Does the high school you go to affect your chance to get into college?
It’s easy to see that some high schools have more and better resources than others. While that may make the path to college a little easier for their students, it is not a guarantee. The truth is that the vast majority of students who get into college are there because of their commitment to getting there and not because of the high school they attended.
Students who get into college are usually those who have been able to stay focused on the goal of being prepared for college. Regardless of which high school they have attended, these students have certain things in common. Here are a few things you can do that will help you get into college too.
- Take challenging classes. Set your sights beyond doing the minimum. Meeting your high school’s graduation requirements is no guarantee that you will get into college. You need to challenge yourself academically and show that you are ready to do college level work.
- Ask for help when you need it. We all need help in some areas. Seek out a teacher or tutor who can help you improve your skills and follow their advice.
- Make the most of the resources you have. Find out what kind of programs your school and community offer for students who are college bound and take advantage of them. These resources can range from test prep classes and tutoring to enrichment classes and internships in the fields that interest you. You may even be able to take advanced classes at your local community college.
- Get involved. If you want to get into college, you need to do more than just sit in a classroom. Join a club, play a sport, or volunteer in your community. All these things will help you develop the leadership and teamwork skills that are essential for college – and everything else you’ll ever do.
- Treat people with respect. Someone who works to earn the respect of others by treating them with respect always stands out in a crowd. Colleges look for students who can work productively with others and get along with a wide variety of people.
- Don’t give up. Everyone has setbacks and challenges to face. Seek out people who will support and encourage you if you’re feeling discouraged – and even if you’re not. If you believe there is a way to overcome an obstacle, you have a better chance of doing so.
No matter what high school you attend, if you want to get into college, it’s ultimately up to you and what you are willing to do to make that happen. Putting your heart into everything you do is the first step.
