High School Years: What to Do

It is a proven fact that students had started out on their trek to college during high school years are that much more likely to be successful in school, and having usually been accepted to the school of their choice. There are all too many students who get very junior or senior years in high school who wish that they had done better and done more earlier on in their high school years; to avoid being one of those regretful students, the best thing to do is start early.

Freshman Year

Freshman year is the most integral part of the high school years, as it is usually when students decide whether or not college is the right choice for them. Students who get started on their college preparatory course early, as in during their freshman year, had a better likelihood of being accepted into the college of their choice down the road. Many universities require a certain number of classes taken in a certain category, and having knowledge of this during freshman year in high school can greatly help any student's chances.

Sophomore Year

By sophomore year, college entrance officials expect students to have become involved in something. Whether it is a sport, a school club, or volunteering at the local animal shelter, students should be doing something with their spare time other than getting into trouble and socializing, at least as far as college admissions are concerned.

Also, sophomore year is when grades really begin to count so it is important to maintain as flawless a report card as possible when it comes to the sophomore year in high school. After this year is completed, only two years are left to create your own success.

Junior Year

Junior year is what it all comes down to. For the college-bound student, junior year should be the time when students are starting to take ACT and SAT tests for the first time, and this is the time when grades should be their very best. Many students decide to apply for early action by this time, but this is normally for students with exceptional GPAs and an outstanding college repertoire.

Senior Year

The last year in high school; senior year is the most formative high school year of them all. By the time senior year rolls around, students should have a firm idea of where they are headed as far as college is concerned, and they should be submitting applications to the colleges that they wish to attend. By now, grades should be flawless, the SAT tests and ACT tests should be completed to satisfaction and students should be preparing for graduation and college entrance the following fall.

High school is an important step in the college preparation process; just make sure to use your formative high school years to the best of your advantage.