Starting high school can be an exciting adventure. It’s full of new faces, new classes, and all new opportunities. High school can even prepare you for college, so the transition into higher education is seamless. Read on to learn how to prepare for college in high school.
How To Prepare for College in High School in Seattle
There are ample opportunities to prepare for college during your time walking through the halls of your high school. These include:
1. Meeting With Your Advisor
The first step in how to prepare for college in high school is to meet with your advisor regularly. Your advisor is trained to assist you in achieving success in high school and preparing you for the next step in your education — college. They’ll have all the resources you need to choose preparatory classes, find colleges, and navigate the application process.
2. Taking Advanced Courses
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are an excellent way to prepare for college while in high school. Most high schools offer these courses on a variety of topics, so you’ll be able to take on the rigorous courses that interest you. Discuss your class schedule with your advisor to ensure that you are prepared for the workload.
3. Honing Your Study Skills
Developing and perfecting study skills may seem tedious in high school, but you’ll thank yourself later. Knowing what study tactics work best for you personally before you enter college can save you from many late-night cram sessions. High school is the perfect time to try out different methods of studying and find the one that is most effective for you.
4. Partaking in Extracurriculars
It never hurts to have more than academic achievements on your college application. Participating in extracurricular activities can help you become a well-rounded student. You’ll have the opportunity to learn characteristics such as leadership, responsibility, independence, and more. Extracurricular activities are also a great way to learn what you’re most passionate about and what you may want to pursue in college.
5. Mastering Time Management
Much like a strong study habit, time management is essential for academic success in college. You’ll be juggling classes, homework, a social life, and extracurricular activities in a more independent environment. Learning how to manage your time wisely while still in high school will make the transition to college a little easier.
6. Developing Accountability
In addition to time management, accountability is key to managing college life. You’ll have to hold yourself accountable for getting your work done, partaking in events, and more. Begin preparing for this in high school by holding yourself accountable for the classes you’ve chosen and the extracurricular activities you’ve signed up for.
7. Researching Colleges Early
The final step in how to prepare for college in high school is researching colleges. It’s never too early to start looking into programs. Take some time to consider what you may want to study, what clubs or organizations you may want to join, and what kind of campus environment would work best for you. When the time for campus tours rolls around, you’ll feel more prepared and ready to tackle the college decision.
How To Prepare for College in a Christian High School
Though the tips listed above are great for college preparation, there are a few additional steps you can take during your time at a Christian high school to further prepare for college. These can help you maintain your faithful practices and build a stronger college application at the same time.
1. Build Your Faith
Attending a Christian high school provides a welcoming environment that invites you to openly practice your faith. You’ll have the opportunity to dive into your faith surrounded by teachers, staff, and fellow peers who share your beliefs. High school is an ideal place to build and strengthen your faith before making your way into higher education.
2. Volunteer in the Community
While most Christian high schools require some form of community volunteer work, it can be beneficial to go beyond those requirements. Immersing yourself in your community is a great way to build skills that will assist you in college. Additionally, colleges will be interested to learn about your volunteer work and what you learned during that time.
3. Check Out Christian Resources
There are plenty of resources available that discuss how to maintain your faith in a college environment. It may be helpful to explore these resources, such as reading “How to Stay Christian in College” by J. Budziszewski or listening to podcasts and interviews on this topic. These resources and more can help you learn about the challenges you may face in college and how to overcome them and remain faithful.
4. Find Christian Organizations on Campus
Finally, utilize your college research to find campuses that offer Christian organizations. Many colleges offer faith-based clubs and organizations so you can find a community right on campus that shares your beliefs. You may even have the opportunity to form your own Christian organization on campus! If these organizations are not listed on a college’s website, don’t be afraid to ask during your campus tours.
Prepare for College With King’s Schools
Now that you know how to prepare for college while in high school, it’s time to find a high school that offers opportunities to do so. If you’re looking for a college preparatory high school in Seattle, look no further than King’s Schools!
At King’s Schools, we offer an advanced curriculum and plenty of extracurricular activities to match every students’ interests. Choose from 12 AP classes, concurrent college credits in 7 courses, and honors classes in a variety of subjects to assist in your college preparation journey.
Contact us today or schedule a tour of our high school to learn more about how we can help prepare you for college!