Planning for College
It is easy to get overwhelmed when thinking about college. You need to find ways to make yourself a more desirable college applicant, study effectively for those standardized tests looming in the near future and come up with an action plan that will determine where you’ll be applying to, and how you’ll pay for it. If you’ve only just begun your high school career, don’t waste a great opportunity to start taking the steps now to jump start your college planning. It’s never too early to consider the classes that will look good on the transcripts you’ll be sending as a prospective applicant. It is important to make sure that your academic record looks as good as it can. With enrollments increasing at many of the top schools, college acceptances are only becoming more competitive, and it’ll serve you well to start thinking about where you see yourself after your high school graduation early on in your high school career. If you’re approaching the end of your time in high school, it’s still not too late to improve how you’ll come across on that college application and get ready for a busy year of big decisions.
10 Ways to Begin Your College Planning
- Get the College Bound Facts- How do you know all the right moves to get into college? North Surry has school counselors to help every step of the way!
- Get Involved- Getting ready for college isn't all work. Find something you really like doing, then dive into it. Maybe you're drawn to sports, student council, music, art ... you get the picture. You'll develop skills and be more appealing to colleges (they like students who'll add something to campus life).
- Do the Work- If you expect to go to college later, expect to study now. No one can do it for you. Don't talk the college talk – "I'll go to college to get a great career" – without walking the walk.
- Take Challenging Courses- Colleges look at your grades, sure, but also at how difficult your courses are. They want to see that you've challenged yourself. Plus, if you pursue advanced courses, such as AP®, you may be able to get college credit.
- Get Help- Having trouble in a class? Many schools have peer tutors, students in upper grades who'll help you (for free). Talk to teachers or counselors – let them know you want extra help.
- Read- Read at least 30 minutes every day, beyond study and homework. Read what interests you – magazines, novels, whatever. People who read more know more. And when you take PSAT/NMSQT™, ACT, and SAT® tests, knowing more will really pay off.
- Don't Delay- You take the PSAT/NMSQT or ACT as a junior (or even as a sophomore). So you have a few semesters before then to take the solid math and other courses that get you ready.
- Involve Your Family- When parents or guardians haven't been to college themselves, they may think they can't help you. That's not true. They can talk to counselors and help you stay on the right path.
- Look For a Mentor- If you don't find support at home, look for other adults who can lend their enthusiasm and help make sure you succeed. You might look to a counselor, a teacher, or someone else you trust.
- Confront Personal Roadblocks- If you have a problem that's really getting in the way of schoolwork, try to sort it out. Talking to friends helps. Or look for an adult – parent, coach, nurse, counselor – who can offer advice.
Planning for a Career
Career planning is a major point in a person's life. Career planning is an ongoing process that can help you plan your educational goals. Career planning can be thought of in four stages.
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Unsure of where to start your career planning journey? CFNC.org offers some great interest inventory opportunities to get you started. These inventories assess your likes, dislikes, and skills to help you find careers that may be a good fit for you. Click here for instructions on making and using some of CFNC's best features. After visiting CFNC, also be sure to check out O*Net online! This website will give you job information, statistics, and outlook for the particular area in which you plan to be working. This tool will help you understand more about your chosen career, while also helping you to have a better understanding of the job outlook for your career over the next five-10 years. |
North Surry High School offers students the chance to gain class credit for internships and apprenticeships. These can be great opportunities to explore your interests and see if a particular career path is right for you. For more information, speak with your school counselor or Mrs. Julie Hodges, our Career Development Coordinator.