7 answers
Bree
Student
Kirkland, Washington
4
Questions
Asked
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What are some steps I can take in high school to make sure I get into a good college?
I am currently a freshman in high school (Washington State, Seattle area), and am looking to get a computer science degree and maybe become a software engineer. Not sure where I want to go to college yet, but I am wondering what some good steps would be in my time in high school to ensure that I get into a good college.
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7 answers
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
389
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
It's been many years since I applied to colleges (best measured in decades), so my advice may not be completely current. But...
get good grades. You don't have to have an A+ average, but having all C's and D's is a red flag.
Diversify. My understanding is that many colleges look at the "whole package", not just grades. They want someone who can bring something to the school. So get involved in some clubs or activities. Work hard, and develop some leadership skills - run for officer, or lead a project or something.
Give back. Try and do volunteer work somewhere. There are many organizations that need help, and doing this shows a school you contribute back to society. Church groups, animal shelters, hospitals, and many other places are always looking for volunteers. And make a commitment to it. Volunteering once or twice doesn't say much about you. But if you volunteer once a week somewhere for 2 years, that can say a lot.
get good grades. You don't have to have an A+ average, but having all C's and D's is a red flag.
Diversify. My understanding is that many colleges look at the "whole package", not just grades. They want someone who can bring something to the school. So get involved in some clubs or activities. Work hard, and develop some leadership skills - run for officer, or lead a project or something.
Give back. Try and do volunteer work somewhere. There are many organizations that need help, and doing this shows a school you contribute back to society. Church groups, animal shelters, hospitals, and many other places are always looking for volunteers. And make a commitment to it. Volunteering once or twice doesn't say much about you. But if you volunteer once a week somewhere for 2 years, that can say a lot.
Anna Mason
Technical Writer
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hi Bree,
You are already on a great track because you are thinking about it!
I was a software engineer in Seattle. My advice for you now is to expose yourself to as much computer science and software experiences as you can to assess how it feels. For example, check our your high school's course catalog and pick out the technology classes you might want to take. Come up with your class schedule plan so you're taking an pre-requisite classes you need to. Investigate what clubs or groups exist within your high school or in your community that have to do with technology, such as robotics, computer science club, or a women/girls in tech group.
You are already on a great track because you are thinking about it!
I was a software engineer in Seattle. My advice for you now is to expose yourself to as much computer science and software experiences as you can to assess how it feels. For example, check our your high school's course catalog and pick out the technology classes you might want to take. Come up with your class schedule plan so you're taking an pre-requisite classes you need to. Investigate what clubs or groups exist within your high school or in your community that have to do with technology, such as robotics, computer science club, or a women/girls in tech group.
Abbey Longyear
Human Resources
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Abbey’s Answer
Take your education seriously from your freshman year and get involved in clubs, activities, leadership opportunities, volunteering, community service, etc. This will help you expand your experience and create connections with people who can write references for you once you are applying to college and act as mentors for you. You can take AP classes to get college credit while you're still in high school. If your school has a computer science or computer club, you can join that. If they don't have one, find a teacher to sponsor one and start it yourself!
These are great suggestions.
Computer science and related jobs are very team-oriented. The more you can get exposure to team-work, such as in a club, the better you will do in college software engineering / computer science classes and the better you will be working with your eventual engineering team at a job.
Dana Oredson
Liediana Djoli
Student
20
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Liediana’s Answer
Hi there, good college can come in many forms. However, if you are looking to enter Ivy League schools, then you may need to work more to get there.
1.) show that you are involved in society by volunteering
2.) exhibit leadership by taking up positions in school
3.) start taking up internships or courses that are relevant to your course of choice
4.) think through about what makes you really stands out- ivy leagues often look out for the personality in candidates other than good grades
1.) show that you are involved in society by volunteering
2.) exhibit leadership by taking up positions in school
3.) start taking up internships or courses that are relevant to your course of choice
4.) think through about what makes you really stands out- ivy leagues often look out for the personality in candidates other than good grades
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
472
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Bree,
Great question. I hope all freshmen are thinking as you for success. Here are my thoughts:
- not just good, but great grades. if advanced level courses are available, sign up for them.
- become involved in some school activities for a variety of experiences. These experiences improve the maturing process.
- Get involved in something on your own initiative, not one that the school administered, such as a charity organization
- talk to your school guidance counselor each year as you refine your plans
All the best in your studies.
Great question. I hope all freshmen are thinking as you for success. Here are my thoughts:
- not just good, but great grades. if advanced level courses are available, sign up for them.
- become involved in some school activities for a variety of experiences. These experiences improve the maturing process.
- Get involved in something on your own initiative, not one that the school administered, such as a charity organization
- talk to your school guidance counselor each year as you refine your plans
All the best in your studies.
Jim Carlone
Compliance Officer
18
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Hi, Bree; thank you for such a good question! I have two sons in high school now so I can relate to this question pretty well. Also, my oldest son recently graduated college with a Computer Science degree. From my view, academics are an obvious goal. Apply yourself in your courses and keep your GPA up. However, what is just as important is getting involved in your school and/or community. Join clubs, volunteer within the school or community. Colleges are looking for well-rounded individuals, people with activities and achievements beyond academics. Extracurricular activities can be excellent opportunities to demonstrate leadership and initiative or just highlight your interests or passions. Colleges want students who will contribute to campus life beyond the classroom. School is more than just academics as you will find that your professional life will not be just about your job tasks. Given the level of thought you are putting into this at such an early stage, I'm confident you'll be successful in achieving your goals for high school. Take time enjoy it as well!
Michael T. Wong
tax consultant
1
Answer
Everett, Washington
Updated
Michael T.’s Answer
Hi Bree,
Great job on considering your college plans as a freshman! This early start is the first step towards getting into a fantastic college. To boost your chances even more, I recommend participating in school or community events that can help you improve essential soft skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork. These skills are crucial for both job interviews and college applications.
As for your preferred major, it's a good idea to start building your portfolio now. Use the knowledge you've gained in school and apply it to real-life projects, like creating a website. This hands-on experience will be valuable in the long run.
Keep up the good work, and I hope this advice helps!
Great job on considering your college plans as a freshman! This early start is the first step towards getting into a fantastic college. To boost your chances even more, I recommend participating in school or community events that can help you improve essential soft skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork. These skills are crucial for both job interviews and college applications.
As for your preferred major, it's a good idea to start building your portfolio now. Use the knowledge you've gained in school and apply it to real-life projects, like creating a website. This hands-on experience will be valuable in the long run.
Keep up the good work, and I hope this advice helps!