Tips for Juniors and Seniors Applying to College

High school juniors and seniors have many things to do before applying for college admission. The first task is to maintain high grades, as well as a solid record of participation in high school activities, including clubs, teams, volunteerism and other attributes that make a complete and qualified candidate for college.

Other concerns to keep in mind, body and spirit are:

1. From the beginning of the junior year, consult frequently with teachers and advisors on your progress, areas that need improvement and suggestions on your most appropriate courses of college studies.

2. Hold ongoing conversations with your parents about progress in your high school efforts. Be willing to discuss problems, and welcome their advice. Show them projects you've completed, and ask family members to join you at school athletic and other events.

3. As early as the middle of your junior year, take a hard, realistic look at your qualifications for college. Ask yourself if your grades, attitude, behavior and ambitions are high enough for you to be accepted as a college student. Check periodically with your school advisors to ask if you're on the right track, and if not, how you can work to improve your record. If you are below par in a particular subject, ask for a sit-down session with that teacher and ask what you need to do to solve the problem.

4. As you research potential colleges, keep in mind several ideas about what you want to do beyond college. Are you interested in specific vocations or professions. If so, are your high school records appropriate for those areas. For instance, if you're a straight C student in math and science, do you really aspire to become a doctor or computer designer? Or, if your English language skills are below average, should you think about majoring in law or journalism?

5. Go for your strengths! If you've racked up accomplishments in team sports, consider a career in coaching and physical education. If you've starred on the high school TV station or had the leading role in the school play, you may decide to major in drama or communications.

6. If you believe you're qualified for one or more areas of study, don't confine your search to one college or university. As a junior, along with your parents and high school advisers, be sure to thoroughly check out all potential scholarship programs. If you're interested and qualified, include your research into all resources that offer full free college educations, such as academic and sports scholarships, military academies and ROTC.

7. Academics are just one part of college life. When you're researching, keep in mind other aspects involved in your choice. If you must live at home for financial or other reasons, what are the nearby colleges to consider for daily commuting? Further, will it be worthwhile to complete your first two years at a nearby junior college?

8. If your college will be far from home, you'll need to keep in mind all aspects of your living situation at college. What are on-campus living facilities, and how much are the costs? If you'll be living off-campus, there are many more costs to consider.

Check with current or recent college students in your family or community, and ask about their living experiences during their college years. Another consideration is a simple question you must answer for yourself: will you be mature enough to live away from home? And, further, do you want to live off-campus while at college? Those questions must be discussed with your parents.

9. Along with your research and parental consultations, consider the total costs for your higher education. They can be very high, and take a large chunk out of the family bank account. If scholarships can't be the solution, can you help pay for your college education? Will your class schedule allow you to take part-time work? Is working full-time during summers an option?

10. During your high school junior and senior years, it's vitally important that you do serious research about all aspects of your college choices. Arrange visits and explore the campuses. At home, there will be many people close by to help you and give valuable advice. Observe, listen and learn!