What High School Seniors Need To Be Doing Now To Prepare For College

Hello, I am an Ambassador for the College of Arts and Science at the University of Kentucky. I know senior year of high school is a stressful and exciting time. You're almost done with high school, there's senior prom, the ACT, graduation and so many other things going on. I'm here to help ease your stress by explaining what you need to do to prepare for college.

1. Find a handful of schools that you are interested in attending

It's hard to choose where you want to go to college. There are so many different options. The best way to narrow down the search is by looking at the opportunities they have for the major or career path you want to pursue. You should also begin to set up tours for these colleges, tours are the best way to really get a feel for the college.

2. Make sure you're happy with your ACT score

The ACT is an important part of making sure you get into the college that you want to get into. Look at the schools that you want to apply to and find the average GPA of accepted freshman, you want your score to be at or above that range for your best chances of being accepted.

3. Continue to be involved with your school and community

Colleges love to accept students who were really involved with their school or their community. All of the things you do in high school make great college resume builders. If your grades are slacking you can sometimes make up for that by being more involved.

4. Apply for FASFA

FASFA is an important student aid program but you have to do it early. Be on the lookout or ask your guidance counselor for the day that FASFA will open and do it as soon as possible.

5. Build relationships with your teachers

You're going to need letters of recommendations from your teachers and the best way to get a great letter of recommendation is by building relationships with your teachers. When asking for a letter of recommendation be sure to ask in advance, teachers have a lot going on and they are much more likely to write a great letter if they have enough time to do so.

6. Push yourself in school

Take some AP or dual credit courses. It looks well on your transcript to see that you've pushed yourself. Also, if you do well in these courses you can get college credit for them that will help to put you ahead.

7. Find a major that you want to pursue

I know it's hard to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life at age 18 but you really need to think about it. It's easier on you if you start off with the major that you're going to graduate with. If you're still not really sure what you want to do then start off undecided and work on taking your core classes freshman year.

8. Just have fun

Relax, you're only in high school for one more year. Make the best of it!!

See Blue

I may be a little biased but I believe the University of Kentucky is a great place to spend your college years. If you are interested in the University of Kentucky you can set up a campus tour at http://www.uky.edu/Admission/content/tours. Also, if you are interested in the College of Arts and Sciences and you would like to schedule a visit with us as well you can go to https://students.as.uky.edu/schedule-visit.

Good Luck With Your Senior Year!