It's a long and bumpy road. It's a challenging road. It's definitely wide open for you to travel. Getting through the college application process involves a lot of time and effort, but the results can generate a significant investment in you. You can use these tips to get moving on the path to college success.
Rule #1
Adhere to the NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) guide for student rights and responsibilities in the admissions process. Get a copy from your counselor, or go to the NACAC web site to get one.
Rule #2
Think critically. Remember that schools are marketing - they want you.
Rule #3
Work as hard as you can in the most challenging program you can take. College isn't for academic wimps!
Rule #4
Have an extracurricular life - show that you are meaningfully involved in school, community, church, etc.
Rule #5
Make a solid, accurate resume. Keep it short and simple. You'll get plenty of advice on what you "should" do when you get to college. From aunts and uncles to older brothers and sisters and parents, everyone will have some wisdom that they are dying to share with you. Listen to everything, and then use your best personal judgment as to what really applies to you. College is a very personal experience, so there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Don't take every single thing you hear, even from upperclassmen when you get to campus, as absolute truth.
Rule #6
Review your standardized testing profile. Have you taken every test you need for admission and/or placement? Do your scores match your grades? Are your scores consistent? How do your scores compare to those of admitted students?
Rule #7
Write, call, e-mail, and do Internet research for college information. Talk with college representatives at your high school and at college fairs.
