College Application Process
>This varies only slightly from school to school. The basic parts of the application include the submission of a general application, written essay(s), transcripts (official grades), teacher recommendations, application fee, and SAT (or ACT) scores. The most important thing is to watch for deadlines. Also, remember to turn in your housing deposit if you are going to live in a dormitory. Take a look at an application now by checking out the admissions page of your favorite college or university. If you don't know the home page of your favorite school, search for it on Google!
or take a look at the common application for universities in Texas
Scholarships
>Scholarships generally fall into two catagories: merit-based and need-based. Merit based awards will focus on your grades and academic achievements and the need based awards will focus on your financial status. Just keep those focal points in minde as you apply.
>The most powerful way to search for scholarships is by checking with the high school councelor, your school clubs and organizations, and then by doing searches on the net to learn about what else is available.
Clubs and Organizations
>Clubs and organizations are a great way to show your full potential to a college or university. It definitely adds to your application and shows your ability to work with people and even be a leader if you take an officer position. There are many great clubs and activities that you can participate in.
Athletics
Music: Band or Orchestra
Art
Foreign Language
Theater/Drama
Academic: Science, Math, Engineering, Computers
Health/Medical
Volunteering
Student Council
and much more.......
Examples (National Honor Society, UIL, Key Club, Health Occupations Students of America, Odessey of the Mind, Future Problem Solvers)
Grades and Skills
>You cannot give advice about education and ignore the topic of grades. There are some interesting things that you will learn over time. The earlier you understand, the better!
>Grades are the simplest way to rank or label people. If people ask you for your g.p.a. (grade point average), then it is easy for them to form an opinion of what type of student you are. It is one of the deciding factors for admission to a school, awarding a scholarship, and getting a job. Usually, it is the first hurdle. If your grades are good enough, then you have a shot. You will be placed in the good pile instead of the trash bin. Then, you will be compared based on other factors like admissions test scores, course selection (Advanced Placement, honors, specialized classes in computers, health, literature, math, and science), extracurricular activities (clubs and organizations), essays, teacher recommendations, and awards.
>SO! If you want a shot at free money, special awards, opportunities, and a taste of the good life.....GET GOOD GRADES! ...if something goes wrong, don't give up. The other lesson is that it is all about who you know. Learn how to present yourself posititvely to people from industry (in jobs and visiting the school to recruit). Maintain a good personality and work on your people skills (the ability to make people feel comfortable and enjoy being around you).
SAT, SAT II's, and ACT
>You will have a chance at the PSAT during the 11th grade to practice for the real SAT (and a chance to get a scholarship or an award). The SAT is the admissions test for colleges and univeristies. Another test that some schools use is the ACT. The SAT II's are placement tests that help you get into the appropriate level classes when you start your freshman year in college. The key is to be completely familiar with the format of the test and to practice with some sample tests. There are many books that will help you practice and teach you the tricks of how to take the test. The easiest way is to get a practice book from a public library. If this test is the most important thing in your life, then look into taking prep courses from Kaplan or the Princeton Review...just keep in mind that it costs a lot of money $$$.
>I never took the ACT, so I don't have any advice for you on this topic. Hopefully the following link will!
Work Experience
>Here's a good way to show that you are responsible and know how to get a job done right! Try working over the summer. It can be for a local grocery store, fast-food chain, or even something in your line of interest (ex. bank, pharmacy, computer programming). This will help again on an applicaiton and it just might help you save up a little money for your pocket or towards school!
