How to Get an Edge on College Applications
Fall is the time for high school seniors at Pro-Vision Academy to start sending out college applications, but all students can benefit from planning ahead. We spoke with Pro-Vision Academy High School College Coach & Career Counselor Maceo Willis to get his top tips on what students can do to make their applications stand out and get a better idea of which schools they want to apply to senior year.
College Application Tip #1 – Review the Texas Graduation Requirements for Seniors
Seniors should review the Texas Graduation Requirements for Seniors then compare the requirements with their high school transcript to make sure they’re on track.
College Application Tip #2 – Register to Use My College QuickStart
Register to use My College QuickStart to discover potential colleges and careers. Focus on the colleges that offer highly rated programs for the career that you would like to pursue. Students should also swing by the Pro-Vision Academy College and Career Kiosk in the Main Hallway. There are tons of brochures, fliers, sample applications, scholarship opportunities and other valuable resources.
College Application Tip #3 – Ask Coach Willis for Your PSAT/NMQT Results
Ask Coach Willis for your Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying results so you can review the score report and focus on areas to improve on in the future. The higher your SAT score is the more competitive you’ll be. The other benefit is that after taking the test you can enter NMSC scholarship competitions starting in 11th grade.
College Application Tip #4 – Get Involved
If you want to be among the most competitive college applicants good grades are just the start. Students that get involved in extracurricular programs, the local community and/or sports teams on campus are able to show that they’re well rounded.
College Application Tip #5 – Visit BigFuture.org
Visit bigfuture.org for a step-by-step guide to college planning. There are even different plans based on what grade you’re in now. The idea behind the website is that it’s never too early to start preparing for college and beginning to think about your possible college major(s). Other online resources include: www.collegeforalltexans.com; www.collegemajors101.com; www.mymajors.com
College Application Tip #6 – Begin Searching for Volunteer Opportunities
First off, volunteering in your community is extremely rewarding and helps you gain skills outside of your schoolwork. Volunteering at school or in the community is also a great addition to any college application, and it’s needed to fulfill the Community Service Graduation Requirement. Remember, you’ll need at least 100 service hours by the end of your senior year.
College Application Tip #7 – Practice, Practice, Practice for the ACT and SAT Exams
Plan to take as many practice ACT and SAT exams as possible so that you are more successful when you take the actual exam. Higher scores improve your chances of getting into your college of choice and set you up for career success.
One fun way to practice is to download and use the Official SAT Question of the Day mobile app, or visit the website daily to answer practice questions and raise your scores.
College Application Tip #8 – Become an Active Member of the College-Bound Club
The College Bound Club was started last year to help all interested Pro-Vision students better understand how to plan for college and get one-on-one help preparing. The group meets after school Monday-Thursday and there are also college-related field trips, workshops and guest speakers/mentors.
College Application Tip #9 – Research Potential Colleges
Attend college fairs, visit college campuses and discover which colleges are the best match for youbased on your geographic, financial, academic, extracurricular and social priorities. This will become your short list for sending out college applications.
College Application Tip #10 – Talk to College Students/Alumnus/Professors
One of the best ways to accomplish something is to get advice from someone who’s already done it. In the case of college applications you’ll want to reach out to college students, alumnus and professors to gain insight on how they handled their own college applications as well as pointers on what they think is most important.
The idea of putting together college applications and taking the first step towards higher education can feel overwhelming at times. Do a little bit of the list at a time so you don’t get stressed. Share the experience with your friends, instructors and family that can help you keep your eye on the prize!
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Original Source: http://www.provision-inc.org/college-tips/get-edge-college-applications/