being and look for any early warning signs that things are awry; and parents can provide guidance and work with their students to resolve any problems that may arise. High school can be stressful, and a supportive parent makes all the difference!
Students and parents should also remember that high school is not just about preparing for college. Students should enjoy high school, both in and out of the classroom. Learning should be valued not only for the grade a student gets at the end of the year, but also for its own sake. Significantly, research shows that students who love learning do better in college (and ultimately in jobs). Similarly, engagement outside of classes should be valued not only for a line on a resume, but also, as a I wrote in an earlier blog, because activities help students grow and get to know themselves better."
Derek Kraus
Workforce Planning BP
30
Answers
Beaverton, Oregon
Updated
Derek’s Answer
Hi Jakob -
Great question around college again, I think the most important aspect isn't "What should someone in High School start prepping/looking for college" but "What do I want to study in college". Before you can start applying/looking at schools you need to have narrowed down what you want to learn to determine if they have a good program for it. For example, does Duke have a good electrical program? No, so likely someone looking for an electrical engineering degree wouldn't want to waste time looking at Duke. They may rather look at Northern Michigan to support those future goals. There's no better time then the present to start learning what you love and want long term, then to start researching what schools offer those types of programs. I'd start now if you can, work with your school consular to set up a path to reach your college / career goals.
Derek
Great question around college again, I think the most important aspect isn't "What should someone in High School start prepping/looking for college" but "What do I want to study in college". Before you can start applying/looking at schools you need to have narrowed down what you want to learn to determine if they have a good program for it. For example, does Duke have a good electrical program? No, so likely someone looking for an electrical engineering degree wouldn't want to waste time looking at Duke. They may rather look at Northern Michigan to support those future goals. There's no better time then the present to start learning what you love and want long term, then to start researching what schools offer those types of programs. I'd start now if you can, work with your school consular to set up a path to reach your college / career goals.
Derek
Melisa Cameron
9
Answers
Updated
Melisa’s Answer
Hi Jakob,
Great question and you have some wonderful answers already. I'll just add, it is never too early to start preparing for college. Definitely take time to do your research and maybe even start ranking schools and programs that interest you most. Also, be sure to start your own list of scholarship applications you can apply for.
Once you have a list of the schools and programs that interest you, you can further narrow down your actions based on your goals and the college you want to attend.
Also, check out social media groups for the specific schools and programs you want to learn more about. Often you can get a feel for the schools by what new and current students are saying about the programs they are in.
Best of luck to you in your college and career goals.
When you're ready, also checkout sites like Fastweb.com to search for scholarships you can apply for.
Great question and you have some wonderful answers already. I'll just add, it is never too early to start preparing for college. Definitely take time to do your research and maybe even start ranking schools and programs that interest you most. Also, be sure to start your own list of scholarship applications you can apply for.
Once you have a list of the schools and programs that interest you, you can further narrow down your actions based on your goals and the college you want to attend.
Also, check out social media groups for the specific schools and programs you want to learn more about. Often you can get a feel for the schools by what new and current students are saying about the programs they are in.
Best of luck to you in your college and career goals.
Melisa recommends the following next steps:
Nandini Krishna
Manager
34
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nandini’s Answer
Hello Jakob,
It's never too soon to start prepping for college.
Below are some of the things you can do to get started on your journey in identifying what you would enjoy doing for a large part of your life! :)
1. What are you fields of interests? I would go back to a year or two and think about what still interests you. Whatever you choose for your college, you will be studying that subject for a couple years - so I would pick something that you are genuinely interested in.
2. Do you envision a future in that field - Take a reality check. Do you see yourself getting a job in your field of interest and supporting yourself and your family with that income?
3. Affordability - Are there good colleges that can offer your field of study with affordable tuition?
4. Talk to people close to you - your friends, family, some of your teachers and/ or guidance counselors and see that they think.
5. Once you slim down your list of majors, talk to people who are either still studying that major or have graduated and get their opinion as well.
Best of luck!
It's never too soon to start prepping for college.
Below are some of the things you can do to get started on your journey in identifying what you would enjoy doing for a large part of your life! :)
1. What are you fields of interests? I would go back to a year or two and think about what still interests you. Whatever you choose for your college, you will be studying that subject for a couple years - so I would pick something that you are genuinely interested in.
2. Do you envision a future in that field - Take a reality check. Do you see yourself getting a job in your field of interest and supporting yourself and your family with that income?
