The best preparation for college is to take not the minimum courses but the optimum courses. The experience of universities points to one definite conclusion: students who succeed best in college are those who build the best foundation in high school. Even if you're not considering attending college, you will still benefit from these strong foundations since all jobs require a much stronger academic preparation than they did a few years ago.
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Start by building a challenging four year plan at West High School. Develop strong skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening and reasoning. Your counselor can help you make the right course choices.
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Check out the college search sites and narrow your list of possible colleges.
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Go to colleges' homepages. Learn everything you can about the schools. Bookmark the ones you like.
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Collect objective news and information about the colleges.
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Prepare for the ACT and/or the SAT.
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Request, download, or bookmark applications for colleges that interest you.
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Complete your college applications--do it online.
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Request the Guidance Office to send an official transcript to each college.
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Conduct your scholarship search.
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Collect financial aid information, send in your FAFSA, and register for PROFILE (if necessary).
Resources for College Planning - College Guides (Check the Guidance Office for more...)
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Fiske, Edward B. The Fiske Guide to Getting into the Right College. New York: Times Books/Random House.
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Pope, Loren. Colleges That Change Lives. New York: Penguin Books.
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Schneider, Zola Dincin. Campus Visits & College Interviews. New York: The College Board Publications.
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