Preparing for college requires the same amount of work as taking an extra class, or picking up a second job. Students must save money, organize paperwork and transcripts, continue to excel in academics and extracurriculars, and prepare for standardized tests. When the application process begins, the work load increases with filling out the Common Application, writing essays, and filing for financial aid packages. Fortunately, these organization skills will simplify your next round of decisions, like choosing a major and maintaining academic excellence throughout your career.
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Start Planning Early
We cannot stress enough the importance of scholarships and grants. College-based awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Still, most students need to supplement their financial aid package. If possible, apply for early admission so you can compare awards and determine if you need to apply for other scholarships.
Major Decisions
Some students already know their intended major, and others wait to make that decision. Regardless of when you choose your major, and what major you choose, consider taking classes outside your field of study. Having experience outside your major will make you a more marketable job applicant. Being versatile will also make changing career paths an easy task.
When asked the question, “Who was your favorite teacher or coach growing up?” For most anyone, an image of that educator’s face immediately pops up in their mind. What was it about that person that made them stand out? Maybe it was the way they encouraged or inspired you as no others had previously done. Perhaps they saw something in you that helped you to gain the confidence to achieve a goal that had once seemed unattainable. The truth is, there are as many answers to this question as there are people in this world. One common denominator unites them: it all started with the foundation of mutual respect and trust this individual established with you. [...]
Since the beginning of our nation, Native Americans and Indigenous communities have been a powerful influence on modern U.S. society. Although art, beadwork, music and dancing may first come to mind when you think of Native American contributions to today’s culture, did you know that many of the foods we consider to be staples, such as potatoes, wild rice, beans, corn, and peanuts were first grown and harvested by Native Americans? Not only that, but Native American groups also taught European settlers some of their farming techniques to help them survive and live off of the land, many of those practices are still used today. American Indians were also the inventors of goods we rely on every day, like topical pain relievers, baby bottles, and even rubber products. [...]
Are you a high school student looking for opportunities to help others around you and set yourself apart on college applications? With the holiday season in full swing, this is the perfect time to start your search for volunteering opportunities in your area. Along with strengthening ties to your community, serving as a volunteer demonstrates to colleges that you have given your time and energy to help those in need, and that you have applied the knowledge you’ve gained in your studies to real-world settings. Many college applications and scholarships have a minimum number of community service hours that their applicants must complete in order to be eligible. But just because it is a requirement, doesn’t mean it cannot also be a meaningful experience. [...]