3. Affordability - Are there good colleges that can offer your field of study with affordable tuition?
4. Talk to people close to you - your friends, family, some of your teachers and/ or guidance counselors and see that they think.
5. Once you slim down your list of majors, talk to people who are either still studying that major or have graduated and get their opinion as well.
Best of luck!
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
188
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Great question Jakob!
First things first - if you don't know where you want to go to college that's ok! Most people do not know what they want to do the rest of their lives and it can be stressful to think about. I felt the same way a couple of years ago right before I graduated high school. My suggestion is to go to a community college to obtain your basics. This will help you have time to try some different jobs in completely different fields. Also, by going to a community college you will be saving money and giving yourself more time to decide on a career/job while making progress on your degree. Don't let people put pressure on you that you have to decide now on the rest of your work life. I had a teacher in high school tell me that I would be a failure if I did not know what degree/career I wanted by the time I graduated high school. Well, I did not by graduation but decided a year later on what I wanted to do and absolutely love it (fraud & operations)
I really think business is a great field to go into since it keeps your options wide open. That way you are not committing to one specific field and find out later that you hate it. Some fields in business include:
1. Operations
2. Finance
3. Sales
4. Marketing
5. Human Resources
I decided to go into Business Operations since operations touches almost every facet of the organization. I enjoy the different challenges and operations also gives me the flexibility to try new things. Another great aspect about operations is they usually support the other divisions of an organization. Since, there are many divisions of an company if you do not enjoy one area its not a big deal since you can support other areas of the business.
Many larger companies will start you in a rotational analyst program. By doing this you will get to see usually 2-4 different sections of the business. Companies offer this to not only help you hone in on your career path but many companies have realized that if there employees actually enjoy their job they will get better overall performance.
Lastly, I know it may be easy to get discouraged but just know your not the only person that feels this way. Many other people are going through the same process. You are not alone!
First things first - if you don't know where you want to go to college that's ok! Most people do not know what they want to do the rest of their lives and it can be stressful to think about. I felt the same way a couple of years ago right before I graduated high school. My suggestion is to go to a community college to obtain your basics. This will help you have time to try some different jobs in completely different fields. Also, by going to a community college you will be saving money and giving yourself more time to decide on a career/job while making progress on your degree. Don't let people put pressure on you that you have to decide now on the rest of your work life. I had a teacher in high school tell me that I would be a failure if I did not know what degree/career I wanted by the time I graduated high school. Well, I did not by graduation but decided a year later on what I wanted to do and absolutely love it (fraud & operations)
I really think business is a great field to go into since it keeps your options wide open. That way you are not committing to one specific field and find out later that you hate it. Some fields in business include:
1. Operations
2. Finance
3. Sales
4. Marketing
5. Human Resources
I decided to go into Business Operations since operations touches almost every facet of the organization. I enjoy the different challenges and operations also gives me the flexibility to try new things. Another great aspect about operations is they usually support the other divisions of an organization. Since, there are many divisions of an company if you do not enjoy one area its not a big deal since you can support other areas of the business.
Many larger companies will start you in a rotational analyst program. By doing this you will get to see usually 2-4 different sections of the business. Companies offer this to not only help you hone in on your career path but many companies have realized that if there employees actually enjoy their job they will get better overall performance.
Lastly, I know it may be easy to get discouraged but just know your not the only person that feels this way. Many other people are going through the same process. You are not alone!
Juan Lemus
Assurance
12
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Juan’s Answer
Hi Jakob,
I couldn't agree more with Derek, a very important question is deciding what you want to do first, then looking at the schools that are proficient in that subject matter. Depending on your wants and needs, many people that are uncertain decide to take their general education classes at local community colleges to help them get some extra time before they commit to a specific major.
The sooner you decide what your career goals are the better, and I would say it's never too early to start looking for Universities that align with your goals.
Many schools in my area have AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) programs that promote the idea of looking at your options for Universities at a very young age.
Best of luck Jakob!
I couldn't agree more with Derek, a very important question is deciding what you want to do first, then looking at the schools that are proficient in that subject matter. Depending on your wants and needs, many people that are uncertain decide to take their general education classes at local community colleges to help them get some extra time before they commit to a specific major.
The sooner you decide what your career goals are the better, and I would say it's never too early to start looking for Universities that align with your goals.
Many schools in my area have AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) programs that promote the idea of looking at your options for Universities at a very young age.
Best of luck Jakob!