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Charting The Course
The Middle School years are a good time for students and their
families to begin college considerations and preparation. Educators say
the key to getting into college is charting a course early on. The
following provides an overview of useful elements in "charting and then
navigating" the college preparation course.
Early Steps - Ideas
Learn to "love to learn."
Unplug the TV—read, read, read.
Take the toughest courses.
Learn to play a musical instrument.
Learn a foreign language.
Keep a journal—write, write, write.
Things
To Think About:
Do I want to leave home?
Do I want a large or a small campus?
Do I want a big city or a small town?
What are my interests?
Why am I going to college?
The Money Issue:
Begin saving money early on.
Deposit gift money in a tax shelter.
Parents can set up an IRA, 401K, or Keogh.
Consider scholarships.
Middle School
6th Grade
Take mathematics and foreign language classes each
year in middle and high school.
If you haven’t already started, begin saving for a
college education. Check out college campus Web sites for details
and tips.
Begin pursuing college and university Web sites
and take "virtual tours" of those that interest you. Contact
campuses via e-mail and ask specific questions.
7th Grade
Maintain A’s and B’s, especially in mathematics,
English, science, and foreign language.
Develop a desire for a college education; attend
college information days if available.
Get involved with something enjoyable such as a
sport, music, art, drama or other extracurricular activities. These
activities can provide the development of skills that are attractive
to colleges and universities.
8th Grade
Arrange to take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic
Assessment Test) in September in the eighth, ninth, and tenth grade
in preparation for the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), which is
taken in high school.
Parents are encouraged to stay involved and help
guide their child toward the best choices.
High
School
9th Grade
Connect with your counselor; have your counselor
help plan and "chart your course."
Know high school graduation requirements.
Consult with your guidance counselor to review CSU
(California State University) and UC (University of California)
entrance requirements, and other colleges/universities.
Maintain A’s and B’s and do a minimum of one hour
of homework each night.
Practice writing routinely.
Start thinking about careers.
10th Grade
Stay in touch with your counselor.
Consider Advanced Placement (AP) and honors
courses whenever possible.
Visit college campuses and take guided tours.
Take academic enrichment courses and summer
classes offered by universities.
11th Grade
Let your counselor know of your college, subject
area, and scholarship interests.
Be sure that college preparatory requirements are
being satisfied.
Maintain A’s and B’s, especially this year.
Visit college campuses that interest you.
Register in October for the PSAT.
Register to take AP exams.
Evaluate your writing; writing a statement is part
of the application procedure.
Learn about the SAT or ACT (American College Test)
and decide when and how often to take these college entrance exams.
Register for exams well in advance of the test
date. Check with the counseling office.
Prepare for the SAT 2, American College Test
(ACT), and/or SAT 1.
12th Grade
Communicate with your counselors for help in
applying for college and/or scholarships.
Be sure that college preparatory requirements are
being satisfied.
In early September, register for the SAT 1, SAT 2,
and/or ACT. Examinations must be taken by the December test date.
The senior year is a time to prepare for the first
year of college.
Investigate scholarships with your counselor.
Navigating Your Way
Beginning in fall 2003, college applicants must have completed the
same pattern of 15 units of required high school courses to be eligible
for UC and CSU. A unit is equal to one academic year or two semesters.
Courses are:
History/social science — two years (one year U.S. history
or half-year of U.S. history and half-year of civics or American
government, and one year of world history, culture and geography).
English — four years of English composition and
literature.
Mathematics — three years required, four years recommended
(algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra or higher level
mathematics).
Laboratory science — two years required, three years
recommended (two of the following: biology, chemistry, physics
or other approved college preparatory science).
Language other than English — two years required, three years
recommended (at least two of the same language); American Sign
Language is acceptable.
College preparatory elective — one year of an academic
course in any of the above areas.
Extracurricular Activities
Ideas: School
newspaper, student government, choir or orchestra, varsity sports,
community service, volunteer community service (i.e. police, fire,
hospital), school clubs, leadership roles, etc.
Not Ready for a Four-year College?
Consider attending a community college. They provide a quality
education and are an ideal route for transferring to a four-year school.
On The Web
For more information on preparing and
getting into college, check out the Web sites listed below. Additional
addresses are available through the Dixie District’s office of the
Director of Educational Services
http://www.collegeboard.org
Offers parents and students key information and
tools for preparing for college.
http://www.review.com
A guide to colleges, applications, and admission
secrets.
http://www.collegeview.com
Database of 3,300 two and four year colleges with
online tours, which provide a view of college life.
http://www.finaid.org
Links on financial aid include information about
scams, contests, and special interest groups.
http://www.fastweb.com
Look for money for college with the help of this
database, which offers several different search tools.
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