Getting Ready For College Is For Everyone

Everyone has action items they should follow to get ready for college.

Seniors:

• If you are going on college interviews: dress casual but nice; iron your clothes; try not to wear jeans; bring a transcript (request one at http://www.docufide.com/ )and high school resume with you; be yourself, talk about your interests; follow-up with a thank you note.
• If you are visiting with colleges at Ranchview, ask questions, be respectful but find out what makes that college appealing to you.
• You need to work with your parents in filling out the FAFSA finanacial aid report. Go to the FAFSA website see Jan. 16th blog for more info.

Juniors:

• Check out the counselor's list of colleges coming to visit Ranchview. Make plans to attend some you are most interested in, sign-up if needed to get a pass out of class. See Ms Wilson or Mrs. Thompson to ask for these.
• Some questions to ask are: "What courses are listed as "required" for admissions purposes?"; "What are your most commonly graduated majors?"; "What kinds of extracurricular activities are offered?"; " What is the range of SAT scores of student most often admitted to your school?";
• For colleges you are really interested in: Find out the name and address of the recruiter and send them a thank note for visitng with you. Find out if they have any summer programs you can participate in, look these up online or ask about them in the campus visit.
• Register carefully. Colleges look closely at the list of the courses taken during the senior year. Admissions representatives look for students who are taking strong academic classes in preparation for college.

Sophomores

• Have some colleges in mind? Review the list of courses that the colleges say are required for a student to be considered for admission. You can find this on their website under: admissions requirements; Also look for summer programs that are offered by the colleges you are interested in. This is a great way to both visit that school and show them you are a serious prospect.
• When registering for next year's classes: Take challenging classes, if you have room in your schedule add another academic class or find elective courses that will allow you to further your interests. Colleges are looking for students who are motivated, willing to work, and are passionate about following their interests.
• Visit with the counselors about the colleges that are planning on visiting Ranchview. Pick a couple to visit with and find out about. Look up their website before you go to get some ideas of questions you would like to ask the recruiter.

Freshmen

• When registering for next year's classes: Select classes that are both challenging and appropriate. You want to choose the most difficult class you can handle, but you also want to do well. Talk to your teachers and your parents about this.
• Are you passionate about something? Find elective courses that will allow you to further your interests.
• If you already have some colleges in mind, go to their website online and check them out. Look for summer programs that high school kids can attend. Talk to older students about the colleges they are interested in.