The following information is a great resource when preparing for college: Also feel free to visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission Web site for more information.
Applying and preparing for college involves two different areas: Admission (gaining admittance into college) and Financial Aid (how you will pay for college). Here is an overview of the steps you will take as you prepare for college. Freshman Year To get started, it is important to start thinking about what you like to do, and how you learn best. Here are some questions to ask yourself and to talk about with your family: - Do you learn better and are you more comfortable in a small or large setting?
- In what subjects/classes do you excel (Math, Science, Literature, Arts, etc.)?
- Have you spoken with your high school guidance counselor to look at college options?
- Have you spoken with your family about your college finances?
Sophomore Year - You should begin taking the pre-ACT "PLAN" test or the PSAT - or both. Here is a Web site to help you out: www.satpreplan.com
- Start thinking of programs you would like to study
Here are some useful links to research possible careers: Occupational Outlook Handbook
College Board Career Browser
Princeton Review's Career Quiz Junior Year - It is time to start taking the actual SAT and/or ACT. Work with your guidance counselor to register for these college entrance exams. A good time to take these tests for the first time is in the spring.
- Visits to college campuses should start during the junior year. Begin narrowing down all the colleges and universities that you are interested in and choose to visit a few during the spring.
- Be aware of the application deadlines for the colleges in which you are interested. It may be best to begin applying in the spring of your junior year for colleges that have early deadlines.
Senior Year - You should be finishing up the college application process during the fall of your senior year because many colleges have early deadlines.
- Visiting college during your senior year is very helpful. Many colleges require interviews or ask that you visit before being admitted into specific majors. You may also be asked to visit some colleges in order to be considered for scholarships.
- Once you have decided on a college or university, ask about opportunities for summer or early registration for classes.
- Most schools require your high school transcripts and ACT/SAT test scores; send this in with your application.
Many students ask, "Is it better to take the ACT or SAT exam?" - Know that generally there is a "1/3 Rule" meaning that roughly 1/3 of high school students do better on the ACT, 1/3 do better on the SAT and 1/3 do the same on both exams. Talk to your high school guidance counselor to understand more about the ACT and SAT exams.
- Different regions of the country tend to prefer either the ACT or SAT exam. If you are not sure which exam to take we suggest that you look at the requirements for the colleges and universities you are considering. Again, consult with your guidance counselor to see which college entrance exam would be best for you.
- Both exams allow you to list the colleges and universities that you would like to receive the results of your test.
College campus visits - Try to visit the campus when classes are in session. It is helpful to see what the campus life is like as you compare the advantages and disadvantages of different college.
- Be sure to notify the college admissions office in advance of your visit. They will be able to plan a full range of options for you if they know what your interests and your travel plans are. "Walk-in" visits are much less helpful than visits that you plan in advance.
- Ask yourself, "Can I see myself getting involved on this campus?"
- Find a student and ask them why they attend that particular school
- Sit in on a class
- Talk to a professor in your area of interest
- Spend the night in the dorm
- Attend a chapel service or student life function
Although academic requirements differ among colleges, the admissions requirements listed below are typical for four-year colleges. The specific classes listed here are examples of the types of courses students can take. English--Four years
Types of classes: - American Literature
- Composition
- English Literature
- World Literature
Mathematics--Three to four years
Types of classes: - Algebra I
- Algebra II
- Calculus
- Geometry
- Precalculus
- Trigonometry
History & Geography--Two to three years
Types of classes: - Civics
- Geography
- U.S. History
- U.S. Government
- World History
- World Cultures
Laboratory Science--Two to four years
Types of classes: - Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Physics
Foreign Language--Two to four years Visual & Performing Arts--One year
Types of classes: Challenging Electives--One to three years
Types of classes: - Communications
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Psychology
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