The High School Guide to College Education
In high school, your sophomore year is a good time to begin the serious consideration of higher education and what it will take to get into the college of your choice and succeed. There are some smart steps to take, early, to prepare yourself for the rigors of college level coursework.
College Prep Courses
College preparatory classes are literally just that. These college-level classes are offered in high school to better prepare students for the academic leap to the university classroom environment. One good reason to enroll in this type of class is to build confidence. If a student can ace a college class in high school, college coursework may not seem intimidating. More importantly, these courses will look good on your academic record; when applying to your dream college, you’ll have a better chance of admission, based on proven academic dedication. If interested, talk to a trusted teacher or student counselor about enrollment options, and consider the following list of courses highly regarded to prepare for the rigors of college coursework:
- Social Studies: Three years of social studies (History, Government, State History, Politics, etc)
- English: Four years of English (Creative Writing, Senior English, Junior English, Freshman English, etc)
- Mathematics: Three years of mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, etc)
- Natural Sciences: Three years of science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.)
- Additional Coursework: Some universities require other classes as prerequisites for admission. Consider taking two or more years of foreign language as well as visual arts, drama, dance and computer science.
Early College Credits
Many high schools and junior colleges offer courses that transfer to major universities and state colleges. Again, this is a great option, but only if you do your research. In some cases, credits will not transfer. Ask departmental heads, running the courses, about transfer-ability of the college level class. If you elect to take coursework and the class does not transfer to the college of your choice, bank on the fact that the experience of taking the college level course may be worth the cost, in and of itself.
College Career Days
In many of the nation’s public and private high schools, student guidance counselors set-up college career days. These academic events are scheduled for sophomores, juniors, and seniors to showcase various academic institutions of higher learning. In many cases, college ambassadors give presentations to high school audiences to market the school’s offerings and specialties. It’s a great way to learn about an academic institution, short of physically going on campus tours. Attend as many academic forums as possible. Or, at least, attend the college fairs that peak your interest.
Online Education as an Alternative
In today’s busy world, an online education might be the best solution for some students. No matter where you live or what you do, you can take advantage of an online degree if you have a computer. A quick online education Internet search will show an extensive list of online colleges and universities. Currently, every state and province has a university that offers online courses. While some offer full degree programs, other online colleges allow students to take additional coursework in the field of their choice.
Flexibility is the main benefit of online coursework and online degrees. Students can upgrade their educations or even start training online, while continuing with regular work and maintaining a similar lifestyle. One word of caution about online education: While there are many ways to study online, it is best to start out slowly. The process of studying at home, though economical and flexible, is a new experience for many students and takes a high level of self-discipline. It is best to start out taking only one course to evaluate the online education system. Once you try it and are successful, you will be able to decide if the situation fits your needs. From there, you can take several courses each term, which will allow you to finish the program sooner.
Military and ROTC
Along with your required college classes, the United States Army provides an elective curriculum opportunity that prepares students for the competetive real world environment post-college, called Army ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps). In addition to tremendous leadership training, discipline, and responsibility affirmation, Army ROTC helps pay for your college tuition, as well. While in college, your experience will be very similar to any other student, except your education will be nearly free, and you will be an Officer in the Army upon graduation. Not a bad deal. The only drawback, depending on how you look at it, is the fact that you must commit to serving in the Army for a specified period of time. Service options include a full three-to-four year term or serving part-time in the U.S. Army Reserves or Army National Guard (while pursuing a civilian career).
College takes Commitment
As you begin to plan for college, your sophomore year in high school sets a good benchmark to reflect on your readiness for the demands of higher education. Ask yourself these questions:
- Have you developed consistent study habits?
- Are your grades at least passing?
- Do you possess acceptable levels of responsibility and discipline?
If your answer is a resounding “no,” and you are planning to continue your education, then you will want to make the necessary adjustments now, so you are ready for the challenges ahead. It’s a brutal truth, but students who enter college with poor work habits and lack of responsibility stand a much greater chance of failing or dropping out. Make a concerted effort to pull solid grades, now. Your college admissions depend on it. Develop solid study habits during your teen years, and in doing so, you will make the transition to college more agreeable.
Talk to Your Student Counselor or Career Guidance Counselor
Getting mentally prepared for college is no easy task. Once you decide you are up to the challenge, then you must decide on your major. If you know you were born to be a veterinarian, great; otherwise, now is the time to do some soul-searching: List your talents, interests, and career desires. Talk to your student counselor about various college majors. Ask friends, coaches, relatives, and teachers about their career choices. Once you determine your strongsuit, it will be easier to pick a field of study. If you are still undecided about your major at college registration, you can simply state your major as “undeclared.” Then, during your freshman and sophomore years you can enroll in a broad range of studies to fulfill core requirements. While taking these courses you can continue to look into career options.
Virtual College Campus Websites
The Internet provides today’s students with unlimited options and masses of information regarding the nation’s top universities and colleges. Use these free website resources, early, to scout out your dream college. Interactive websites of this type provide students with “virtual campus tours,” which allow you to glimpse some of the country’s leading schools through virtual video tours. If you aren’t able to tour a campus in person, these virtual tours are the next best way to gauge a university’s culture and campus environment.