The answer to this common question interests QAS students at all grade levels. The answer depends on your current location along the educational path.
Middle School? Believe it or not, these are three of the most important years of your academic life. Why? Here you establish the habits that will follow you into high school where it “counts.”
Consider the professional athlete. None waited until they were fourteen to develop their skills. Allan Houston began preparing for his professional career at age four. Peyton Manning played peewee football at age 6. Experience shows that the sooner you begin, the higher the level of achievement.
So, middle-schoolers, if you want to be ready to apply to college as a senior, then do all your homework every night, read, ask questions when you don’t know the answer, and seek extra help from your teachers. In short, establish good academic habits now. By the time you reach high school, it may be too late.
Freshman? Hopefully, you enjoy good academic work habits by now. If not, do whatever it takes to develop them. Visit me in the college guidance office for help if you like. In addition, you need to concern yourself with building a strong academic record. Take the most difficult courses possible and do the best that you can in them. Remember, your cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) begins with the first semester of the freshman year. If you establish a high GPA early, it is much easier to maintain than if you establish a low one. College admissions officers consider GPA the single most important factor in a student’s record.
Sophomore? In addition to doing the best you can in school, you should consider activities that can strengthen your scores on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. Keep a journal, do crossword puzzles, go on-line and take a practice SAT, play math games, and READ as much as possible.
Junior? It’s getting late. You should be in at least one (more if you can handle it) AP course if capable. The rule of thumb here is: if you can get a B or better, take the course, if not, take the highest level of the discipline you can.
DO NOT DROP YOUR LANGUAGE! Even though you may have completed the QAS requirement, colleges like to see students challenge themselves.
Take the SAT in early June. Use your PSAT score report as a study guide. When you get your SAT scores, take a SAT prep course over the summer if you want to raise them, then retake the test in early October. Remember, many colleges require SAT II’s. Check with your colleges to see what they require.
Attend the QAS College Kick-Off night. This informative evening tells you everything you need to know to complete the college application process.
Senior? Almost done. Do your research, gather applications, visit colleges, meet with college reps, apply, and wait for acceptance. And most importantly, meet often with me in the college guidance office. I delight in helping you find the perfect college.
At whatever level you currently reside, the most important thing you can do to prepare for college is to make the decision that you will go. Keeping this goal in mind will encourage you to do your best even when things become difficult.
Remember, you are not alone. The people at QAS, your parents, your friends, and your relatives all support you in your quest. Take advantage of every opportunity until you find that coveted college acceptance letter in your mailbox.
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