Preparing For College

1. Preparing For College

2. Questions to Ask Yourself • What can I start doing now to help prepare myself for college? • How do I choose a college? • How do I know if college is really right for me? • Are some subjects more important than others in gaining admission to post-secondary schools?

3. What can I start doing now to help prepare myself for college? • Ms. Auldridge: In middle school, there are two important things to do: keep up with your studies and explore extracurriculars. Colleges look at high school grades to determine if you gain admission or not, but middle school is the time to stay sharp and build a solid academic foundation so that you can succeed in high school. Now’s also the time to find something (or a few things) outside of school that you’re truly passionate about! In high school you will want to have something special to you that you can talk about on your college application. For me, it was volunteering with local animal shelters and chairing service organizations. For you, it could be music, sports, or art!

4. What can I start doing now to help prepare myself for college? • Ms. Baker: Keep up with your studies so that you do not get behind. Start to develop good study strategies and get an idea for what you enjoy in school.

5. What can I start doing now to help prepare myself for college? • Mr. Potthoff: Study for the SAT or ACT – those scores are significant in determining which schools you can get into. Look at what schools are well known for in order to match up your dreams with the college best suited to get you there. Apply for financial aid early. There is a limited number of scholarships that aren’t available to procrastinators.

6. How do I choose a college? • Mr. Potthoff: apply to numerous colleges that you think might be appropriate for you – you may not get into all of them. Choose a college based on your financial resources and the availability of programs that promote your end goal for a specific occupational field.

7. How do I choose a college? • Ms. Auldridge: There are a lot of factors that go into this decision. Location is one: do you want to be close to your family or far away? Independence can be a blessing, or perhaps you want to keep that familial support! Secondly, and unfortunately, finances play a part. Can you or your family afford a private education? Private schools are usually far more expensive than public schools. University of Texas and University of Oklahoma are examples of public schools. Harvard University or University of Tulsa are examples of private schools. However, you can always apply for grants/scholarships (free money) and loans (money you’ll have to pay back later) to help you pay for your dream education. Thirdly, if you feel confident about what you want to study in school, you could try to find schools who are known for certain programs. For example, OU is known for its meteorology department, while Harvard is known for its law school. If you don’t know what you want to study yet, that’s okay! Try to choose a school with lots of options for majors, like the University of Texas. You will figure it out once you get there!

8. How do I choose a college? • Ms. Baker: College visits are definitely important. There is a saying that says “when you find the right place, you’ll feel it” and I firmly believe this. Look for colleges that have good programs for what you want to do, but also make sure that the atmosphere of the college is a good fit for you.

9. How do I know if college is really right for me? • Mr. Potthoff: Ensure that the goals you want actually require a college degree to obtain. College is not necessary for every career field, so consider carefully your goals before deciding what sort of education and training you need to obtain them.

10. How do I know if college is really right for me? • Ms. Auldridge: I am of the opinion that college can be a good option for most students, but I understand that it is not always the best choice. Society always needs plumbers and electricians, and these professions are well-paid. Is there an academic subject you’re particularly passionate about/good at? Then you should probably go to college to pursue it. Doctors and lawyers have to go to college. Do you struggle with academics constantly and find yourself frustrated by the work rather than challenged and fulfilled? Then perhaps you might pursue other options, like a vocational school or a community college. Make sure to discuss your options with a teacher or counselor first though. The most important thing is to have some sort of plan post-graduation.

11. How do I know if college is really right for me? • Ms. Baker: It is hard to determine until you actually get there, but talk to the people who know you best, share your feelings, and just talk out your decision. Once again, college visits and trusting your gut feeling are always important.

12. Are some subjects more important than others in gaining admission to post-secondary schools? • Ms. Auldridge: I would say no. Colleges want well-rounded individuals who can succeed in multiple subjects. Do the best you can in all your subjects, especially the core (math, English, science, and social studies) courses. Perhaps core courses, language courses, and art courses are a weightier than, say, a home economics course, but try your hardest in all of them and you won’t go wrong!

13. Are some subjects more important than others in gaining admission to post-secondary schools? • Ms. Baker: When taking the SAT, the focus on math and verbal skills are most important. However, the ACT is more rounded. Fortunately for you, you can take both. Most people do better on one than the other based off of where their strong points are.

14. Are some subjects more important than others in gaining admission to post-secondary schools? • Mr. Potthoff: Yes. Math and Language Arts are heavily emphasized on the SAT, which will significantly affect the number of colleges you can earn admission into. Focus on these subjects especially while preparing for entrance into a University.

15. Website Resource Which College is Right For Me?